Twenty-one Loopers (sixteen regulars, four new locals and an out-of-towner) assembled at Inter River Park in North Vancouver for the first outing of the year. And it was a wet one. But, to everyone’s credit, there were no last-minute weather-related cancellations!

We headed south along Lynn Creek, enjoying the sound of rushing water alongside the trail. As we approached the Highway One underpass, three people turned around and hastily headed the other way in search of a lost backpack. (The backpack was retrieved and the group caught up later.)

After the rest of us emerged on the other side of the second (Keith Road) underpass, we came up against an obstacle in the form of a rather immovable yellow metal fence. Not to be deterred, we split up into multiple groups: the Alan group clambered over some rocks and found a path; some vaulted more (Carol) or less (Angela) elegantly over a wooden fence and eventually found their way through; and some went the long way around.

We walked through a light industrial area, crossed Main Street, and trekked through an atmospheric passage under the railway. We emerged into the Harbourview Park area and walked towards the viewpoint overlooking Burrard Inlet.

There was a heron sighting in this area but, alas, no heron photograph.

We reversed direction and headed back through a slightly different trail. This one led past MEC and several Loopers headed in for a comfort break. The temptation was, of course, too much, and at least one person made a purchase on the way out.

When we arrived back at our starting point, two people took the prearranged option of stopping there. The rest of us headed up the trail into the woods. This was a beautiful, rainforest trail along the creek, with moss-covered trees, little waterfalls, some wooden boardwalk and steps, and some pine needle-covered trails. This was the elevation gain part of the walk, but it was gradual and therefore relatively painless.

We walked back down through the Lillooet Cemetery and past the stables to our starting point — where, with impressive timing, the sun was just coming out. We paused long enough for a final photograph and then headed to Seymour’s pub, where they managed to seat and serve all of us with a good grace despite our having no reservation and their having no notice of this large group dropping in. Well done, Seymour’s!

Photos: Jon, Michael, Angela