Once again the Loopers gathered in smaller groups for the monthly walk, this month starting out near the mouth of MacKay Creek.  16 Loopers and 1 guest met at the starting point and 2 Loopers joined along the way.  Group 1, led by Dave, departed at 10:15am; Group 2, with Michael in charge, started off at 10:30am; and Group 3, with Jon leading, headed out at 10:45am.

Our route took us North up the East side of MacKay Creek, past Vancouver Shipyards on the far side.  After crossing 1^st Avenue and Marine Drive, we entered Heywood Park and followed the creek up to just below Highway 1.  The route cut west through a pleasant subdivision and crossed Highway 1 via a pedestrian overpass.  From there we went North and briefly West through Murdo Fraser Park and its duck pond emerging in the Northwest corner of Edgemont Village.

A gentle uphill trek along Emerald Drive took us back to MacKay Creek.  Members could simply not resist the lure of a Little Free Library along the way.  After entering Upper MacKay Creek Park, some chose to do a brief loop before ascending a flight of stairs and heading East to Mosquito Creek.

From there it was a pleasant downhill walk along Mosquito Creek to the waterfront where the 3 groups met (appropriately distanced) to review the day’s activities.

Group 1 – Dave’s flock

Group 1 left slightly after 10:15, anxious to hit the trail since Groups 2 and 3 were already congregating.

We followed the prescribed tracks, stopping here and there to admire particularly attractive parts of Mackey Creek. When we reached June Smith Trail, we opted not to do the Clapham Loop (along Emsley Creek).

The Capilano Highlands neighbourhood of North Vancouver turns out to have been the site of Gordon’s early years. We paused respectfully at 3938 Sunnycrest, his first childhood home, built by his father — still standing. We retraced his steps going to school, learned where his friends lived, and saw other houses built by his father.

We had a brief lunch stop at the William Griffin artificial turf soccer field. Then we headed down the east side of Mosquito Creek and our official position is that we only observed the Do Not Enter signs upon emerging at the other end. We ran into Fred and Joette apparently going the wrong way. However, that was planned and they continued up to meet and join Group #2.

We took Bewicke to Harbourside, resisting the call of the Black Kettle Brewery. Upon arrival at Harbourside, we selected a shady spot large enough for the three groups and settled into our portable chairs with refreshments.

Group 2 – Michael’s Crew

Group 2 started small: a mere 4 Loopers (Alan, Margo, Jean, Michael), three fewer than originally expected. Julie was home recovering from a sneak attack by wasps; Fred and Joette chose an abbreviated version, starting later and walking backwards along the route (though facing forwards) until the two sub-groups met.

The first part of the route took Group 2 through Michael’s traditional territory, a neighbourhood where he’d spent part of his feckless youth. Memories flooded back: family picnics; visits to the corner store with his sister to spend their weekly allowance; pitch and putt at Murdo Fraser. This fog of nostalgia may explain his rash decision to lead his flock off the Approved Route and via an unauthorized short-cut through woods to the Murdo Fraser Duck Pond, a scramble during which one Looper suffered a scraped knuckle (successfully repaired).

A democratic vote further upstream at Emsley Creek diverted Group 2 along a scenic mini-loop through the woods, before climbing a steep staircase back to sunlight. After a short snack break stream-side at Mosquito Creek, Group 2 headed downhill, successfully merging with the Fred+Joette subgroup at Delbrook Community Centre. At Marine Drive Margo left to catch a bus back to Kerrisdale, while the remaining Group 2 members continued, closing the loop and gathering with members of Groups 1 and 3 in the shade at Harbourside Park.

Group 3 – Jon’s Team

Group 3 departed promptly at 10:45. As we entered Heywood Park, Larrie pointed out a grove of trees that he and others from his yoga studio had donated the money for.  The yoga studio had overlooked the park but ironically had to close due to redevelopment shortly after the trees were planted.

After crossing the overpass over Highway 1 the group proceeded through Murdo Frazer Park, stopping briefly to admire the duck pond, although there was an appalling lack of ducks to be seen.  The caretaker’s cabin on the pond is apparently a popular filming location.  Proceeding through the top end of Edgemont Village the group stopped to admire the street sculptures before pressing on.   Along Emerald Drive we observed several homes with solar panels on the roof and electric cars in the driveways.

When we reached Upper MacKay Creek Park a lunch break was declared and the group stopped by the bridge over the creek.  Suitably refreshed, we took the “Clapham Loop” up Emslie Creek before the trek up the stairs to street level.  Heading East along the road we entered the Mosquito Creek ravine and descended.  We arrived back at the waterfront to find the earlier groups gathered in a shady spot.

Post walk gathering

Words by Jon, Angela, Michael

Photos by Jon, Jean, Angela, Michael, Adrienne, Anne