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| The start of the Grouse Grind |
The Grouse Grind is considered a very Vancouver thing to do, and with relatives visiting, we did the trek this morning in overcast conditions which was perfect temperature-wise.
As we drove up Capilano Road, we saw people running with race bibs up towards Grouse Mountain and supporters ringing cow bells. The racers went to the BCMC Trail, while the rest of us went on the Grouse Grind. I can't imagine running uphill and then racing up the mountain too!
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| It really is "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" |
It's a 2.5km hike up the face of Grouse Mountain, and the Grind is nicknamed "Mother Nature's Stairmaster". And you'll realise it soon enough.
The path is practically a natural staircase that winds around, over giant tree roots, rocks and some wooden staircases, thanks to Don McPherson and Phil Severy, who built the path in the early 1980s.
It's now maintained by outside workers of Metro Vancouver, though they are currently on strike, demanding improved health and safety protection, and retention of workers.
The first section of the grind is tough -- it's a shock to your system having to climb up so many stairs in a relatively narrow path and keeping steady breathing is the key, as well as hydrating and taking breaks.
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| Lots of heavy breathing from everyone hiking |
For example at around the 10/40 sign indicates you've completed one-quarter of the hike. And there's a sign celebrating your achievement, but with a warning.
"Congratulations! You've made it to the 1/4 mark," it reads.
"That was the easy section. Now comes the hard part. The trail gets steeper and narrower from here.
"So, do an honest check in: feeling tired already? Used up all your water? Light-headed or dizzy?
"This is the best place to turn around. Beyond this point, downhill travel is not allowed."
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| Beautiful views along the way |
I just tried to keep going, even if it was slow, and take breaks to catch my breath and drink some water. Many people passed me along the way, some were seasoned hikers, going up with a small bottle of water, or even none at all! One man who passed us was already on his second trip up the Grind!
There are "Grinders" who do this hike once a week or more, and like to boast their times. The record is 25 minutes! Most people finish in about an hour and a half to two hours.
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| Last stretch is a scramble up rocks |
Eventually I passed the 1/2 way mark, and then it was such a relief to see the 3/4 mark to know the end was near. We could hear the hum of the electricity of the gondolas nearby going up and down, and in the distance the clearing in the trees.
But it would be a ways before finishing, as the path veered to the right, and then finally swung back to the left. I had to use the hand railings made from tree branches, or wooden posts to help me up.
The last part was literally a scramble up some rocks before finally making it to the top of the mountain. What an ordeal but also what a workout! Completed at around 1:39.
We had a quick snack, drinks and washroom break before getting a lift ticket to go down. And it's quite the sight looking down and realising how far you've hiked up.
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| Gondolas taking passengers down the mountain |
When we got home, we took a shower and then had to lie horizontal for a while...
