Cypress Top Lookout to Deep Cove, 33 Km

Hi Everyone!  Here's how I started the 2007 report for this same training run: "Wouldn't it be nice to have the same weather for race day that we had on Sunday?"  It was gorgeous and sunny today with at least 30 people turning up for the carpool from and subsequent rush downhill to Deep Cove.  I had to beg and plead (not really) for a ride up to the Cypress Top Lookout.  I was going to be cutting out early in Lynn Valley to head home for another important Sunday appointment.  Thankfully I got a ride and in fact 6 of us comfortably squished into a car with Patricia riding in the boot to boot.

After arriving at our starting point and figuring out how to pay for parking, we all started out on the Skyline Trail that follows the powerline.  It looked like some tree and bush clearing was being done because there were tire tracks that had torn up the trail and chunks of sawn trunks all around.  This left a soupy path of mud and goop for us to traipse through for quite a while.  Most of us weren't in much of a hurry so we filed up to find our footing and get through a fun traverse before finally starting the descent to Cleveland Dam.

I was hanging out at the back with my good friends Carolyn and Marla but eventually couldn't help myself but get a faster rhythm down the rolling trail through the British Properties.  I should say, that was only after Marla helped save me from falling flat on my face at one of the bridges.  My toe caught a stick and tore the front of my shoe a bit.  That sent me hands down onto the metal mesh of a small bridge and almost into the creek.  I guess I owe someone a beer or two cause it was a two-hander after all.

After catching up with Neil at the dam I wasted no time and headed out right away after refilling my water bottle.  I only saw one other runner between there and the end of my run at Mountain Highway and had to work a bit to chase her up Nancy Green Way.  I actually was short on time so I had to cut down the service road under the powerline and so avoided the big climb up Grouse Mountain.  But the major advantage besides shaving off a few minutes was collecting lots of salmonberries along the gravel road.  They are just coming into season and I had all I could ask for.  Sooooo goood.

Before I finish up this report with a few words about next week's run, I want to tell you about the successful trail work party we had on Saturday May 31.  You may have seen the pictures already and I want to be sure to thank Andrew Wong from our organizing committee, Graham Knell from the District of North Vancouver, and the other 17 or so hard working fun loving Knee Knacker types that put in the new stairs and moved dirt to make the trail better immediately to the East of Mosquito Creek.  I'm sure lots of you have enjoyed running on them by now (the stairs, not the volunteers).  And also thanks to the group the following weekend that did a few more stairs with Graham's help as well.  Oh and I want mention a huge thanks to Delany's Coffee House, now with a store in Lynn Valley.  Bitsy Delany provided us with complimentary coffee and yummy muffins.  They were very good and very welcome. Thanks Bitsy!

Also I want to mention that a few of us were up running on Black and Hollyburn Mountains last weekend.  I want to assure you that there is still no lack of snow.  However, it is melting quickly.  For our run next Sunday we are going to be up there as a group to do the first ¾'s.  We'll meet at Lynn Canyon and carpool to the race start.  Finding the start is a very minor challenge and parking should not be a problem for the training run.  There are instructions to the start at Nelson Canyon Park here.  Please come very well prepared for this run as you will be out for a very long time and can't get more water until Cypress Bowl.  If the weather is inclement then please bring extra clothing. Last year it was cold, wet, and miserable, yes, miserable.  This is not a Sunday walk in the park and the snow could be a huge challenge.  Bring lots of water, food and patience.  And once again, plan to stick together with at least one other runner.  This is not an easy route to follow.  I think I've made my points clear once again.  I hope you are paying attention since you won't have to pay for parking this time around. Thank you.

So, we'll see you at Lynn Canyon at 8:00 am on Sunday June 22 to meet for carpooling.  The parking lot is usually open but, if not, please meet right outside the gate and be mindful of the sleeping neighbours.

By the way, my very important appointment today was to make my way back to Deep Cove by car so that I could go kayaking at noon.  Thanks to Ethelyn for that ;)  It was a great early birthday present.

Craig Moore

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