Mount Elsay Hike
Location: North of North Vancouver, within Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Photo Date: July 2019
Description:
My knees ache and my arms are sore; for yesterday I embarked upon the the toughest adventure of this year yet: Elsay, a great mountain of daunting beauty. Located north of Seymour and standing at an impressive elevation of over 1400 m, all hikers are beholden to its mountainous lordship in Vancouver's glorious backcountry. Named after the nearby Elsay Lake which it overlooks, Mt. Elsay offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding North Shore Mountains as well as Vancouver itself. Numbering 3, my companions and I traversed vallies of jagged rock and thorny plants for 5 hours before finally reaching the foot of the mountain. The ascent was unforgiving, steep with numerous roots and narrow paths impeding our progress. On our way, I couldn't help but be reminded of how our experience was somewhat similar to a familiar scene from the Lord of the Rings when two certain hobbits climbed Mt. Doom to save the world. As I conclude this post, I observe the various cuts and bruises I've obtained during that adventure. Yet looking back, I regret not a single minute of that experience. For what better way is there to celebrate Canada Day than a long ass hike with your closest friends and strengthen the bonds of our fellowship.
Contest Year Submitted: 2019
