Day 19 - Whistler Train Wreck Hike
We thought today might be the day to take the gondola ride up the mountain to do some hiking trails but when we got up and looked, it was difficult to see where the mountains were and the smoke forecast was for a 5 of 10. Not really worth the cost of the gondola ride to hike with obscured mountain scenery so we had to look for other options. One was to drive for an hour or so to Joffre provincial park for a fairly challenging hike to some lakes. The smoke situation and the forecast chance of afternoon thunderstorms made us discount this option and look for something closer. After some research of popular local hikes we decided to do the Train Wreck hike that could be extended to Millar Creek if the conditions were good.
This was a very interesting hike, the first part being a relatively easy trek to the train wreck site
Chris provided a tutorial on the hazards we may encounter.
I let her lead and provide the bait.
Approaching the train wreck is a suspension bridge which crosses the Cheakamus River.
The Train Wreck happened in 1956 when a train of boxcars contiaining timber coming down the mountain derailed due to excessive speed (they were running late) and plunged into the woods on a curve. Some of the boxcars were recovered and others abandoned due to their condition. They became a canvas for graffiti artists and provide a unique attraction in the woods.
Most hikers turn back at this time but we followed the trail along the river's edge for a few kilometers that provided several spectacular scenes of small waterfalls and rapids. This part of the trail was a bit more challenging with some scrambling and sheer drop-offs.
This was an out and back trail and we were rewarded with a cafe at the turn around point for a rest, coffee and snack.
The trail along the river had been fairly rugged but we were able to bypass that part on the way back by following the rail line. I got a few more good shots along the way back.
It was a fun trail and we ended up at Whistler Brewing for a little rehydration before heading back to the condo for some time in the hot tub.
