To the top of Mt. Erskine

Good Feng Shui, all up the trail!
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My last visit here, though very enjoyable, was shadowed by one major event, which had haunted me, until this day.  There was a mountain, known as Erskine, which had defeated me. I vowed to return to conquer the opposing Mt. Erskine, and if I was asked to state my first reason to return, it would be to finally climb to the summit.

There are a few things special about this mountain.  Most notable, are its fairy doors, which are located in large boulders and thick tree, somewhere along Erskine's many paths.  Another thing is the Manzanita bushes that grow on the top of this mountain.  They are one of the most breath-taking plants i have ever laid eyes on.  They have fire-red, and astonishily smooth bark, much more accurately describe as skin, and a growth pattern so bent and knarled, they look like they have struggled for centuries to grow to their current size(which, darlings, is about waist height).  Though their trunks appear stunted, their thick, waxy, ovate leaves and abubdance of small pinky-white bell blossoms show their vigor and health.  These plants are as breathating as the great arbutus that line the costal regions in the west.

That's it, there is nothing more for me to do here, I can go back home to Calgary now.

Breathtaking view teaser numero uno!
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The crowning ridge of Erskine, I discovered, is named Manzanita Ridge, for the abundance of these plants that have grown along it.  After about 50 minutes of moderate climbing, I reached the top,  and looked down toward Vancouver, Cooper, and Thetis island, past the edge of Salt Spring.  It is quite amazing.  There was a water bowl, ground into a embeded marble slab, and it was only then did I realize that, without even knowing it, I had climbed Mt. Erskine, and completed the challenge that intially brought me here. I said aloud "that's it, there is nothing more for me to do here, I can go back home to Calgary now." (Do not worry, gentle reader, as it was mearly a jest to express the gleeful irony  I was feeling.)

Breathtaking view teaser numero dos!
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We began to trudge down the mountain, but I was at that point very full of energy, and decide to run down the trail, at whatever speed gravity pulled me. It was the most exhilarating thing I have done out here, for certain.  The thrill of the movement, jumping from root to stump to path and back across the trail at top speeds, in addition to the risk involved with being at high velocity and intertia in the middle of a full rainforest, with branches instead of a flat stretch to slow oneself down, and only fallen trees, branches, and undergrowth to break a fall, it is a activity I very much enjoy, and certainly plan to repeat.

If you ever find yourself on Salt Spring Island, it is a hike that is not to be missed!

More adventure await! Until next time, lovers!