Maple Mountain Hike

Another Island Mountain Rambers hike this Sunday afternoon.  This time we tackled Maple Mountain just east of Duncan.  Everything started off great as we head off into the wet woods.  We crossed a number of amazing waterfalls, beautiful maple trees coloured by the fall weather and views of the channel between Vancouver Island and Saltspring Island.

After about 10 km one of our hikers started experiencing fatigue and eventually announced he could not walk any further.   A the time we were in the middle of nowhere, close to the water but still had much altitude to gain in order to get back to the trail head   As we did not know the hiker’s history we called the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for non emergency help.  After about 45 minutes of waiting and resting we received word that we would be serviced by the volunteer search and rescue team who would come out to the trail and help our fatigued hiker.  I believe that our fatigued hiker was hoping for a water evacuation and when we heard we would have to walk out either way, he attained a second wind.

We continued walking out of the trail, including some significant inclines and eventually met with the volunteer search and rescue team just before exiting the trail.  Unfortunately, the volunteer search and rescue team had heard that our fatigued hiker had suffered two broken legs, so they were ready for action!   The volunteer search and rescue team checked out the hiker on the way off the trail and determined that he was fit to head home and probably just needed some rest.

Things can change very quickly while hiking if someone is injured or conditions change.  Having had a number of interesting adventures this year in the backwoods of Vancouver Island I am quickly learning that the right gear and some safety gear supplies can make all the difference in an emergency.

On this hike I was sporting my new Keen Glasus hiking boots and waterproof rain suit which was much appreciated on the last 45 minutes walking out as we experienced heavy rainfall.