Brandywine Mountain is located in the Coast Mountains’ Pacific Ranges. There are different appproaches to Brandywine Mountain but main approach is via Brandywine Mountain Trail. If you do not want a treacherous terrain and want a shorter hike like experience, then go on a 4×4 vehicle directly to the Upper Parking lot of Brandywine Mountain Trailhead. Hikers often get confused by Brandywine Falls Park which is totally a different objective over this Summit.

If you want a longer hike experience with additional 3km added to your route, park even before the lower parking lot. What you expect above the clearance of a jungle from lower parking lot, are heaven-like views of the meadows and vast first sight of the Brandywine Mountain South Face, Rivers, tons of small waterfalls, icecap glaciers, Mt. Fee, Mt. Caylay, Twin Towers, Callaghan Valley, Squamish Glacier, Powder Glacier and so on.

Brandywine Meadows are a reminder that if there is a heaven, it will not be better looking than this place. In fact, this is heaven, just get here through the hell of tree roots, Boulders and Shale. In general, all mountains are equally beautiful and dangerous. I have always maintained that every mountain big or small is no less than Mount Everest.

Getting to Brandywine trailhead is hard in a small vehicle with low clearance and for this reason, the activity on the mountain is relatively small. Bear in mind that this is a Bear Country, actually Grizzly Bear Country. I have uploaded GPX file recorded on my Garmin Watch that map would take a person from below the lower parking lot right to the Summit. However, the route finding can be different depending on the conditions on the mountain. Extra precaution is needed near the Glacier right under the Summit. The route I followed traverses from the edge of the Glacier to the Summit. However, the Glacier can be hard ice and may require crampons on this part. We just traversed, crossed over large boulders with huge cravasses or just big spaces between where they are piled (if you lose footing this could be quite dangerous), and postholed in random spots to the Summit.

We parked about 1330+ meters from the lower parking lot and hiked up to the trail entrance. There wasn’t any other car parked there except a black Subaru. When coming to the trailhead, we stopped at a Starbucks (Our usual ritual before any mountain) and I saw a missing person sign in Squamish. I was hoping this to be the car of that missing person but the car was gone when we came back to the parking lot after the hike. This parking spot is about 400m from the fork with a board which provides the directions to the lower parking lot about 2kms from that point and upper parking lot about 5kms from that point.

The hike starts climbing these tree roots right off the bat but not for long until some mud fields and slippery trees are cleared into the meadows. All this can be avoided by parking at the upper parking lot which will cut about 5km one way from your hike. The views from the meadows are unparalelled. We had lunch with us but considering the hike was actually easy from “upper parking lot” to the summit despite scramble to the saddle then grade 3 climb to the ridge and some grade 4 boulders climbing before the glaicer and the final push to the summit. Theose Boulders can be tricky in winter because the drop between the boulders can be dangerous. There is no way to know in snow where the drop would be on the boulder field and finding that out with your stick may or may not work. It will take a long time to route find in winter.

The weather was clear for mid October but I was not in the mood for a treacherous hike. It wasn’t actully the mood, it was the beaten up body from fast hikes a week earlier. However, I knew the big prize so we went for it. We decided to park at the spot to save our car, tires and have good exercise for the day knowing it will add almost 3km to the route.

Elk mountain has prominence of only 32m and relatively lower altitude of 1432m. We decided to do Elk in one winter just as an exercise and planned to go to Mount Thurston that day but plodding for a long time at the slowest speed ever and carrying a big film camera made it a tiring day since the sun was setting very soon. However, sometime in 2024-25, I would do traverse from Elk-Thurston to Mount Cheam, if possible.

Getting to Elk-Thurston trailhead was relatively easy without a 4×4. The hike is not really steep and there aren’t really any sketchy sections. Just forest throughout until the view to the fraser river opens up. It gets a little slippery near the Summit in Winter. This is one of the hikes that happen to be on my Garmin device despite not keeping track of beta or pictures. The Summit of Elk is very short and doesn’t really feel like a high mountain. However, the views of Mount Baker was stunning atop Elk Mountain.

For some reason, the views of an inhabited valley or ocean aren’t pleasing to my eye. However, that isn’t really the case with Elk Mountain. Of courses views of Fraser Valley do open up on the mountain but aren’t bothersome.

When not to go – *important*

Never on a weekend with too many that is literally 1000 people on the mountain to look at Larches. I’m not sure how the news spread but social media is definitely the culprit. Of course, I’m also people for other people but I mind my own business, move as quickly as possible to the Summit and don’t linger in the middle of the hiking trail or be oblivious that there may be someone else hiking faster than me so I would step aside when possible. Normally, I don’t encounter anybody on the mountain but this is end of the hiking season and everybody and their Dog was there, literally 25 dogs on the mountain.

I was hoping to not get any disaster news the next day and I really hope everybody made it safe up and down the mountain. Previously, there has been disasters on this mountain in October so be careful, know your route, altitude weather, start early enough, carry a headlamp, Bear Spray (Even if you don’t intend to use it), pocket knife, enough food and water with electrolytes. All Trails Map which I rarely use could only go to North East small summit not E1. So, get the appropriate gpx file. If you wish to scramble down to West summit, it would take an extra 2 hours but don’t do it if you don’t have enough time or not sure if you could handle heights.

Anything that can go wrong will go wrong

The day prior to the trip, we had just bought new shoes which were not broken into. Generally, I would break into the hiking shoes then go on long hikes. So, I wasn’t sure if I would wear a worn out shoes or the new ones, I checked weather and noticed nothing extraordinary about weather. I decided not to use new shoes and it turned out to be a good decision.

In the morning, I was supposed to be ready by 3AM which is our usual driving time for a climb. Whole week of real hard work, runs and some weight training made me tired and not sleeping till 12AM caught up. So, we got late and left at 7.30AM which is very late by our standards. Alight, we drive to the manning park parking lot. As we left number 3 highway towards the parking lot, I noticed a few cars parked on the side of the road, a few more cars further and now cars on both sides. I thought people are camping here but probably that many people won’t go for a 20km hike. I was wrong. We drive further to the parking lot and it was over full. I drove out and parked at the end about 600m away from the parking lot.

We got ready by 9.30AM and started plodding towards the trail head. As we were walking, loud, real loud people even if they were walking right beside each other. Their conversations about their office, emails, life etc. were too loud and one could just make sense about their lifestyle. However, extremely annoying crowd and as we reached the trail head, literally 500m right before us in packs of 5-10 at a time right off the bat. Now either I walk behind these big packs of people and go slow to the Summit and descend in dark if we decide to traverse to West Summit or go hard and skip the West Summit and beat every single pack if we wanted pictures on the Summit.

Stay positive the result will be positive

So, I decided to turn this plodding into a gear 5 hike to catch one pack at a time. I kind of started having an idea that this many people are going to the Mountain for a purpose; it just can’t be that all these people are avid hikers, climbers or mountaineers. I was right this time. All these people were going to see the larches turned yellow in October and this was the last week to do so. I found this out when I met one of our Club Coach with his wife and dogs in the meadows. However, in the rush to get to the meadows, I had collected enough lead to be able to record some videos and pictures. From the meadows, the trail turns into a Talus field. The talus is wobbly. I wondered how would this many people make it to the summit in the wobbly talus field. As I looked above, I saw 500 more people walking along the ridge like ants. Again, there never was a time to sit or have lunch until the North col where we had lunch and about 5 minutes from there we were at the Summit. We decided not to traverse to the Western Frosty Summit and leave it for some other time.

Fashion is more than just trends—it’s about transformation, self-expression, and sometimes, reinvention. Recently, I took one of my favorite dresses and gave it a high-fashion makeover, turning it into a custom-made, Givenchy-inspired piece. This project was personal, exciting, and taught me so much about the art of couture. I even made a video about it, which you can check out here.

Here’s the full story of how I brought this vision to life.

The Original Dress: A Sentimental Piece

The dress I chose to repurpose had a lot of sentimental value. It was something I’d worn for special occasions, but after some time, it felt like it needed a fresh look. Rather than letting it sit at the back of my closet, I decided to take inspiration from one of my favorite fashion houses—Givenchy.

Why Givenchy?

Givenchy is known for its bold, sleek designs that balance timeless elegance with modern flair. Whether it’s the architectural shapes or the luxurious fabrics, the brand always exudes confidence. I wanted my dress to reflect that same energy—something iconic, yet personal.

Step 1: Reimagining the Design

The first step was envisioning what my dress could become. This purple sequin was already quite elegant, and I wanted a simple project to give it a Givenchy vibe. I studied some of Givenchy’s signature designs and identified the elements I wanted to incorporate, such as clean lines, structured silhouettes, and subtle but impactful details.

Step 2: Deconstructing and Planning

Next, I carefully deconstructed the original dress. This part of the process required patience, as I needed to preserve the fabric and seams while planning how to add the new elements. I opted for an elastic lace to create an athleisue style to a flary baby doll fit.

Step 3: Adding Custom Touches

To truly make the dress Givenchy-inspired, I added the unique elastic lace onto the seam of the arm, where it creates a bell sleeve at wrist, as well as the hem of the dress.

Step 4: Matching Handbag

The final step was ensuring the handbag matched the outfit. I had an old Antigona damaged handbag, and found a way to cover up the damaged leather. I chose a bunch of laces including the same one as the dress, and stacked them as straight lines around the entire bag. You can check out the video here

The Result: A High-Fashion Piece with a Personal Twist

What I love most about this project is that it blends my personal history with the art of high fashion. Repurposing my own dress into something Givenchy-inspired wasn’t just about creating a beautiful garment—it was about giving new life to something meaningful, and I was able to use my handbag again!

Hope you guys enjoyed!

We are styling these chic bags that have now definitely become classic bags with chic shearling shoes with pops of color instead of your normal boring neutrals.

If you’d like to skip to the video instead reading click here

The Fendi Shearling Sunshine tote bag

is definitely the ‘it’ bag for virtually all seasons. This bag has honed its way into a classic bag and will be around forever. Get your hands on this one before it sells out. This bag is elegant and cute. You can dress this up or down or even athleisure style. It is will match any of your teddy coats in the cold weather and any of your velvety styles for the warmer seasons.

This tote bag is just as elegant as the Sunshine Leather tote bag, but with an added pop with the shearling texture on the large monogram side. It has a crossbody strap, which has enough length so that you can actually wear it over your shoulder without feeling restricted by the layers of bulky coats. Wear it alone or double bag pair it with any nude clutch or mini bag.

Style the Fendi Summer Shearling Tote bag with Fur slides.

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Styling fur Prada slides with a Fendi shearling summer tote can create a luxurious and trendy look. Here are some tips to help you put together a fashionable ensemble:

1. Keep it Simple:

• Since both the Prada slides and Fendi shearling tote are statement pieces on their own, consider keeping the rest of your outfit simple. Opt for solid colors or minimal patterns to avoid clashing with the bold accessories.

1. Monochromatic Palette:

• Choose a color palette that complements both brands. Neutral tones like black, white, beige, or even pastels can create a sophisticated and cohesive look.

1. Casual Elegance:

• Create a balance between casual and elegant elements. The shearling tote adds a touch of luxury, while the fur on the slides gives them a glamorous feel. Pair them with well-fitted jeans or a casual summer dress or shorts to strike the right balance.

1. Coordinate with Accessories:

• Consider incorporating other accessories that complement the color and style of your Prada slides and Fendi tote. This could include subtle jewelry, sunglasses, or a chic hat.

1. Weather-Appropriate Clothing:

• Ensure that the rest of your outfit is suitable for the season. If it’s summer, choose lightweight fabrics and breathable clothing. If it’s cooler, you can layer with a stylish jacket or cardigan.

1. Mix Textures:

• Since both the slides and tote feature different textures with fur and shearling, you can play with texture in your clothing as well. Mix in some textured fabrics like silk, denim, or leather for added visual interest.

1. Consider the Occasion:

• Tailor your outfit to the occasion. For a casual day out, a pair of cotton flowy shorts and a stylish tank with button-up over-shirt could work well. If you’re heading to a slightly more formal event, a sundress or tailored trousers might be more appropriate.

1. Confidence is Key:

• Whatever you choose to wear, wear it with confidence. Confidence can elevate any outfit and make a bold fashion statement.

Remember, fashion is a form of self-expression, so feel free to experiment and adjust these suggestions based on your personal style preferences and the specific event or outing you’re attending.

Check out how we styled this baby!

Prada Re-Edition 2000 terry mini-bag

Let’s introduce some newbies and some colour pops this season. Yes, you’re already used to the nudes and pastels for autumn and winter but honestly, it seems too boring this year as showcased at Paris & New York Fashion Week.

We personally are popping with colours to match Autumn. Check out how we styled this baby.

Prada’s iconic lettering logo embroidered on the front embellishes the silhouette, a reinterpretation of a historic style of the brand keeping the summery mood up in the air this autumn. Nothing boring this year!

priced at $1320 CAD

Vivid color contrasts on the same side of the colour wheel creates an iconic character look and this tote bag stands out and is oh so lush looking.

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Styling a Prada yellow terry tote with an orange outfit, a shearling yellow hat, and shearling yellow shoes can create a vibrant and coordinated look. Here are some tips to help you put together a stylish ensemble:

Color Harmony:

Ensure that the shades of yellow and orange complement each other. You may want to choose different tones or hues to create a visually appealing color harmony. For example, a softer pastel yellow tote can work well with a bold and bright orange outfit.

Balance Brights with Neutrals:

Since both yellow and orange are bold and attention-grabbing colors, consider balancing them with neutral elements. Neutral tones like white, beige, or even denim can help tone down the overall look and provide visual relief.

Monochromatic or Analogous Color Scheme:

Consider going for a monochromatic look by sticking to varying shades of yellow and orange as in this look. Alternatively, an analogous color scheme, where you use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, can create a harmonious and well-coordinated appearance.

Mix Textures:

Given the shearling hat, shearling shoes, and terry tote, you’re already incorporating different textures. Mixing textures adds depth and interest to your outfit. Just ensure that the textures complement each other without overwhelming the overall look.

Simple Silhouettes:

Keep the clothing silhouettes relatively simple to let the colors and textures shine. A sleek dress, tailored pants, or a well-fitted top can work well.

Accessorize Thoughtfully:

Consider minimal and complementary accessories to avoid overwhelming the vibrant color scheme. Simple jewelry or a watch, or hat can add a finishing touch without detracting from the main elements.

Consider the Occasion:

Tailor your outfit to the occasion. Casual outings may allow for a more relaxed and playful look, while a slightly more formal setting may call for a more polished and put-together ensemble.

Confidence is Key:

Bold colors and textures make a statement, so wear the outfit with confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows.

Remember, fashion is subjective, and personal style is all about expressing yourself. Feel free to adapt these tips based on your own preferences and the specific event or activity you’re dressing for.

Shop the look below

Look-alike Purses for the budget-conscious shoppers

Hey, there are plenty of reasons to pick up the look-alike versions. Most importantly the big savings since we need so many different color options for our purses to polish off the looks. But you have to admit these are pretty cute with the designer vibe just a budget-conscious version.

Shop the look-alike options below

We may or may not receive commissions on linkable items at no cost to the customer. Please review our privacy statements and disclaimer

Check out our post here for how we styled these gorgeous evergreen handbags for fall and winter!

Fendi Mini fur Baguette

Next is our absolute favourite. The Fendi fur baguette is the perfect size, colour, and softness to go with all your winter colours. Fits all your essential items and features the iconic Fendi double F monogram logo.

Style the Fendi Fur baguette with a matching Fendi Fur Blazer & Fendi shearling oxfords.

Styling a Fendi Fur Baguette with a matching Fendi Fur Blazer and Fendi Shearling Oxfords can create a luxurious and cohesive look. Here are some suggestions to help you put together a stylish ensemble:

1. Color Harmony:

• Ensure that the fur on the baguette, blazer, and oxfords match in color or have a cohesive color scheme. Fendi often uses neutral tones like browns, blacks, and beiges in their fur collections, providing a versatile and elegant palette.

1. Neutral Base:

• Start with a neutral base for your outfit to allow the Fendi pieces to stand out. A monochromatic look with black or beige clothing can provide a sophisticated backdrop for the statement fur items.

1. Tailored Pieces:

• Given the luxurious nature of the Fendi fur pieces, consider incorporating tailored clothing into your outfit. A well-fitted pair of trousers or a sleek pencil skirt can complement the chic aesthetic.

1. Blouse or Silk Top:

• Pair the blazer with a silk blouse or a well-structured top. The juxtaposition of the soft fur with a more refined fabric can create an interesting and balanced look.

1. Coordinating Accessories:

• Choose accessories that complement the Fendi fur pieces without competing with them. Consider Fendi sunglasses, a sleek watch, or minimal jewelry to add subtle touches of luxury.

1. Simple Bottoms:

• Keep the bottom half of your outfit relatively simple. This could be a pair of tailored trousers or a pencil skirt in a neutral color that complements the fur tones.

1. Hairstyle:

• Opt for a polished hairstyle that complements the sophistication of the Fendi ensemble. Consider a sleek bun or a well-styled blowout to complete the look.

1. Confidence in Footwear:

• The Fendi Shearling Oxfords are a statement on their own. Wear them with confidence, and consider keeping the rest of the outfit streamlined to highlight these eye-catching shoes.

1. Versatile Makeup:

• Keep your makeup versatile. A classic makeup look with well-defined eyes or a bold lip can complement the overall sophistication of the outfit.

Remember, personal style is subjective, and these suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them based on your own preferences and the specific occasion you’re dressing for. The key is to create a harmonious and polished look that showcases the elegance of the Fendi fur pieces.

Double Bag Styling is the “it” look this season!

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Styling a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Green Shearling Tote with a Green Towel Tote, paired with an orange outfit and Bottega Veneta fur slides, can result in a bold and fashionable look. Here are some tips to help you achieve the “it” look of double bag styling:

1. Color Coordination:

• Ensure that the greens of the shearling tote and towel tote complement each other. Consistency in color will tie the two bags together seamlessly.

1. Vibrant Orange Outfit:

• Choose an orange outfit that complements the green tones of the bags. Consider a monochromatic orange look or a mix of orange shades to create visual interest.

1. Balance with Neutrals:

• While the bags and outfit are bold, consider incorporating neutral tones in other aspects of your ensemble. Neutral accessories, such as a beige hat or white sunglasses, can balance the vibrancy.

1. Texture Play:

• With the shearling on the totes and fur on the slides, you’re already incorporating different textures. Play with texture in your clothing as well; perhaps a silk blouse, denim jeans, or leather details can add depth to the overall look.

1. Streamlined Silhouettes:

• Given the statement-making bags and shoes, opt for streamlined silhouettes in your clothing. Well-fitted pieces can maintain a polished and cohesive appearance.

1. Subtle Jewelry:

• Keep the jewelry minimal and let the bags and outfit take center stage. A simple bracelet or earrings can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the overall look.

1. Coordinating Footwear:

• The Bottega Veneta fur slides are a key element in this ensemble. Ensure that they complement the overall color scheme and style of your outfit.

1. Confident Hairstyle:

• Choose a hairstyle that complements the overall vibe of your look. Whether it’s a sleek ponytail, loose waves, or a chic bun, make sure it enhances your confidence.

1. Statement Sunglasses:

• Consider adding a pair of statement sunglasses to elevate your look. Choose a style that suits your face shape and complements the boldness of the double bag ensemble.

1. Confidence in Contrasts:
   • The key to pulling off this bold look is confidence. Embrace the contrasts and combinations, and wear the ensemble with confidence to make a strong fashion statement.

Remember, fashion is a form of self-expression, and personal style is subjective. Feel free to adapt these tips based on your preferences and the specific occasion you’re dressing for. The goal is to create a cohesive and visually striking ensemble that reflects your unique style.

Check out how I styled these babies for a summer look!

If you’d like to skip the reading and watch the video check out my video below on tips and tricks to styling these shearling bags, shoes, and hats!

Louis Vuitton Shearling Bumbag is a limited edition but a timeless piece

Styling a Louis Vuitton shearling bumbag with shearling heels and a Max Mara shearling brown oversized coat can create a chic and cozy winter look. Here are some tips to help you put together a stylish ensemble:

1. Color Harmony:

• Ensure that the tones of shearling in the bumbag, coat, and heels complement each other. Consistency in color will create a cohesive and harmonious look.

1. Neutral Base:

• Start with a neutral base for your outfit to allow the shearling pieces to stand out. Consider wearing a monochromatic or neutral-toned outfit underneath the coat, such as black or beige.

1. Oversized Silhouette:

• Given the oversized nature of the Max Mara coat, balance it with more fitted pieces underneath. A pair of skinny jeans or leggings can provide a nice contrast and maintain a polished appearance.

1. Shearling Heels:

• Shearling heels add a touch of luxury and elevate the overall look. Consider coordinating the color of the heels with the rest of the shearling pieces for a seamless transition.

1. Bumbag as Statement Piece:

• Let the Louis Vuitton shearling bumbag be a statement piece by wearing it at the waist or across the chest. This adds a modern and trendy element to the outfit.

1. Minimal Accessories:

• Given the richness of shearling textures, keep accessories minimal. Consider a pair of classic stud earrings or a delicate necklace to add a subtle touch without overwhelming the look.

1. Polished Hairstyle:

• Opt for a polished hairstyle that complements the overall sophistication of the outfit. A sleek low bun or loose waves can work well with this winter ensemble.

1. Subdued Makeup:

• Keep the makeup subdued and natural. A nude or neutral palette can enhance your features without distracting from the texture and style of the shearling pieces.

1. Confident Stride:

• Shearling exudes warmth and luxury, so wear the ensemble with confidence. Walk with a confident stride, and let your demeanor enhance the overall chic vibe.

1. Weather-Appropriate Clothing:
   • Given the winter theme of the outfit, make sure your clothing underneath the coat provides warmth. Opt for cozy fabrics like wool or cashmere to stay comfortable in colder temperatures.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust the styling based on your personal preferences and the specific occasion you’re dressing for. The key is to create a balanced and fashionable winter ensemble that showcases the beauty of shearling textures.

Brandywine Mountain

October 14, 2024 No Comments

Download Brandywine GPX File Brandywine Mountain is located in the Coast Mountains’ Pacific Ranges. There…

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Elk Mountain

October 12, 2024 No Comments

Download Elk Mountain Map GPX File Elk mountain has prominence of only 32m and relatively…

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Frosty Mountain E1 Hike-Hozameen Range E C Manning Park

October 7, 2024 No Comments

Download GPX MAP of Frosty Mountain When not to go – *important* View-of-two-small-lakes-formed-of-Glacial-water from Summit…

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From Wardrobe to Couture: How I Repurposed My Dress into a Custom-Made Givenchy Piece & Upcycled my Givency Handbag

October 4, 2024 No Comments

From Wardrobe to Couture Fashion is more than just trends—it’s about transformation, self-expression, and sometimes,…

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Must have shearling, teddy, fur purses & shearling shoes for fall/winter/spring/summer

October 3, 2024 No Comments

This post is Part 2 continuation of Part 1 how to style shearling handbags. We…

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Laal Tibba – Mussoorie, Garhwal Hike

October 3, 2024 No Comments

Altitude : 2290m Range: Tehri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, Himalayas India GPX not available becasue 2003 was…

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Range: Tehri Garhwal, Uttrakhand, Himalayas India

GPX not available becasue 2003 was the year Garmin started making GPS forerunner watches. I may have pictures from this hike and if I find them I will post them here. Here is the story.

Ride to Dehradun Railway Station

I had visited Dehradun many times before this trip to Lal Tibba through Mussoorie but never towards upper Garhwal due to lack of time from my sports activities. It has been more than two decades since I saw this part of India so I’m not sure what it would look like now a days. In my experience, there used to be only one training going to Dehradun from Amritsar and if I’m not wrong it was perhaps called “The Passenger Train”. The ticket back in the days was less than 40 rupees I suppose which we never bought as student athletes since most of the ticket checkers were our fellow athletes. Not that we had much money as a student. I remember earning 250 rupees and barely spending that over the span of full year since my scholarship covered board and lodging along with food. So a free ride up to Dehradun railway station through Haridwar. Despite being an inaccessible town from lower himalays, the vibe of Dehradun’s Bus Stand is as busy as any other town.

Dehradun Bus Stand to Mussoorie

Sitting in a crowded mini Bus with a few people on top of the Bus in a narrow ridge road from Dehradun to Mussoorie early Spring was the best experience of the trip. The Bus was barely on the road and any time any other vehicle crossed from the front, one vehicle had to come to the complete stop. Sometimes the bus would stop near the ridgeline and I could see the 700 feet drop through the Window.

Stay at Mussoorie

There was a hotel at the left side of the road as you enter Mussoorie, the hotel would cost 5000 rupees back in the days that means today the hotel would probably be 25000 rupees a night? However, I found a hotel with breakfast for mere 250 rupees that is $3USD today. I assume at that rate, the same hotel would be $15 today. It was an okay stay and didn’t really look or feel like a hotel more like a Bed & Breakfast stay.

Hike to Laal Tibba and various other places

Hiking in lower Himalayas isn’t that hard. There wasn’t usually any mountain climbing back in the days or even rock climbing. Mostly people would go for a hike and even that was rare. Most of our trip to Himalays were for tourist places or pilgrimage. I find myself lucky enough to be able to go to these place in those times at minimal cost and enjoy the Summits of some of the Himalayan range mountains.

The view from Lal Tibba (Laal Tibba) is absolutely stunning. I believe it is called lal tibba because of the smaller hills visible close to the summit that are of redish colour. The view was covered with Clouds moving in and out and Garhwal ranges peeking through the clouds at times. I wouldn’t mention other small hikes because they in my opinion aren’t significant enough to mention as a separate mountain/hike. Moreover, I had lost my camera in a waterfall at Mussoorie. There was some sort of fair in a part of the town and I remember taking pictures of me playing Billiards there. Back in the days, the cameras were rare and whoever had a camera, it was not a digital camera. So, 35mm reel from my camera was saved and the other reel with mountain pictures fell into the waterwall in the camera. I may have a picture or two that I would try finding somewhere.

Life is sometimes slow and easy like this small hike that I digged out of old GPX records as far as my Garmin goes. I’m not sure whether I’d still have pictures of this available but this was a small gorgeous castle ruins on top of a small hill at Tribeč Range in Nitra Region in Slovakia. We were blessed in that we had some great friends we visited, Eva and Les, in a relatively colder summer end heading into autumn. Evan alerted our attention to such a beautiful site of ancient mideival history that we cannot miss. They often go for long 20km hikes on a daily basis, the most fit couple ever! Afterall Bratislava, Slovakia has some altitude (440 ft) above sea leavel, so why not, and not to mention their wild horse santuaries where horses are left to run with the wind and never domesticated! What a majestic place.

Hrušovský aka Hrušov hrad is located in a small cute village named Hostie. I walked up the ridge from the parking lot, it wasn’t that steep and elevation grade is at almost 10% so not so bad. The GPS Co-ordinates of the location are N48°27’3” E18°26’16”.

Located several kilometers north of Topoľčianky in the Tribeč Mountains of western Slovakia, the ruins of Hrušov Castle stand atop Skalka Mountain at an elevation of 488 meters.

A Little History

This royal castle, constructed in the 13th century, once guarded the trade route crossing the Tribeč mountain range. Although it was destroyed by the Imperial army in 1708 and has remained in ruins since, its surviving walls create a romantic atmosphere and offer a beautiful panoramic view of the Tribeč and Pohronský Inovec Mountains.

Hrad Hrušov, like many castles of medieval Slovakia, served as a stronghold in a region that experienced numerous conflicts, primarily defensive battles against invaders like the Mongols and, later, the Ottoman Turks. Although no specific accounts detail large-scale sieges at Hrad Hrušov, its strategic location made it part of the Kingdom of Hungary’s broader defensive network, especially during periods of increased threats from foreign powers.

The castle was built under the reign of Hungarian King Béla IV in the 13th century, following the devastating Mongol invasion of 1241-1242. King Béla IV ordered the construction of fortified stone castles across the kingdom to prevent future Mongol attacks, as wooden forts had proven vulnerable. Hrad Hrušov was one of these newly fortified sites, designed to protect both the local populace and strategic routes through the mountains.

Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Hrad Hrušov was held by various noble families who were either loyal to or vying for power with the Hungarian monarchy. During the time of King Sigismund of Luxembourg (who ruled in the late 14th to early 15th century), Hrad Hrušov came under the possession of nobles aligned with Sigismund’s centralization efforts. Sigismund sought to strengthen royal power against regional nobility, and the castle’s location was valuable as part of his broader strategy to consolidate control over Slovakia.

In the 16th century, the threat of the Ottoman Empire loomed heavily over the Kingdom of Hungary, as Ottoman forces advanced through Central Europe. Although there are no records of a direct Ottoman siege at Hrušov, the castle and its surrounding areas were put on high alert as Ottoman raiding parties frequently crossed into Hungarian lands. To bolster defenses, the nobility likely reinforced Hrušov’s walls and garrisoned it with more soldiers. It became a watchpoint and a safe haven for locals during these incursions.

The castle’s decline began in the 17th century during the Habsburg era when conflicts shifted towards internal struggles between the Habsburg monarchy and anti-Habsburg insurgents. Hrad Hrušov was eventually abandoned after suffering damages from these conflicts and losing its strategic importance. Nature gradually overtook the castle ruins, leaving only the stone skeleton that remains a historical symbol today.

On The Way: A Step-by-Step Guide with Scenic Views and Tips

To reach the castle, you can hike from the village of Skýcov along the green-marked trail, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can start your hike from Topoľčianky or Jedľové Kostoľany.

Trail Information:

• Trailhead Location: Near the village of Skýcov, Slovakia
• Distance: ~2 km (one way)
• Elevation Gain: ~200 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Getting to the Trailhead

From Topoľčianky, follow the main road to Skýcov, where you’ll find a marked parking area. Signs direct you from here to the start of the red-marked trail that leads directly to Hrad Hrušov. The trailhead signposts provide useful information on the route, nearby trails, and historical details of the area. You can spot a few trail maps, which make navigation easier for first-time visitors.

Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking can fill up quickly. Also, don’t forget sturdy hiking shoes; the trail can be muddy after rain.

Hiking the Red Trail: Entering the Forest

The hike begins with the red-marked trail, which quickly plunges into a dense forest. The first section of the trail is relatively gentle, passing through groves of beech and oak trees. The forest here is tranquil, and in autumn, you’ll be treated to vibrant foliage that contrasts beautifully with the castle ruins.

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The start of the trail in the forest, with lush greenery in spring and stunning colors in autumn.

Midway Point: The Junction

About 20 minutes into the hike, you’ll reach a junction where the red trail intersects with the green-marked trail. Follow the green markings, as they indicate the route directly up to Hrad Hrušov. At this point, the incline becomes more noticeable, and you’ll start gaining elevation steadily.

Tip: This is a great spot for a break if needed. The junction has a few clearings with partial views of the surrounding hills.

Climbing the Final Ascent

The last section of the trail is the most challenging, with steeper inclines and occasional rocky sections. Here, the forest thins out, and you’ll catch your first glimpses of the castle walls through the trees. This approach heightens the excitement, especially for history enthusiasts eager to see the medieval structure up close.

As you approach Hrad Hrušov, the trail becomes steeper, but the sight of the castle through the trees is worth every step.

Arriving at Hrad Hrušov

Finally, you’ll arrive at the open hilltop, where Hrad Hrušov sits. The castle, though in ruins, retains its majestic charm. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the Tribeč Mountains and surrounding valleys. Wander through the remnants of towers and walls, each corner whispering tales from the 13th century. Don’t miss the lookout points—these offer the best perspectives for photographing both the landscape and castle.

The views from the castle are breathtaking, making the hike up here well worth the effort.

Post-Hike Recommendations

After your hike, head back down the way you came, following the green trail back to the red trail junction. For those looking to extend the adventure, nearby trails lead further into the Tribeč Mountains.

Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the castle grounds. There are a few spots where you can sit and take in the view after your hike. Just be mindful of preserving the area—pack out whatever you bring.

Final Thoughts

Hiking to Hrad Hrušov is a fulfilling experience, blending natural beauty with a dash of history. The journey provides a moderate workout and rewards you with breathtaking scenery and the unique opportunity to step back into Slovakia’s medieval past.

Nature of Hike

Needle Peak is in fact a very short hike and straight climb right off the bat. The vehicles are parked at a pull over zone near new construction. There seemed to be wasp nests in the beginning which I survived. The views open up after 1km of hike and beautiful North Cascades can be seen mid-way. Yak Peak is right in front and with gorgeous lush mountains creating a perfect backdrop of Yak.

Needle peak must be climbed anytime from June to before end of September and novice climbers must refrain from climbing it in Winter since the winds on Coquihalla and frozen rock of Needle is the perfect recipe for a disaster. On my hike, the only people I saw on this hike were three aboriginal men standing near a plaque/memorial as the hike clears up towards Flatiron mountain before approaching the Summit push. I started the hike at 2PM which is late considering I had not intention to camp anywhere. So, the time was short.

As you’d turn left onto the col from the memorial and climb about 100 meters from South Face side, there is a tricky section right in the beginning. I decided to leave my bag there because I sensed if there is grade 4 climb in the beginning, the summit push is going to be long and technical. After climbing this class 4 section, you reach the ridge which is easy class 2 until you reach the base of the Needle.

At the base of the needle, there are some 40 feet rocks stacked on top of each other and these boulders seem to be susceptible to slip and fall. From here, it took me a while and a coin flip to decide some route finding. Over the years, it has become my habit to remember the ascending route, looking back and remember the formation of the rocks to descend the Summit. Despite having this practice, one can very well forget which way they came up.

Near the Summit, you’d find more wasps. Needle Peak West Ridge is class 3 climb, South Face class 3, Northeast Ridge class 4, and Southeast Buttress class 5.9. From my personal experience, I kept moving around the south face sometimes to South East, sometimes to South and sometimes to West. While the hike to Needle Peak is relatively short, the steep scramble near the summit can be treacherous when snow-covered, making it suitable only for capable mountaineers during the short hiking season from late June to October.

The unpredictable weather of the Coquihalla Summit, with frequent clouds and powerful winds, adds to the adventure. I would not recommend this hike on a rainy day, as the scramble involves many slippery rocks. Even on a cloudy day, caution is advised.

Many hikers combine Needle Peak with the Flatiron for a longer day trip, and camping at the lake beneath the Flatiron is a popular option. The experience of climbing Needle Peak was unforgettable, and I highly recommend it to confident hikers seeking a thrilling adventure with stunning views.

Diamond Head Information

The Trip

Getting to the Diamond Head doesn’t necessarily require a 4×4 or high clearance vehicle but an ample early start is recommended. Diamond Head Trailhead is one of the closer trail heads out of all major trail heads at Garibaldi Provincial Park. However, Chains are required in Winter.

How to Get to the Diamond Head trailhead at Garibaldi Provincial Park from Vancouver?

Directions from Vancouver, BC to Squamish, BC

1. Take Highway 1 aka Trans-Canada Highway westbound towards Horseshoe Bay. Then, take the exit onto Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway) and continue North towards Squamish.
2. Once you reach Squamish look for Mamquam Road about 4 kilometers from Downtown Squamish. Do not take Mamquam Forest Service Road.
3. Continue on Mamquam Road, which will take you past the Squamish Golf and Country Club. Turn north onto Highland Way S, then East at the roundabout, and head up through Quest University.
4. Mamquam Road will eventually become Garibaldi Park Road. Follow this road until you reach the Diamond Head parking area.

Hiking Diamond Head Trail

This is one of the most stunning hikes in BC. Every time I went on this hike, depending on the weather, I was never disappointed with natural sounds, ambience, Bear activity, first powder snow and list goes on. The hike isn’t particularly steep and can be covered quickly up to Elfin lakes. Once at Elfin lakes, the hike goes from there in many directions such as Gargoyles, Diamond Head, Atwell Peak, Opal Cone, Rampart Ponds and so on.

Every time I was on this trail, I saw a Bear or two (Black Bears mostly). Once, the Bear was on the Trail and other times, the Bear was far in the Valley. Once upon a time there was a cub and a few yards away there was a Sow. Generally, the trail is safe but carrying a Bear spary in highly recommended for ALL hikers. This time, there was a big Bear foraging while I was descending from the mountain on a side trail. I was not aware of the Bear presence at all and I’m very sure the Bear knew I was there. This was a close call. I saw the Bear after the fact but he was busy.

Once the col between Columnar peak is left, the views become extremely gorgeous. The views cannot be captured in any camera no matter the quality. One has to be there to experience and appreciate the beauty.

The hike becomes eventful after this point. I was there for about 3 hours and every 45 minutes I heard loud rockfall at Atwell Peak. The rockfall was so loud that anybody climbing solo would be scared. It was like war zone sounds.

The West Side of Atwell has totally corroded and I don’t think it can be climbed safely in summer time without the support of any powder snow. The Bergschrunds are easily visible when standing atop Diamond Head. Mount Garibaldi hides behind Atwell Peak and isn’t easily visible unless you descend to the South West side of Diamond Head.

The Ridge towards the “Summit” of Diamond Head is very thin and once would be walking atop sheer drop. Although Diamond Head isn’t officially a mountain The Prominence of a mountain has to be more than 300 feet to be considered a separate mountain and Diamond Head is hardly only a meter Prominence.

There are a few Marmot hide outs on the ridge and a few “Couloirs” going towards the same peak. They’re not exactly Couloirs but water ways that all look alike. On the way up to the mountain, I had lunch at a big rock and left the bag and equipment on the rock. While coming back from the peak, there was a big cloud that came and it was almost a white out. Every time I went towards the Gargoyles, Diamond Head, I met a white out, what a co-incidence this time. So, instead of tracking the route path that I took to come up, I decided to traverse from the South East side. I made it fine down the Summit and while looking for the bag, I had to cross all these similar looking Couloirs. I crossed one extra Couloir and the bag was nowhere to be found. I met a Marmot on my way down and thought may be the bag was dragged away by the Marmot but even if the Marmot dragged the bag where would the equipment go?

I knew the cloud will come down and the forecast is rain and temperature drop in the evening. I didn’t want to stay at the mountain for prolonged period and potentially having to bivouac. So, I rushed to look for the bag and here is the mistake I made. I was looking for the bag and the same time I started running down the mountain to save time. I knew the bag was on a higher rock so I look up when running down. I tumbled on the rocks and here I go doing a Somersault. Luckily, I was wearing a helmet yet I hurt my both hands causing an internal injury on my left palm and a wound on the right palm and a finger. I hit my knee, hip and shoulder on the rocks. As I stopped, I knew my hand was bleeding yet finding the bag was more important than tending to my injuries. I ran back up towards my original route and started running towards the Summit again crossing all the Couloirs I had crossed earlier.

When I was almost sure that I was high enough on the mountain, I looked back and there was my bag. I had a breath of relief. I walked to my bad, collected it and started hiking back down. Now adrenaline effect faded away and injuries started hurting making it difficult to walk. Excruciating pain made it hard to hold the hiking sticks. However, the body warmed up again and by the time I saw the Bear, the pain went away.

This is one of the easiest small hikes that can be done almost in any season unless there is Cypress Provincial Park closure due to an Avalanche Risk. We decided to do this hike at the end of Mountain Winter and we were postholing up to the Summit in snow without using Spikes, Snow Shoes or Crampons. We treated it more like a warm up for the season or just an exercise for the day.

The Hike

On Clear days, Howe Sound can be seen along the 30km Howe Sound Crest Trail, enroute to near Porteau Cove from Cypress Mountain along the Sea to Sky Highway.

From the Cypress Mountain downhill parking lot, head north towards the chairlift and follow signs for the Howe Sound Crest Trail. The trail runs alongside ski slopes, then veers right and uphill, merging onto a wider ski run. Turn left towards a green water tower, then right onto a forest trail.

After a short hike, turn left at a gravel road, which soon narrows back into a trail. This leads to St. Mark’s Summit. About 10 minutes into the forest, you’ll reach a junction with a map and a clearing with views of the Lions. Continue uphill through switchbacks, crossing a meadow and two bridges.

The trail steepens with more switchbacks, then levels out briefly before another climb. As you reach the upper region of St. Mark’s Summit, continue over rocky terrain to a viewpoint with panoramic views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, and the Gulf Islands. St. Mark’s Summit or Howe Crest Trail is not my favourite hike so far unless I choose to do the full hike sometimes in the future. Oh! While descending, my favourite part was sliding down the snow.