Seventeen Loopers met up at the Hayward Lake Recreational Area just west of Mission for a walk along the Hayward Lake Railway Trail, a trail which follows the western edge of Hayward Lake (and according to BC Hydro’s page on Hayward Lake, the lake was “named after Stave Falls Dam’s first production superintendent,” who was not, as far as I know, one of my ancestors). Several core Loopers had to miss this walk, but were with us in spirit.

For those who want more backstory: the Hayward Lake Railway Trail follows the route of the second version of the Stave Falls Branch of the British Columbia Electric Railway, the railway being relocated when the construction of Ruskin Dam in 1930 flooded the Stave River canyon to create the Hayward Lake Reservoir (the original railway ran alongside the Stave River to Stave Falls Dam; that original route, shown in yellow, below, now lies beneath the waters of Hayward Lake).

In an exciting development (and unknown to our planners), the Hayward Lake Railway Trail was theoretically closed to walkers due to landslides about 2km south of our starting point. This fact was brought to our attention by a bright yellow sign beside the path, and caused some initial consternation. But, after pausing for a brief discussion, we arrived at a consensus: that Loopers were rarely deterred by so-called trail “closures” and by official “prohibitions” (since who were “they,” anyway, to try and tell US what to do?) This consensus decision was confirmed by a brief conversation with several other (non-Looper) walkers who were spotted returning from whence we wanted to go; if they had survived, we reasoned (which they appeared to have done), then we—or at any rate: a majority of us—would probably survive as well. So on we forged.

Striding briskly past the “Trail Closed!” signage; edging disdainfully around the “for your safety” fencing; and picking our way tentatively (but confidently) through several muddy sections, where there was a very real risk of Loopers sliding lakewards to a soggy doom. Uphill we went, leaning into several steepish sections, then gingerly down an equivalent number of steepish downhill sections. The lake, fortunately, remained reassuringly level throughout.

It proved to be a lovely day for a walk beside fresh water; which means: it wasn’t quite raining; the leaves were colourful; and there were occasional information signs which gave interesting historical details about our route: the railway and its trestles; the reservoir; the various dams etc. At the south end of Hayward Lake we crossed Ruskin Dam in search of picnic tables; none were to be found, so our various lunches and snacks were consumed while standing, or while leaning against large rocks. I believe that “rustic” would best describe the amenities.

Post-lunch we reversed our course, heading back towards the Hayward Lake Recreational Area—and discovered that miracles had occurred while we ate! The lake itself had shifted, and was on our right now, rather than on our left! And those sections of the trail which had previously been downhill were found—mysteriously!—to be uphill now; and what had once been uphill was—astonishingly!—now downhill! This evidence of possible paranormal activity at Hayward Lake deserves further investigation. One group of Loopers reported sighting three otters, but could provide no photographic proof. Nevertheless, I found their account to be credible.

Afters were taken at the Mission Springs Brewery/Pub in (you guessed it) Mission, where we sat indoors at tables accommodating four to six Loopers, trying to ignore the overhead TV screens blaring US football in all directions while we nibbled on such delicacies as: the daily soup; yam fries; nachos; burgers of varying size (adorned with various exotic toppings); and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. Later, replete, we headed homewards, vanishing into the outer darkness.

Photographs: Jon; Liz; Michael; Carol; Jan.