Leader: Gord

Eleven of us braved the somewhat threatening weather and assembled at the Whyte Lake trail parking lot, just off the Upper Levels highway at Nelson Creek.  After some requisite grumbling about the cost of parking (instituted only a couple of weeks ago and previously free) we headed out under cloudy skies.  We posed for the starting selfie at the junction of the Trans Canada Trail and the Whyte Lake trail and then began our ascent.

Our route took us briefly up a roadway and then onto the Nelson Creek trail.  Part way along the trail a family group caught up to us and we offered to let them pass but they said they were not sure of the route so would like to join us.  They then accompanied us to the lake.  A little further up the trail the Whyte Lake trail cut off to the north.  Just past there we crossed Nelson Creek on a bridge and then followed the trail up Whyte Creek to the lake.

As we approached the lake we were treated to a snow flurry, which continued off and on for a while.  On reaching the lake we walked out onto the pier.  We were shortly joined by three young folk who in short order stripped down and leaped into the water.  They did not stay in long!  Apparently, this is a regular activity for them.  After a brief chat on the pier, we parted company with the family group.  They decided to head back the way we had come rather than carry on with us.  Before leaving they posed for a photo with the group.

Continuing past the lake, after a short distance we joined the Baden Powell Trail which descended to its western terminus near Horseshoe Bay.  The trail ran parallel to the highway for a stretch before plunging underneath a bridge where the highway crosses Larson Creek.  At that point the group chose to shelter from the drizzle for a brief snack break.

From there it was a short hike down to the western end of the trail.  After crossing the highway above the ferry terminal we made our way through streets down to the mouth of Larson Creek.  At his point some minor confusion occurred as two Loopers took a slightly different route to the beach.  (It would not be a proper outing without some confusion happening.)  Once the group was reassembled, two members decided to proceed directly to the Gleneagles Community Centre.

The rest of the group pressed on, following streets up to Marine Drive, where we crossed and took the Seaview Walk (part of the Trans Canada Trail) eastward to Nelson Canyon.  Stopping under the impressive Nelson Creek Overpass and regarding the impending final climb with some trepidation, we headed up the hill and back to our starting point.

We reconvened at the Gleneagle Golf Course Clubhouse for refreshments.

Photo credits to David, Michael, Angela, Carol, and Jon