Are the best things in life free?

Good morning North Shore!

Last week in Vancouver turned out to be the hottest one of the summer - or at least we recorded the hottest single day of the year. With the acceptance that summer is coming soon to a close, I was motivated to take advantage of this great weather. Maybe the last of the year?

It's something that's been in the back of my mind for a couple years since reading this comment on the Internet. "Everyone should sleep one night on Unnecessary Mountain".

So on Thursday afternoon Laddie, Daisy Dog and I departed from the Cypress Mountain parking lot down the Howe Sound Crest trail - destination Unnecessary Mountain.

 We set up a quick camp just below the top of the mountain as the views here are great, and sunset was just 30 minutes away.

Daisy Dog was happy to cool down a bit after a hot climb up. and took some time to enjoy the view of her favorite mountains - The Lions. Named (as she thinks) after her favorite squeeky toy.

The view across Howe Sound. Going...

Going...

Gone!

Time for dinner...nice stone counter top. We sat on the bare rock til about 1030 in comfort, they were so nice and warm.

 Cue the purple light, that's Vancouver Island in the distance.

Lights coming on on Bowen Island

Darkness descending on Howe Sound

Le Lions and da stars ;-)

 After a short sleep we were up at 6 am to watch the sunrise show!

Here comes the sun!

 We did not pack too much food, but morning sunrise coffee was considered an essential item!

Sun light hitting the mountains behind Howe Sound

Of course we took lots of pictures with the big camera and the phone camera.

 A great way to enjoy a coffee in the morning.

 

We were reluctant to pack up and leave, but one last pic before tent take down.

Thumbs up on the sunset/sunrise show from Ali and Miss Daisy. Thanks for snapping this one Laddie.

So now the truth comes out... I had Laddie-Sherpa carry my pack up for me ;-). 

 Big smiles don't require a long trip, this one was only about 20 hours long.

I guess someone else felt the way we did. Found this bit of graffiti in the parking lot.

Are the best things in life free? Well if you don't include the "cost" of a bit of sweat equity this quick sunset/sinrise trip certainly argues the case pretty well!!!