Started out with The_Pollywog this morning not really sure if we would be able to make it up. Gate was open and we headed up Comox Lake. Hairy road but beautiful in the backside of Comox Lake. The hike involved a 600 m vertical ascent over approx 900 m. We had more or less decided that there would be snow at the top so just took a drive in there in case. Because of this we had the dogs with us against our better judgement. We found the terrain a little loose in places and had to scramble a fair amount over some of it. Taking it slow and having really good footwear is a definite requirement. I forgot my hiking poles and improvised with a sturdy stick that I left for the trip down at one of the chutes we had to climb through. By the time we arrived at the base of the last vertical I gave it an honest try but returned to the bottom after only about 20 m as my legs had major muscle fatigue. Paul decided that he would continue on and try for both caches. It was kinda frustrating sitting 74 m from GZ and having a steep vertical hold you back but I knew when to quit. There were a few sections I would not want to be on in the rain but for the most part the worst was the steepness. I was calling the JR's Mr & Mrs Mtn Goat but felt it prudent to hold them back with me. The descent was fairly fast although the scree and leaves made it treacherous in places. Trail was well marked all the way to the top. Walked through one pocket of snow before Paul ran into it again up on the top on the way to Top of the Valley. I can see myself doing this again but not sure when :) Took lots of pics and one spot was a favorite photo op for us. This was approximately a 5 hour round trip for us mostly due to me and the dogs. Lots of good trail markings and interesting things to see. 
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