DID YOU KNOW...

Doctors prescribe exercise to help preserve some of the heart's pumping power, and dancing appears to be more effective than traditional aerobic exercises.

The results of a study presented at an American Heart Association meeting (Nov. 2006) determined that patients who danced three times a week had more improvement in heart and lung functions - and were happier - than patients who worked out on a treadmill or stationary bike. As well, overall emotional well-being, sexual activity and sleeping were better in the dancing group.

Why? The music may help people exercise longer - and it's more fun!

SOME OF OUR VENUES:
Cheers
Eagle Creek - Burnaby Mountain Golf Course
Italian Cultural Centre
Laguna Blu
North Shore Winter Club
Stefano's Greek Taverna

      Thanks to Neil McIvor who recently guided his hundredth hike of TGIF Members.
      Neil has covered just about every place worth hiking in the Lower Mainland - from Chilliwack to Bowen Island to the North Shore mountains. Many viewpoints were delightful. His favorites? "Thirty of us climbed to the top of Mount Galiano on a warm day and had a picnic while we watched the BC Ferries sail through the Gulf Islands. Then there was the time thirty-seven of us drove to Hope and walked through the Othello Tunnels." Every hiker has great memories and favorite hikes - maybe it was climbing "The Chief" at Squamish, or hiking around Buntzen Lake.
      There have been many footpaths and trails - over 100 of them - and each hike has a story. Neil can sum it up very simply: "Every hike had smiles and laughter, and each one made new friends. Thank you all for coming along."
      And thank you, Neil.

A ROCK WITH A VIEW
Ice Age carves out a hikers' playground

The Stawamus Chief (often referred to as simply "The Chief") is often claimed to be the "second largest granite monolith in the world".

It was formed about 100 million years ago by the slow cooling and solidification of molten magma. That hard rock core was gradually exposed by erosion over tens of millions of years, and then the glaciers took over. The entire formation was buried under ice during the last Ice Age, and glacial movement carved out the tall steep walls and excavated the fjord we know as Howe Sound.

There are three main summit areas separated by deep gullies.
  •   First Peak / South Summit (610 m /2001 ft)
  •   Second Peak / Centre Summit (655 m /2149 ft)
  •   Third Peak / North Summit (702 m / 2303 ft)

Summits are accessible by well maintained backside trails. The trails are, however, steep and rugged. In some places chains and ladders have been bolted to the rock for assist hikers.

The payoff is great - spectacular views of Howe Sound and Mount Garabaldi, and underfoot, on the glacier-polished and striated granite, very visible signs of the last Ice Age.

Hey! Take a hike!
RATINGS: A 'level 1' hike is like walking around the Stanley Park seawall on a nice warm Sunday morning in the July sun. A 'level 9' is doing the Grouse Grind in half an hour.

During the winter, hikes are level 3.

NOTE: As with all hikes, hiking boots or good running shoes are a must (don't wear dress shoes - it's been known to happen!!!). Also bring at least a 1 litre water bottle (with water). Snack food will also come in handy. Dress for the weather.

GENERAL - The hikes reference book is "109 Walks..." (4th edition) by Mary and David Macaree. Others are taken from "Best Walks and Hikes..." by Dawn Hanna.

Most hikes have been "level 3". However in the summer some hikes are a little more ambitious - this is in answer to comments that some would like something a little more adventuresome and more often.

TRANSPORTATION:
If you want to come on any of these hikes, please call 3-4 days in advance as we try to arrange carpools.