Burns n Turns 2018

Halò to all,
Although I am not a poet, nor a bard, let me tell you the story about Burns and Turns 2018!
A group of 30+ very enthusiastic VOCers wishing to celebrate the almighty Robbie Burns headed to Garibaldi Provincial Park on January 28th for an overnight camping trip. Due to the extremely high avi conditions and group size, it was decided that it would be best to camp out at Red Heather instead of Elfin Lakes.
After arriving at Quest University (thinking we were making it at a reasonable time), we were in for a big surprise. We discovered that you could not even make it on to the gravel road unless you had 4×4!! The amount of snow was crazy. We had 7 vehicles, but 2 vans that were unable to make it up the road. After this realization, we backed up and (questionably) parked the van. After we were passed by a decked out bad-ass Jeep going up the road asking “if we were OK and needed help,” and I stupidly answered “We are OK, do YOU need help (he and everyone else laughs),” we tried to contact most of the drivers to figure out a plan to shuttle 14 people up to the trail head. A lot of shuttling occurred so getting up to the trailhead took much longer than expected — thank you to all for their help shuttling and patience in this FAFF show.
Parking lot FAFF

Parking lot FAFF

Despite the very snowy road and rainy weather, the skis, snowshoes and tons of haggis (not joking– like 5 bags worth) disembarked up the trail head! Our plan was to start around 9:30 am … but the sweep left finally by about 11:30 am – noon. A wonderful and ingenious shuttle system for Cora was set up (no one left behind! B))– The hauling team was the last to leave and they did a fantastic job. With a pulling team of 6 at a time, with switch out breaks, and moral support team, Cora successfully made it up the mountain!
Cora and the hauling team

Cora and the hauling team

Hauling crew

Hauling crew

And here we go, we were ready to hike or ski up to Red Heather Hut, (where everybody can standing by the fire because it was pretty very chilly outside waiting around)! Thank you to Roseanna for playing the violin at all the random and times to entertain everyone (including the public)!
Roseanna the Violinist

Roseanna the Violinist

Once we reached Red Heather, we dug holes in the snow, and planted our very cozy tents. While this was happening, a few parties headed out to get a few laps in around the hut. The snow was deep and heavy so this made the skiing a little difficult. Afterwards the potluck began! Many Scottish dishes, kilts and other types of attire were worn and the evening was in full swing. We then proceeded to do our itinerary for the evening with an Ode to the Haggis (thank you Ross), an Ode to the Lassies (thank you Dan), and an Ode to the Lads (than you Yanni) which were all very entertaining and well done! Special thanks to Ross who cooked the all haggis which included meat and vegetarian options! After kilograms of haggis, shortbread and potato scones were consumed, we were ready to sing along with the all the various musical instruments that were brought up. Thank you to everyone who hauled up an instrument (ie. Jeff T for bringing the guitar!!) Examples of musical instruments we had were a guitar, violin, 3 ukuleles, and a harmonica.
After, a Ceilidh was held and we danced the night away under the full moon (how romantic right?).

 

Dancing the night away

Dancing the night away

The next morning was a relaxing start. We were so cosy that we stayed late in the hut. A few people chose to go do a few more laps on cabin hill before heading out. At noon, we all snowshoed and skied down very happily, and returned home with a feeling of nostalgia for the motherland of Scotland!
Until next year,
Lianne M. and Alexia M.
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2 Responses to Burns n Turns 2018

  1. Roland Burton says:

    Thanks for the trip report. Makes me feel as though I was there!

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