Lindeman & Where the Hell are We?

This past weekend was nothing short of amazing.

On Friday, my friend Clarissa and I got together with our pack of dogs (5 in all) and went to go discover a trail out in Abby. We found a nice little path along the dyke called McKay trail that ran along the dyke. We got turned around trying to find it but we got to drive past amazing properties that nestled right against Sumas mountain. Giant willows and cherry blossom trees and this huge lilac looking tree that shaded a bunch of horses. It was quite beautiful. We let the dogs go up and down the trail a bit before Clarissa realized that this wasn't the place she wanted to check out. Back to the car we went and drove everywhere looking for the "giant boulder" that her map told us to look out for. We resorted to google maps instead and after a laugh realizing that we passed the road we needed twice already we found out way towards our destination.
We got to the trail head (or should I say trail heads) and were adequately confused. There was a big map at the parking lot that listed a bunch of hilarous sounding trails (How does the Knob Gobbler sound?) but never listed where we were for sure. And none of the trails were marked at their beginning so it was hard to determine what one you were taking. We wandered around for a bit before we found a very quiet and varied level path that lead us around the leading edge of the mountain. It didn't have any views that the other trails listed but it was a lovely little hike. The dogs had an absolute blast and by the time we reached the end of the trail they all needed a good break and a snack (we did too!)
We went back the way we came and marveled at how much the trees around us changed from one side of the mountain to the other. The foliage was ever changing the more we walked and it was stunning.
We will all have to come back to this trail and do the longer hike (6 hours!) that leads to the mountain lake and viewpoint that looks over Abbotsford and Chilliwack.


I was so amped for Sunday that I could hardly get to sleep. I spent Saturday making energy bites and getting my gear ready in the evening. I've wanted to do this hike for ages
Nicole arrived and after packing Bandit in the car we went off to grab her dog Shadow, and then Kelsey. Off to Chilliwack we headed and ended up having to pull off to the side of the road and put Bandit up front with us because he wouldn't shut up. Whining the whole way there! Oh well, maybe he wanted to sing along with us haha.
We saw deer along the way (Thank you Nicole, for shouting DEER!) and finally found the parking lot. There were a few cars there already even though we got there fairly early.
As we unpack our gear and dogs there was a creepy dude by his truck that made a few comments on us girls doing the hike. We chatted back but made sure he knew that we were well equipped. He may have been a nice dude but he kind of gave us a creepy vibe.
We hiked down the lot to the trail markers. One way led to Flora Lake and the other pointed us to the 200m mark where the Lindeman trailhead started. We will probably try Flora Lake sometime in the near future!

The hike up to Lindeman was incredible! I loved every moment of it. Fresh mountain air and to be surrounded by huge cedars was exhilarating.  And this was no gravel path either. You had to climb over boulders, across fallen trees, snaking your way up super steep sections. It was awesome! There was even a log bridge that we had to cross as well to get over the creak. I was a little wary of that part with a crazy beagle pulling me but he did well! He actually did very well the whole trail. I only had to carry him over one section of boulders that was too far for him to jump safely.
While the trail itself was all kinds of beautiful, the lake was breathtaking. From crystal blue to emerald green, I've never seen anything like it in person. Mountains reached up above us and we could see a snow capped peak from along the trail. I couldn't take my eyes away and my smile was permanently plastered onto my face.
We continued along the lake to the far point. Cue more boulder climbing and hopping across great big slabs of rock. Everyone we met on the trail was so nice! How could you be cranky when you are surrounded with beauty like this?  I felt so accomplished, I think we all did.
There was a rock out from shore and I wanted to wade out to it to take a picture but it was a little deeper than expected and I wasn't prepared to hike the rest of the way sopping wet. Oh well, next time with shorts!
We stopped and fueled up, took a bunch of pictures and then made our way back down.
I am really surprised that Bandit didn't drag me face down the very steep sections. He was either very tired or was respectfully waiting for me to slowly make my way down. 
We reached the bottom and threw ourselves back into the car, tired, sweaty and feeling a little gross but amazing non the less.
We rewarded ourselves with sushi before parting ways.
I think our next trip will be up Elk Mountain and I CANT WAIT!!!!