The Sunday hike this past weekend (I use the term "hike" loosely) was to the summit of True Blue Mtn. True Blue is the very prominent mountain behind Kaslo and, given it's prominence, you'd expect a good trail to the top. Such was NOT the case, however. The day was 10 hours long, involved about 1700 m of elevation gain (only a bit of it on a logging road), substantial bushwacking, some route-finding and some pretty serious uphill.
The group for the day was a good size - I didn't really count, but there were probably 15 or more of us who started out at 8 am. The start was in traditional West Kootenay style - 4x4 logging road uphill for about 4 or 5 km. After that, it switched to a very old mining trail, then to a faint trail that headed straight uphill - not a switchback in sight! Add substantial deadfall and alder thickets to the mix.
The rewards at the summit (after several false summits) were worthwhile with great views up and down the Lake, Howser Spire (in the Bugaboos) in the far distance and many other peaks in the near vicinity. That said, I don't think many of us would jump at the chance to go up there again. The way down was almost as hard, although we did try a "shortcut" down through an old logged-over area which was probably a bit quicker and easier. Beer and a shower at home was much appreciated after the day.
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