We can meet either at St David's United Church parking lot, or at the trailhead. 8.5km point-to-point with 660m elevation gain. A new trail climbing past Watersprite lake for 1.1km, gaining 200m was recently developed by BCMC. It would be great to check it out. 

Prepare for the whole day. Poles are nice. Tell me if you are bringing someone who is not a member, because they must sign a waiver to participate. Headlamp is a good idea as the sun is setting a bit earlier these days. Bears are pretty active, and in a state of hyperphagia right now, so bring spray. I plan to hike at my own pace. No smoking, no vaping.

Aim to be at the trailhead around 0900. We will all meet at the lake before 4pm. If we have not all arrived at the lake before 4pm, this is when we will start the descent. If we are not all back at the trailhead by 2000, I will call SAR. Check in with me before you leave. 

Directions to trailhead: Follow The Sea To Sky Highway heading towards Squamish for about 40km. About 1.5km after passing the Sea To Sky Gondola, turn right onto the gravel Mamquam River FSR. Follow the Mamquam River FSR for the next 13.2km as it starts out relatively smooth but becomes bumpy and steeper in some sections. At the 13.2km mark, turn left and drive over the bridge crossing the Mamquam River. Drive past the parking area for the kayak put-in at 9 Mile Bridge on your left before crossing a second bridge over Skookum Creek. Just after crossing the second bridge, you reach a junction in the road with two large signs fastened between log pylons on the left. Turn left and pass between the signs as you are now on the Skookum Dam FSR. Pass the power station on your left and continue to follow the Skookum Creek FSR as it steadily climbs through a fairly bumpy section of road while offering views of the valley to the right. Near the 16km mark, you reach a junction in the road next to a huge metal air vent that looks like a giant candy cane. Go left at this junction to continue to the new trailhead for Watersprite Lake as the road continues through a relatively flat section for a bit before climbing up a very steep hill and then descending a short time later. The road ends at a metal gate and large parking area near the Skookum Dam. Park your vehicle here and begin the hike near the metal gate.

Last thing, I have never hiked this trail before. Should be fun. I encourage each participant to take responsibility for the experience they choose to have.