Bear Mountain Trip

A couple of days ago, for hubby's birthday, we finally got to go to Bear Mountain to hike. Our original plan wasn't to hike though. We were just going to drive to the top of the mountain to see the scenery. However, the road to the tower was closed (Perkins Memorial dr.) due to the weather. So, while my husband was trying to look for an alternative through his cell phone, I decided to follow a car in front of me which happened to stop when seeing the road was closed, and then drove away further down. I was hoping there would be another road to go up there. But after another 5 mins drive, we didn't find anything but the huge parking lot for people who wants to hike (parking fee : $8).

That day was very cloudy, with 50% chance of rain after 2pm. We got there around 11am. We thought to just go home (or just go to the mall nearby... mall again... mall again... :p) once we saw the road was closed, and come back another day. My thought that made me just want to go home were:
1. No plan for hiking
2. Weather didn't seem to be cooperating. It looked like it would be pouring at anytime.
3. According to the lady who works there, it would take 3 to 4 hours round trip to hike to the top.
4. I was not into hiking at all (main reason ... *grin*)

However, after driving in and out of the parking lot area several times, and with further consideration, we decided to take the chance to hike despite of the possibility of getting soaked (and without preparing any spare clothes... I guess we could just easily buy new ones in the mall if we really need it later). Main reason was that I would like to make my husband especially happy that day. And I know he loves to hike!! After all, we just wanted to enjoy the nature, weather or not it rains, it shouldn't make any differences.

So, here we go. After grabbing some snacks and water, we snapped some pictures, and started our journey. It was my second time hiking after my first in Canada, last year.

The start of Bear Mountain journey

The hiking was not difficult at all, mostly steps. So it really trains our knees. Our first stop, was one third of the journey, which we reached in a little bit less than 30 mins.  From there, we already could see a breath-taking view of the mountains, the lake, and the Bear Mountain Bridge. We rested there for a little bit to enjoy the scenery, the snacks and had a zip of water we brought. A big mistake I made, I only brought one bottle of water to hike, where I had 2 more in the car. My husband always refused to drink whenever I offered him. He kept on saying that he wasn't thirsty at all, and could drink later when we get back down. I think he's just afraid I wouldn't have enough to drink until we come back, and restrained himself from drinking. (*_*")

The view after one third of the journey

After another 30 mins hike, we reached almost the top of the mountain. However, suddenly the cloud was turning very dark, so I asked my husband we could just go back down, though he insisted that we only had around 5 more mins to reach the tower. There were 2 roads that we passed through in the middle, where we took some more pictures and rested.

After 1/3 and 4/5 of the journey

Once we are back down, my husband brought me to the lake, as he first just wanted to sit by the water. However, since there was a boat rental boot, we rented one of the row boats instead of the peddling one. We rowed for about 45 mins, which they charged only for 30 mins, presumably for the weather condition. There were short rains a couple of times while we were on the boat.

The boat rental was $5/person for 30 mins or $8/person for 1 hour, plus $20 deposit to be returned when we are back.

Hello!! :) My MIL said that she could see the very happy face of my husband here. ^___^

I was extremely happy that we finally hiked and even rowed a boat on the lake, in spite of the rain. Though I was not into hiking, but the time we had together at that moment was one of the happiest I will aa)lways cherish. Indeed, "it is through giving that we are receiving" (Mother Teresa).

Happy Birthday, Dear! Wish you millions and millions of happiness throughout your life. :))