Hiking Vancouver: Allan Edwin combines hiking and photography for the ultimate outdoor experience

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"Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." 

~Henry David Thoreau

With many Vancouver adventure under his belt, including return trips to conquer the summit of Mount Blanchard, Allan has always loved story-telling, and I am thrilled that he decided to share his story with me; a story of physical challenges, spiritual cleansing, creative outlets and personal growth.

Allan Edwin didn't grow up in a family of hikers. His parents weren't avid outdoorsmen, nor was he until high school, when he moved to BC and met a group of school friends who were into outdoor adventures. Beginning with interesting walks, ramping up to day trips then weekend getaways, Allan had worn through his first pair of hiking boots just one year after moving to BC.

Outdoor exploration has become such a big part of Allan's life that he started sharing it with his own children very early. "We got backpacks not long after the second one was born so we could go hiking and have them along. As the first ones got older they gave up their seats in the backpacks and started walking with us. I have pictures on Mount Seymour when my oldest was 6 and did the whole walk from the parking lot to the summit. Last summer all five of them hiked the whole of the Windy Joe Mountain trail in Manning Park, even the twins, who were 5 at the time." Allan notices the practical side of active kids, as he jokes, "Their mother and I stumbled on the fact that a good adventure day meant a quiet car on the way home and an early bedtime for the kids."

Having five young children, Allan recalls the times when these kinds of outings just weren't practical. That stage between carrying them on your back and having them truck alongside you is a difficult one that called for shorter trips, but he happily modified the outings to accommodate his little ones, and now has a whole group of outdoor lovers. "I'm very proud of my kids. By five years old we were back to daylong adventures."

Single again, he says, "It took me a while to get used to the idea of solo adventures and exploring. I'm back in the swing of that too now. I feel very, very fortunate to live here in Vancouver. There is a truly amazing number of places you can get to using public transportation within a half-day's travel. This last year I did weekend trips to the Sunshine Coast, Nanaimo, and Victoria. I also met some nice people on my travels and as a result joined "Wanderung!" which is an outdoors club of sorts here in Vancouver.

With five children and a job that takes him out of town regularly, Allan finds renewal in his hiking trips. "I am refreshed by hiking and it feeds my curiosity." For him, hiking is "spiritually renewing." He goes on to say, "you can take that for what it's worth to you. All I can tell you is that when I get home I am almost always happy, calm, and satisfied."  Allan is curious by nature. He wants to see and learn as much as he can. Knowing that there are experiences out waiting for him gets him up and moving and excitedly exploring them. Allan comments "at earlier points in my life, I felt selfish for even wanting to light out for the horizons so much, but at this stage I believe that feeding that curiosity is integral to being myself and being whole."

Along with being an passionate hiker, Allan is an exceptional photographer. This innate curiosity he speaks of has given way to some impressively creative work. This creative outlet combined with the energizing outdoors and the physical challenge of hiking has given Allan balance. Having this natural escape has fueled his creativity and provided respite in an otherwise busy life. "Our days are packed with tasks and expectations coming at us from all sides. The conflicting priorities bend and twist us out of shape until we are in danger of snapping. Creativity is about self-expression. It's about taking what you see, making it tangible and available to someone else. (...) That's what going outdoors does for me. It allows me to take myself out of this arbitrary world that asks so much of me. Outside, the sun, the weather, and how many miles are between my dinner and me are my major considerations. Other than that, I can walk as slow or as fast as I want. I can stop to take pictures, or just enjoy the view. It's a lot simpler. All the turmoil inside my head calms down. When that happens, I find my rhythm again. It is no accident that I return from every adventure with photos, a new insight, or observation."

Allan's trips are nothing short of inspiring. The way he documents his adventures through photography, often pairing that with such compelling narrative leaves me yearning for the outdoors. Having tested the best routes in Vancouver, Allan offers some inside tips. First, he recommends you pick up two great books, "109 Walks in British Columbia's Lower Mainland" by Mary Macaree and "104 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia" by Jack Bryceland. Having bought his first copies over 20 years ago he still hasn't managed to tick off each recommended trip. 

Allan recommends Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver and Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver for great ways to explore Vancouver. Both parks offer wonderful examples of what hiking around this part of the country is like. Neither are too busy, and Allan comments that it's "like you've found your own little corner of solitude." On a warm, clear summer or fall day, the trail up to Hollyburn peak in Cypress Provincial Park delivers amazing views of the city.

Allan won't send you outdoor adventuring empty handed. Here's what he recommends you take along:

• Flashlight, spare batteries and bulb
• Firemaking kit - waterproof matches/lighter, firestarter/candle
• Signalling device - whistle or mirror to signal searchers if you become lost
• Extra food and water - 1 litre/person
• Extra clothing - rain, wind, water protection and toque
• Navigation/communication aids (maps, compass, GPS, charts, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand held radio - fully charged battery) - know how to use them
• First Aid kit - know how to use it
• Emergency shelter - orange tarp or large orange garbage bag. These can also be used as signalling devices
• Pocketknife
• Sun protection (glasses, sunscreen, hat)

Visit North Shore rescue (http://www.northshorerescue.com/whattobring.html) for important safety tips and supplies. Allan reminds hikers to head out with a plan and make sure people know where you've gone and when to expect you back. While some of his trips seem romantic in their spontaneity, he comments, "being prepared is definitely part of the adventure".

If you could use a little nature therapy of your own, head outdoors; challenge yourself physically, and renew yourself spiritually.

- Francesca Clarke -