The Grouse Grind

Bryan arrived with Rosie and Robyn saying that they were about to head up the Grouse Grind. He wanted to know if anyone was going to join them. Bridget, Daniel and I decided to go as well.

The Grouse Grind is an extremely steep and mountainous trail that climbs 853 m (2,799 ft) over a distance of 2.9 km (2 mi), with an average grade of 30 degrees.

I have been told about it since I arrived, and decided that I should at least try it once. Daniel, Michael O'H and Bridget also climbed it on Tuesday with Michael M. and Don, and the rest of Michael's soccer team.

We had been suitably warned and organised drink bottles for the climb. Information books suggest that beginners usually take about an hour and a half to 2 hours. The record is 24 minutes. They also have an annual race which is coming up next month.

We arrived at the gate, but in spite of all the information signs and warnings, we stepped through the gate and began to climb. There are wooden steps, and steps that are back-filled with rocks, as well as just rocks and tree roots. After a while of constant climbing I stopped for a breather and a mouthful of water. The sweat was already dripping down my brow. After about 25 minutes of constant uphill climbing we saw the 1/4 way sign. This was another good spot for a rest. Not may people were passing us, except when we stopped for a rest, and we seemed to be playing a game of leap frog with the others near us. When we stopped they passed us, and when they stopped we passed them. Bridget and Rosie continued at their own speed somewhere in front of us. Daniel would go at his own speed and then stop and wait for us. Bryan and Robyn were a team with Bryan helping her up the steeper bits. There weren't many kids doing the trail. I only saw 3 other kids. I did see a guy walking up sipping a beer can, a woman climbing in knee high, pointed toe boots, and a guy and a girl going barefoot. They were carrying their flip-flops (thongs).

The terrain and views didn't really change all the way up. There were a couple of spots where you could get a view, but mostly we were just climbing a trail up the mountain looking at trees and rocks, and more trees and rocks. We reached the 1/2 way mark in about 50 minutes. The only thing to do now was to keep going because we were getting closer to the top than the bottom. Climbing down the Grind is prohibited. It would be a great strain on the legs and knees, as well as the fact that they would be going against the flow of uphill traffic and causing a traffic hazard.

We seemed to be going at a constant 25 minutes for each 1/4 of the trail, and it was a great relief to hear someone say that they could see the top somewhere up ahead. Near the end of the trail there is a sign prohibiting downhill travel, and it was finally in sight. As I got closer I could see people sitting on the larger rocks near the end of the trail, watching and waiting for the other members of their group. Bridget, Rosie and Daniel were sitting on the rocks, and Bryan and Robyn had been a short way in front of me.

I was glad that I had reached the top. I don't see any need to do it again. My legs were tired and my knee was a bit painful. We were all glad to get a drink and sit down for a while before we caught the gondola back down the mountain.