A North Shore Rescue squad spent Saturday night rappelling into some of Grouse Mountain's steeper terrain to find a lost and indefatigable outdoorsman.
After finishing off the Grouse Grind Saturday afternoon, one North Shore hiker went looking for a longer workout, according to North Shore Rescue team leader Mike Danks. "He got to the top and was feeling energetic," Danks said.
The hiker headed down The Cut, doing his best to parallel the path of the chairlift. He was likely on the Mackay Creek trail, according to Danks. "He quickly lost that trail and got into very steep terrain."
When he found he couldn't go up or down without greatly risking his safety, the hiker called North Vancouver RC MP, who quickly passed the word to North Shore Rescue.
After rappelling into the wedge at about sunset, NSR volunteers were able to lower him into a safe spot and walk him out just after sunset.
As the days get shorter, the nights get colder and the terrain gets more slippery, the incident is a reminder for errant hikers. Explorers who end up off-trail and unable to backtrack should stay put and call for help, according to Danks. "It's a lot safer for us to get in there before it's dark," he said.
