Tamsin writes:-

On a day that dawned milder and drier than expected nine intrepid guinea pigs, I mean hikers, bravely joined Tamsin leading a trip for the first time.  We donned spikes at the Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest car park and had a quick round of introductions (after being reminded that we didn’t all know each other and we had a new member with us – welcome Danny!) then set off, map in hand with GPS backup guide.

The route started alongside Brohm Lake, swirling gently with morning mist, then wound up into the forest.  We soon warmed up pausing to shed layers and the spikes.  There were a lot of downed trees and branches creating somewhat of an obstacle course and a few map-reading pauses, but we reached a lovely viewpoint for a snack. Continuing on through beautiful furry-treed forest and gradually increasing elevation we climbed over another fallen tree before finding the short but steep trail up to Tantalus View lookout point – our stop for lunch.  We had another nearly-birthday to celebrate with cupcakes and wine overlooking stunning snow-capped peaks above an atmospheric layer of cloud. 

After lunch we wound our way back down towards and around Brohm Lake along a rocky trail, re-donned the spikes for a short icy section, then climbed steeply back up a series of switchbacks and steps (not the “it’s pretty flat from here” trail the newbie leader had promised!) to the level of the road and back to the carpark.

Many thanks go to Louise for helping plan and organise (and having a well-timed birthday), Iain for being GPS route-finding backup, Sheila for bringing cupcakes and wine and the other guinea pig hikers for being kind and patient 

See the route here from Iain’s GPS