Lynn Creek, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

My first incursion into the Canadian outdoors took me on an out and back hike along the course of Lynn Creek. A subadult black bear had been seen in the area only two days before, so it was just as well that I had bear spray with me and accessible though I never did see a bruin. The day was hot, so the shade was appreciated even if it restricted views and enforced the idea of remaining vigilant to the presence of wild creatures that you would never meet in Britain or Ireland. This was an outing that easily proved to be satisfying and worthwhile.