Autumn Trail Photo by Tamsin
On October 25, 2026, a large group of 18 got together and took part in our “Annual Pumpkin Hike” – a food and hiking event originally a tongue-in-cheek event inspired by all the “pumpkin spice” madness and marketing that now happens at coffee shops and other retailers every fall. The trip and food event is also of course inspired by my love of pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins and so on.
This year’s route was a 12 km (return) combined urban walk/trail hike that took us up Mosquito Creek trails, through the Edgemont Village area and then up the trails in the Capilano River Regional Park. These trails included the Coho Loop that led us along the Cable Pool Lookout and Bridge. Lots of Chum and Coho Salmon were running in the river, which made for great viewing. We also saw lots of houses decorated for Halloween. One was a standout. The weather was a beautiful fall day that threatened rain but did not actually rain on us!
Fifteen of us actually did the hike, while 2 people drove to the Capilano Fish Hatchery and one member met there later. Sheila kindly drove there before the hikers arrived in order to grab some of the picnic tables that were under a nice covered area near the hatchery; and in order to set up pumpkin/Halloween themed tablecloths and a stove to heat up her delicious pumpkin-spiced chicken wings, meatballs, and sweet potatoes, not to mention hot water for tea for anyone who wanted it. The stove was a big luxury this year, as every year except the first Pumpkin Hike we have hiked with just whatever we could bring with us! Thanks to Sheila for this and for bring food up in the car for several hikers!
The food and pumpkin ale spread this year, contributed to by all of us, was of epic proportions (see photos)! Everyone commented on how enjoyable it was and how good the food was. Thanks to everyone who contributed! Besides the above, there were 2 pumpkin loaves, muffins, pumpkin hummus, pumpkin cheese, pumpkin cheese shaped as a pumpkin, pumpkin crackers, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, and the list goes on! There were 4 pumpkin ales, all described as good, and one ginger beer which was the favourite of the bunch of drinks. Yuuuummmm!
Photos by Tamsin and others
Looking at the salmon down in the river below in the Cable Pool
