I hadn’t been up Black Rock in the Ghost for over 10 years. And I probably wouldn’t have been this past weekend if fate – and Twitter – hadn’t intervened.

Let me explain.

As a writer, I’m always trying to keep up on social media – making sure I have a presence, build a brand, ya-da ya-da – you know, all those things a writer needs to do in order to stay current. Building up a following means following others and I’ve been selectively finding like-minded people/groups to follow.

Friends of the Ghost was just such a group. I followed them; they followed me back. And then they sent me a note:

Ghost Hikers & GWAS hiking up Black Rock this Sunday, Sept 21. Want to join in? @cdnhiker

— Friends of the Ghost (@GhostValleyNews) September 18, 2014

Hike? Black Rock? With the Ghost Watershed Alliance Society? On a day with no looming deadlines? I’m in!

Crossing the Ghost! (Credit: M. Kopp)

Oh boy, was I in! Beyond a rough gravel road and steep hill to the river valley, access includes glacial river crossings (don’t forget to pack water shoes). The hike itself is a strenous, 900-metre elevation climb with plenty of scree.

Up, up… oh yeah… and up! (Credit: M. Kopp)

But the views just keep getting better!

Nearing the summit. (Credit: M. Kopp)

At the summit, the old fire lookout dating back to 1930s stands as a weathered testament to the will of hikers. It’s a little beaten, a little ragged – but still standing!

Black Rock Fire Lookout. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Thanks Friends of the Ghost, GWAS and Ghost Hikers for the carpool, conversation and company. Brilliant day!

Late day sun turns Black Rock golden. (Credit: M. Kopp)