DIEZ VISTAS TRAIL, BUNTZEN LAKE, near Vancouver, BC September 21, 2002 Buntzen Lake is a popular lake in the Vancouver area, north of Coquitlam and Port Moody. Of the three circular trails, Diez Vistas is the longest (15km) and most strenuous, but commands the best view of the lake and Vancouver. It took me about 5 hours. Hiking is far better than the others, and you won't run into many people, either. The other two trails are the Buntzen Lake Trail (easiest) and Lake View Trail (easier and shared with horseback riders--so watch your step!). When you arrive at the parking lot, park your car as close to the beach as possible because it's safer and you don't have to walk as much back to your car afterwards. The trail begins at the southeast corner of the parking lot. Follow the Lake Buntzen Trail for half a kilometer and cross the boardwalks. There you can go right and continue on Lake Buntzen Trail or go straight into the woods (it's easy to miss it) and follow the signs to Diez Vistas Trail. The first 3km is a steep climb. Once you go under the power cable, the trail really gets tough and steeper. It's easy to get sidetracked so keep your eye on the red reflectors on the tree barks. Once you get to Puente del Este viewpoint, it's easygoing rest of the way. Vista 1 is the best viewpoint, so spend as much time there as possible. And don't get your hopes up on the other nine because they won't be as panoramic or breathtaking. But hiking through the shaded forest and coming out of it every now and then for a quick refreshing view of Indian Arm is rewarding. When you finish your descent from the mountain, you'll cross a suspension bridge to a picnic area at the north end of the lake. There was a movie set for a teen horror flick, "Freddie Meets Jason", which was to begin filming in the coming weeks. Take a canoe out and stretch out, dropping your arms over the canoe and into the calm water. And see what happens... Reflection (150k, 46 seconds) This is late afternoon sun rays reflecting off the lake water onto a large rock face.