We each have our personal hills to climb, and we feel better when we're over the hump… but this is a hill I'd climb again and again!

Good gardeners seem to have a special ingredient in their DNA. They inherently know when to plant, when to water and fertilize, and when to let the earth lie fallow so it will rejuvenate. They know exactly when to pick or harvest.

Ella McQuinn has that quality. Three years ago, Ella planted the seed about heli-hiking in the Bugaboo Mountains, British Columbia. The planting was done with a gang of special friends-Linda, Mary, Kathy, Michele and moi-who get together as often as possible. We're all Maritimers, but Michele and Kathy live in Vancouver and England respectively. As a result, our gatherings are not as frequent as we'd like.

Back to Ella's plantings. In what seems like an eon ago, we agreed that someday we might go heli-hiking-sort of like "someday maybe we might go to Mars." My agreement was a silent "not in my lifetime, girl." From time to time the proposition was fertilized: a suggested web site, occasional comments, a brochure from Canadian Mountain Holidays.

Mary had hiked Mount Robson, BC, a couple of years ago-she was the first seedling to sprout. This gave Ella hope. A few pictures from one of her BC jaunts were brought to a gathering. Interest grew. More fertilizer was provided-photos, stories, then the clincher: a video! We were in. We were excited, and the planning began in earnest for a September 2008 trip.

There were two major components: partying and hiking. We knew we could pass any test in the former; the latter was our challenge. Training plans included daily walking, hiking Nova Scotia's Cape Chignecto and perhaps tackling Mount Carleton in New Brunswick. Walks happened; climbing didn't.

Although we weren't all in the best physical shape by the time Departure Day rolled around, we nevertheless felt confident we would perform well. I had a severe bout of flu just prior to departure, but I had the moxie of a lion-there was no way I was going to back out. I tested my level of fitness the night before departure by dancing the night away at an outdoor blues concert. I was certain I would have no problem at all on the mountains!

Getting to the Bugaboos was easy. Kathy was holidaying in Nova Scotia, so five of us flew from Halifax to Calgary, then went by shuttlebus to the delightful Juniper Hotel in Banff. Michele joined us from Vancouver. The first powwow began in Banff, and it augured well for the rest of the trip.

The next day we shuttled to the helicopter that would take us to the CMH lodge, where we settled into our posh rooms. We had a delectable lunch, which included the most fabulous squash dish with broccoli and asparagus. After getting outfitted with boots and other clothing from the lodge stash, we flew out by chopper for our first hike.

Initially filled with enthusiasm, I quickly learned I should have done more dancing! My buddies, all more than 20-plus years younger than I, bounded ahead up the mountain trail. I plodded along well behind, and at one point decided I would rather become bear meat than proceed. Dave, our guide, walked slowly with me, getting me talking about just about anything-my kids, dogs, fishing, home, the East. My upbringing prevented me from telling him exactly where I wanted him to go… I responded, but used as few words as possible. I understood later that he was helping me to get more oxygen into my system-and it worked. I made it to the top where my pals were waiting. And I felt good!

Each day started with a half hour of stretching and a full breakfast. (Oh! I'd trade my first-born for a plate of those scones right now!) Then off to the mountains. There were about 50 hikers in residence; we flew out to different trails in groups of eight to 10. We enjoyed our packed lunches and snacks sometimes above the tree line, sometimes on the banks of a mountain lake and sometimes amid delicate wildflowers.

One day, two of our pals went on a more rigorous hike with another group. They climbed to a lake high on a mountain. It's rumoured that skinny-dipping took place, though there is no digital proof of same!

The elevation was on average 9,000 feet. We learned how to walk uphill in a way that conserved energy, and downhill in a way that lessened strain on body parts. With the agony of the first day behind us we looked forward to the excitement of a new trail each day. We had been cautioned about being in the world of bears-we came across a grizzly sign, but no grizzlies. We experienced all types of weather: sun, rain, a bit of snow.

After sumptuous dinners, evenings were filled with chat around a fire and a few games of cribbage, or working on a jigsaw puzzle. We practiced our party skills with a group of western gals, the Bodacious of the Bugaboos. If it had been a shindig contest we would have come in second! We were all fast friends by the time we departed, all regretting that the West is not in the East.

In some life experiences anticipation is greater than the event itself-not so with this trip. It was truly one of those adventures you can't describe adequately in any way other than with a wistful look and a remark: "You shoulda been there."

We each have our personal tribulations and hills to climb. Some of them turn into mountains, and we feel better when we are over the hump. Not for me this time! When I was at the peak I was reminded of one of my sons in his teenage years, who, after a break-up with his first girlfriend, said he was moving West to become a hermit and live on a mountain. As a parent I dismissed the idea. Now, having had the experience of being up there, I can appreciate his sentiment.

I was also reminded of the spirits of my ancestors, who ventured to a new and wild land from Scotland in the 18th century. Perhaps my grandchildren will say that I conquered a new world, too.

Having lived for several months in a tent in the wilderness of Labrador, I can appreciate how one becomes attached to solitude, not keen to return to the hum of everyday life. I felt the same after three days in the Bugaboo Mountains.

Maybe my buddies and I will tackle the trails of one of our Atlantic mountains for our next challenge. If I can climb the mountains on a heli-hiking trip, I can do it here as well… in fact, anyone of any age can.