Mobile Menu

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • West Coast Galleries
    • Nature Photography
    • Wildlife Photography
    • Cityscapes
  • Contests
    • Camel’s Hump Guest Ranch Getaway
    • Raft. Relax. Recharge
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
  • Search
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon
  • Flickr Icon
  • Menu
  • Skip to left header navigation
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon
  • Flickr Icon

West Coast Traveller

  • Destinations
    • Canada
      • British Columbia
        • Vancouver Island, B.C.
        • Okanagan
        • Lower Mainland, B.C.
        • Northern B.C.
        • Interior B.C.
        • Kootenays/Rockies
      • Alberta
      • Yukon
      • Northwest Territories
    • U.S.A.
      • Alaska
      • Washington
      • Oregon
      • California
    • West Coast Galleries
  • Experiences
    • Things To Do
    • Staycation Secrets
      • Canada
      • U.S.A.
    • Adventure
      • Adrenaline
      • Beaches
      • Biking
      • Camping
      • Fishing
      • Hiking
      • Hunting and Fishing
      • Rafting
      • Skiing
    • Sip & Savour
    • Family Activities
    • Indigenous Tourism
    • Accessible Travel
    • Travel Tips & Advisories
  • West Coast Galleries
    • Nature Photography
    • Wildlife Photography
    • Cityscapes
  • Contests
    • Camel’s Hump Guest Ranch Getaway
    • Raft. Relax. Recharge
  • About
    • The Armchair Traveller Newsletter
    • Explore our travel guides
    • Impressive West Coast
    • West Coast Partners
    • West Coast Traveller Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Explore West Coast Traveller on TikTok
  • Search
You are here: Home / Travel / The Happy Hiker, Art Lengkeek, recognized with bench and plaque on Mount Cheam trail

The view from the top of Mt. Cheam as the Happy Hiker, Art Lengkeek (sitting on rock between two friends) celebrates reaching the summit. (Submitted photo)

The Happy Hiker, Art Lengkeek, recognized with bench and plaque on Mount Cheam trail

August 2, 2020 //  by Eric Welsh

Share this:

His name is Art Lengkeek, but those who know him well call him the Happy Hiker.

If you’re a trail enthusiast in the eastern Fraser Valley, you’ve likely crossed paths with Art, and if you’re like many hikers, you’ve probably got a photo with him.

People love to stop him on the trail and ask for a pic. Art is pleased to oblige with an ear-to-ear grin lighting up a face that has seen 88 years.

People half his age marvel as Art motors up inclines that leave others gasping for air. They leave encounters with the Happy Hiker thinking, “If only I can be like that if I live to be almost 90 years old.”

Bright and early Friday morning, Art met up with a few of his hiking friends on Sylvan Drive in Promontory.

He didn’t know why they asked him out, but they had a surprise in store. The trek to the peak of Mt. Cheam is something Art has always wanted to do, and this was the day. Under sunny skies, Art and seven companions wearing “Happy Hiker Fan Club” t-shirts set out on a challenging journey that covers 715 feet of elevation gain.

That would have been excitement enough for Art, but something else was ahead.

A long curved set of 135 steps leads up from the Sylvan Drive trailhead. On Thursday night a crew from the City of Chilliwack hauled a bench up to a leveled-off landing at the 35th step and installed it.

When Art came to that spot with his friends, they got him to read the plaque.

“Art Lengkeek is an avid trail user and, at 88 years old, he still hikes Mount Thom regularly. Art has volunteered in our community for many years and has helped to maintain local trails to keep them safe for all of us to use. Happy Hiking Art. July 31, 2020.”

It was an emotional moment.

The bench and the plaque were perfect. No big fuss for a humble man who doesn’t want a big fuss. Just a few close friends in a picturesque place, taking a few moments to celebrate a life well-lived.

Then onwards and upwards.

Art always loved the outdoors, but he got serious about hiking when he was 74 years old and his doctor handed him a type-two diabetes diagnosis.

With laser-focused dedication, the Happy Hiker put the boots to the disease, dropping 40 pounds and causing his doctor to marvel, “Your blood sugars are lower than mine!”

It started as a way to get his health under control, but it has bloomed into so much more.

Art has faithfully documented all of his hikes, supplementing written words with beautiful pictures that bring his travels to life.

Over the years he’s built up an email list of 80 people who eagerly wait for his latest dispatch. Well past the age when health starts to fail, he carries on like the Energizer Bunny.

Art carried on Friday to the summit of Mt. Cheam, pulled out his camera and had a friend snap a pic.

Of all the photos from all the hikes, this might be the most special.

But for all of the Happy Hiker’s friends and followers, the only wish is that there are many more.

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller

Share this:

Category: TravelTag: British Columbia Destinations, Chilliwack, Fraser Valley, Hiking, Trails

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

A Kelowna photographer captured images of a pack of wolves while on a weekend hike…

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in KelownaRead More

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

He might be a better skier and influencer than any Gen Z could imagine, possibly…

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in GoldenRead More

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

What’s going on around the West Coast? Here’s your inside guide to what’s happening where,…

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!Read More

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

Many travellers believe spring and summer are the best times to explore. That means the…

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf IslandsRead More

Vancouver Island photographer’s bald eagle image is Canada’s choice for international contest

A dramatic image by professional Vancouver Island photographer Anthony Bucci will represent Canada in a…

Vancouver Island photographer’s bald eagle image is Canada’s choice for international contestRead More

Fuel up for outdoor adventures in The ‘Loops: Serving up seconds on magical meals and memories!

The best compliment you can give a chef? Returning for seconds! Oh, and to tell…

Fuel up for outdoor adventures in The ‘Loops: Serving up seconds on magical meals and memories!Read More

The writer who’s been everywhere shares his 2023 California travel wish list

By Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times I’ve been meandering around California for decades, which is…

The writer who’s been everywhere shares his 2023 California travel wish listRead More

Tourism hopes high in B.C. as China lifts border rules, but recovery may take months

Zhengwen Hao says the phone for his Richmond, B.C., restaurant hasn’t stopped buzzing in recent…

Tourism hopes high in B.C. as China lifts border rules, but recovery may take monthsRead More

VIDEO: Young orcas caught showboating off Greater Victoria

They say the downfall of every great fishing story is a witness. But a group…

VIDEO: Young orcas caught showboating off Greater VictoriaRead More

Previous Post: « Patio Perfect: Top BC breweries to visit along the B.C. Ale Trail
Next Post: Food truck pilot project begins in Sooke parks »

Primary Sidebar

Things To Do

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

January 25, 2023

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

January 25, 2023

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

January 24, 2023

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

January 24, 2023

Recent Posts

‘It was a super cool experience’: Wolfpack spotted hanging out in Kelowna

January 25, 2023

Gary the cat shreds the gnar in Golden

January 25, 2023

Travel on the Fly: Dine Out Vancouver; Waddling with penguins in Calgary; Fernie’s powder perfection + more!

January 24, 2023

Nothing is the New Something in B.C.’s Southern Gulf Islands

January 24, 2023

Footer

The West Coast Traveller has an immense social media footprint, with eight social media sites and and 125,000+ social followers.

Join us on social media and Join Our Community by sharing your stuff!

Get Inspired

News Media Groups

Black Press Media
Sound Publishing
Oahu Media Group
Alaska
Boulevard Magazines
Used.ca

Let’s Get Social

West Coast Traveller
I Love British Columbia
I Love Alberta
I Love Yukon
I Love Northwest Territories
I Love Washington
I Love California
I Love Oregon
I Love Alaska

Visit Our Companion Sites

I Love Saskatchewan
I Love Manitoba
I Love Nunavut
I Love Ontario
I Love Quebec
I Love Newfoundland and Labrador
I Love Nova Scotia
I Love New Brunswick
I Love Prince Edward Island

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • TikTok Icon

Copyright © 2023 West Coast Traveller and · All Rights Reserved