I just returned from an amazing week guiding a group along the West Coast Trail with my fellow guide JF. The easiest way to describe the trip was 1 in a million. Prior to leaving numerous people told me horror stories about this infamous trail. Mud, slime, and rain where always the main themes. We however, enjoyed whales, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and brilliant sunshine. Very few people can say that they completed the West Coast Trail without a lick of rain. I feel very fortunate to have shared this experience with the group.
Even though we had nothing but sun, the trail kept it's muddy reputation. Normally, I don't hike with gators; however, with this trail it was a must. I am scared to picture what it would have been like had it been raining.
Opportunities to clean our boots presented themselves daily as the tides were in our favour. We hiked along the beach whenever access allowed. The hard packed sand proved more efficient than the rooted inland option. Wet seaweed spiced things up and many hikers were caught as we tried to make our way around Owen's Point.
Owen's Point
Hungry stomachs were not a concern on this trip. We ate like kings! Delicious meals were prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our scrumptious culinary skills were no match to Chez Monique's bacon laden burger and the fresh fish at NitNat Narrows. Waist belts were loosened and we were rolled into the boat that took us across the narrows. Our bodies struggled to provide blood flow to both our full tummies and our screaming thighs, but we managed to continued along the trail.
Crab Shack at NitNat Narrows
Along with the abundance of wildlife we were also witness to history. Scattered along the shoreline remnants of the past could be seen. Old boilers, rusted bolts and giant anchors proved to be a strong reminder of the original use of the trail, connecting shipwrecked survivors back to civilization.
Seven days and 75km later we, ourselves, arrived back in civilization...some with more energy than others :)
Thanks David, JF, Orlene, Olu, Cathy, Helen, Matt, Gerald, and Tara for such a great trip!
Thanks David, JF, Orlene, Olu, Cathy, Helen, Matt, Gerald, and Tara for such a great trip!
The Northern terminus of the trail!
