WEST COAST TRAIL - SUMMER 1996
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The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is considered one of the toughest backpacking trips in the world. Spanning 76 kilometeres, the trail, part of Pacific Rim National Park is famed the world over for it's beauty, it's isolation, and...it's MUD! I hiked the trail with a group of fellow students from the University of Calgary. We were lead by Dr. Al Brawn who has himself hiked the trail countless times and who just recently published his own book about the trail. We covered the distance in a leisurely 8 and a half days, starting at Bamfield and hiking down to Port Renfrew. It was an experience that I won't soon forget. The scenery was indeed awe inspiring, the mud was EVERYWHERE, and as for isolation? Well, you are miles away from any roads, but they are certainly plenty of other hikers to remind you of civilization. |
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This
is my poseur shot - but I'm quite fond of it...despite the crappy pack-packing
on display!
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Sarah
passing through "The hole in the Rock" on Day 3. You have
to time this passage carefully with the tides, or you can get yourself
in a bit of unexpected trouble! (We passed through unscathed!)
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One of the many boardwalks that we travelled upon. Day 4.
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What
did I say about the mud? All I can say is that gaitors really do become
your best friends! Day 6.
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Our fearless leader Al on the infamous stairs near Cullite Creek. Day 7.
The Gang! (L-R) Ange, Sarah, James, Al, George, Jenn, Me, Kelly G. and Kelly D.