July 17th – Day 1 – Breakfast at 7 am, packs ready. We waited for the school bus to shuttle us from the south end of the trail at Port Renfrew to the North in Bamfield. It was a four hour ride on dusty logging roads. Couldn’t find it again if you paid me to try. On the bus we met Puce from Switzerland. He was 20 and going to Medical School in the Fall and decided to travel some before he has to settle down.
There are several people waiting to go through the orientation when we arrive in Bamfield at 12:30 pm. We had done the orientation the day before so we could get started in early afternoon. We learned about looking out for bears, wolves and cougars. Take your time, access the situation and then vote as a team, she said. 27 evacuations so far this season, (less then 2 % of the total number of people that hiked the trail.) That made me nervous I didn’t want to one of those statistics. We get our final instructions and permits and headed out at 1 pm on the beach.
Beautiful and gorgeous! I had my pack on my back, I had trained hard, I had my buds with me and we were fulfilling on their bucket lists. I don’t have a bucket list. I’m thinking maybe I should start one. This is COOL! When I work with my clients the hardest part I tell them is getting started in creating a life they love. And here I was despite my fears moving forward with excitement!
Our goal the first day was to hike 7.5 miles to Michigan Creek and camp on the beach. We warmed up with a few ladders and crossed 23 bridges. I counted everyone like a badge of victory. When we arrived in camp we had to figure our roles — who was putting up the tent, cooking dinner etc…
Okay we are doing the West Coast Trail – now RELAX…
I am looking forward to the story. I hope you send out each and every one. When I read a book I like a end. Thanks for sharing.