I could not stop humming the old BJ Thomas song “Rain drops keep fallin on my head”, while peering out at the gloom today. For most of the summer the West Coast Trail had basked in sunshine, and now a scant 6 days away, Mother Nature reminded me again of who was really in charge!
For the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure of delivering excited trekkers to the WCT as a driver with Sea to Sky Expeditions. Our guides would do a thorough gear check, which would be followed by a scrumptious, gourmet dinner at the Country Kitchen in Port Renfrew (fresh Fish & Chips please, with Chocolate Avalanche cake for dessert), then it was off to our tents for a night filled with anticipation of the early start the following morning.
Bright and chipper the next morning our camp was a beehive of activity as everyone made their last minute pack adjustments, trying to figure out how to get the 10 lb. food bag and tent in that already heavy bag. Amid grins and laughter, perhaps even a little “colourful” language” filled the air, as gaiters were put on, often for the first time. All too soon it was reality time, and the group marched down to the ferry like a platoon of soldiers, albeit slightly out of step. It was then my turn, much like a grieving Father standing forlorn on a misty dock, to wave good bye, to watch my “kids” set off to do battle with the elements.
A bit dramatic, perhaps, but having had the opportunity to share both the anxiety and nervous build up to several IBD Adventure quests, this West Coast Trail journey is a big one on my bucket list. Rob Hill, our successful 7 Summits leader, will share his passion on raising awareness of intestinal disease, ostomy and IDEAS. It has also been my experience, lifetime bonds are formed on these treks, as collectively we share our triumphs, the mental and physical trail challenges, while embracing the famous “Wet Coast MUD!”. There is nothing quite like the glow you see on your fellow teammates faces, while sharing and enjoying a hot coffee or Tea after a long, gruelling day on trail.
This overwhelming warmth fills Old Super Bajes soul, and come more rain, or shine, I am ready to “Leap and the net will surely appear”. In the meantime, I must admit, I will pray the sun returns! We welcome you to join and support us, together, we trek this trail of Happy Destiny. ~Paul Head
{ 5 comments }
For the benefit of some of our more, er, youthful readers, I had to Google that song for you Paul and add it to the post. Sorry. John
Yes I would have to agree John, I can’t say that song is a chart topper these days
Have a wonderful journey on our WCT!
A hiking time full of wind and waves, sunsets and sunrises, beachcombing and companionship…
Oh, and for those of us much longer in tooth and greyer of hair, that is a favorite song.
DSD
BTW,
Just thought I would put up a post about this as well.
Have a great journey!
DSD
A West Coast Trail Dedication,
Our good friend DSD, has written another amazing blog outlining out trip, and I have taken the liberty of sharing it with you, our supporters. Visit his blog spot, he captures the very essence of why we embark on these adventures of body, mind and spirit- in my humble opinion……….
This post is dedicated to all those past hardy adventurous hiking souls; and now to those too of IDEAS (Intestinal Disease Education & Awareness Society) & IBD Adventurers, like Rob Hill and Paul Head, who once again are setting out upon yet another journey – The West Coast Trail, to ‘Adventure for another reason’… They are all now devoting themselves, offering up their efforts, for a special purpose – to raise funds and honour those who are challenged daily with IBD.
The West Coast Trail…
A path of history now over 100 years old.
A trail among trails… A trail of character and commitment, and a personal trial of finding ones’ dignity within resoluteness. Our journey there often takes us into the mist and beyond…
The WCT, where the spirits hiking among the mist are of beauty, attitude, and rugged embracements. This is a special mix of trails of trees, and sand, and rock, and even mud.
For it is among such wild mystery where we each discover again the reasons for why we wander so, and maybe even for who we dedicate such endeavors to…
Here, on the WCT, we feel rain falling much like our tears of contentment; moments among sunrise & sunset and enlightenment’s so very unique; tides and waterfalls of grandeur; the wonders of old trees as well as soft shifting sands and pebbles too many to count…
There, we fall asleep to the wind and waves, near so warm beach fires, and then awaken refreshed of body and spirit too. We discover ourselves among companions whose smiles we begin to know so closely.
Our West Coast Trail…
An elemental blending of wonders and mystery, magic and memories…
DSD
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