Paul Head’s thoughts on his West Coast Trail Adventure

In his own words:

I, for one, am suffering acute West Coast Trail withdrawal symptoms, and just wondered if any of you can relate….

At 5:30 a.m. I rolled over in my bed( which seemed odd) and discovered much to my dismay, Dave wasn’t cuddled up close by, there was no condensation dripping in my face, no wet sand and I didn’t smell a strong odour of cheese emanating from under the covers. Something is very wrong, I thought, as I struggled to pull down my curtains and roll them into my pillow case. For the life of my , I couldn’t locate my boots, and the very idea of sitting on a real toilet seat with out throwing in something to help the compost process, as a result, grabbing some bread crumbs just seemed like the right thing to do. It then occurred to me, I am home, civilization again.

But, it was the meandering “pedestrian” stroll to work, with all those empty, unmotivated, stressed out faces staring back at me, as I bounced ever so lightly down Pender Street with only a day pack, singing American Pie”. No one cared about my relationship issues, asked me how I was feeling, or if I had taken all the snack wrappers out of my pockets, and did I mention how deafening and draining the noise of the city felt. Please Lord, give me back my nine wonderful WCT companions, the banter, the support, the Team work, and the smiles on the beach at the end of the day, while we enjoyed a simple cup of coffee, tea around a warming campfire.

How I yearned for a series of ladders as I entered work, and yet opted for the stairs, only to watch the rest of the world struggle gloomily squeezing into the elevator to climb a mere 5 floors. Then this onslaught of IT information, incessant Blackberry chirping, email inbox piling up with spam-yikes. Is it too much to ask for another grey whale, or Papa Smurf’s warning about black tarspot algae, or yellow banana slug ahead? Can’t I have a few more days of the peace and tranquility, with Mother Nature’s carpet below my boots, or the sucking sound of the never ending ooze, as we embraced the mud, each in our own way. Perhaps I will just put on my Gore Tex, and stand under the shower tonight, with my pack on, and trekking poles (2 for safety) firmly in hand.

I think John, may have said it best “ I was able to experience God’s majesty in all the trees, cliffs, rock formations, animals and the endless waves of the tide coming and going. It truly made me think about how small I am, and how great He is.”

One thing is for sure, my friends. I won’t sell the last 8 days experience for any amount of money, and I have gained so much through the process. Thank you all for varied gifts, often unspoken, but all treasured. Also on behalf of IDEAS and all the Team, a heartfelt thank you to Mark and Bill, from Sea to Sky Expeditions, for ensuring our journey was a safe, learning and fulfilling adventure.

And now the planning begins, for the next IBD Adventure Team event. These amazing journeys help to raise awareness of intestinal disease, ostomy, while also funding IBD research. Please join us, on our next incredible adventure to…….