concerned – West Coast Trail

Those who love the West Coast Trail are happy it MIGHT open May 1st on schedule for it’s 100 year anniversary.

Bill Fox, manager of marine assets at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, told Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District directors Wednesday that contractors and First Nations are rebuilding and repairing 10 bridges, three cable cars and clearing thousands of fallen trees along the West Coast Trail.

“We might open as of May 1,” said Fox. “The West Coast Trail experience will be different for a while, probably for much of our lifetimes.”

West Coast Trail May Open May 1 – Westcoaster.ca

larger version – flickr – BluePeak

Among those of us concerned is Bob Bannon, author of The West Coast Trail – One Step at a Time.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this is the book for you. It’s a feature length trip report including a bear encounter and the antics of “hockey stick hikers”.

The book reminds me of the best-seller Marley and Me — the life story of a dog named Marley which might have been written by any dog owner.

Likewise, anyone could write a book about an intense week on the West Coast Trail. Bob and his buddy Gord were neophyte hikers, deeply uncertain about their ability to complete a physical challenge like the WCT. They had some tough times on the trail but ultimately conquered their fears … and the dozens of steep ladders.

We heartily recommend The West Coast Trail – One Step at a Time.

The author sells it directly on his website for C$20. Or you can pick it up in book and gear shops in Western Canada.