The WCT was everything and more. A fantastic experience that offered daily challenges, wonderful opportunities to meet some of the nicest folks in the world, and yet another proving ground to fine tune the art of backpacking. Here are some of my closing thoughts about the trip.

Rain: Clearly, having no rain made this a very different hike from what had been repeatedly described in the WCT's guide books. Having said this, I would only hike this trail in July or August when one is not-as-likely to have rain... although, I'd always plan for some! Remember, the WCT is along the Pacific Ocean where the weather can change in a moment's notice. Expect dense fog, pelting rain, and wind. (HaHa! We didn't have any!)

The Tides: We took it for granted the tides would not prevent us from hiking anywhere we chose to. Wrong. It was a fortunate fluke that low tide happened to be midday during the week we hiked. For example, when we arrived at Port Renfrey at the end of our trip, we learned the upcoming tides would prevent hikers entering the trail that day from hiking around Owen Point... a part of the trail which is a must-do.

Injuries: 1% of all hikers get injured and require evacuation. That means, that for every 60 hikers allowed on the trail per day, probably one will come home unexpectedly. This is a dangerous trail that boasts of twisted ankles and injured knees while crossing numerous damp/wet log bridges, traversing over boulders and slippery rock, slippery rock at low tide, and wet/muddy trails (365 days a year). To avoid falling and injury required constant vigilance. It was VERY challenging for us and we had no rain and the best weather possible. With rain... the trail becomes treacherous!

Children: This is a great hike for adults. Children who are experienced backpackers at least 12 years of age might be AOK. This is a multi-day hike. Remember... a kids backpack should weigh no more then 10 lbs +/- (depending on the child's weight).

The Restaurants: The eateries at Nitinat Lake (33 Km) and Chey Monique's (44 Km) are chancy. In fact, whether or not Carl is at his post at Nitinat Lake prepared to shuttle hikers from one side to the other involves a little good fortune. And, Monique... I've a hunch she's on her own time schedule and one shouldn't count on dining at her establishment in lieu of bringing a trail meal. Never the less... I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to eat at either location! Carl and Monique are both charming folks. They have great stories... and the food was fantastic! (A good cold beer was a welcomed treat as well!)

Personal Food: It is truly an art to pack only what you will eat, and then some for emergencies. I'm proud to say we each did a fantastic job packing the absolute right amount of personal food. In terms of community dinners, we agreed that the typical 1-1/3 lb community dinners would weigh about 1-1/2 to 2-lbs heavier because they would include freshly cured and smoked cheeses and meats. Fresh meat clearly adds to the quality of community dinners. We ate better then anyone on the trail... guaranteed! The Boys were glad Chef DeBoot Blister was back! (It should be noted, Warren made a tantalizing comeback this trip by preparing a wonderful Thai dinner on night #1!)

A big change this trip was freshly cooked pancake-like breads for each meal. The sweet bread with fresh ham and cheese for dinner #4 may have been the best... of course... who could say "no" to my corn bread on night #5! Bread is simple to make and made every meal better.

This trip I brought candy bars instead of power-type bars. Being a chocolate freak, they tasted better, but they didn't keep me as full as long as power-type bars. Next time, I'll bring 2-3 extra!

Pack Weights: The variable most obsessed about, was one's pack weight. Jim had the lightest at 42 lbs (maybe), Steve and I were at 43 lbs (definitely), and Warren weighed in at 51-lbs! Everyone packed their own creature comforts which was worth it's weight in gold to that individual. (I brought my mini MP-3 player I use when running!) Warren and I each added 2-1/2 lbs because we stored our food in bear proof food canisters. Although heavily debated, we didn't deal with the time consuming hassle of hanging food or worry about losing it to little critters; fortunately for Jim and Steve, some sites did have steel food lockers. I'd recommend a food canister for each hiker. There's no way I'd want to chance losing my food to a critter on a 6-day trip.

To chop 2+ lbs from my pack, I packed my bivy sack - thank goodness we had no rain and beautiful starry nights! Clearly a light weight, free-standing type tent with a fly is the best way to go when camping on a sandy beach - which you will each night.

It was clear by trail's end, that we ate better then everyone else and carried some of the lightest packs. Most hikers carried nearly twice the food they needed - this could easily add 7-8 lbs to one's pack. Tent weight and clothing excesses seemed to be other weighty gear items for other hikers.

The goal is to wear the same clothing most days, pack Gore-Tex shells with a micro fleece layer for warmth, have an extra set of dry clothes, waterproofed gaitors to keep sand or mud out of your hiking shoes, extra socks, extra hiking shoe inserts to replace damp inserts from the previous day of hiking, and Teva like sandals for stream crossings and camp lounging. Remember... if you have a large(r) pack, you'll fill it! My pack is 3900 cubic inches. It forces me to think "compact" and "light".

Clothes/Gear You Hike In: I was pleasantly surprised at "weigh-in" when the clothes on my back plus trail running shoes weighed 1-1/2 lbs! That means ONLY an additional 1-/12 lbs to my 43-lb pack. When you consider hiking poles, heavy leather hiking boots, braces, etc., you can easily add another 5-lbs of weight to carry.

Footwear: Despite what was stated as required gear in the guide books, I didn't bring ankle high, leather hiking boots. I brought Gore-Tex lined trail running shoes - best suited for "lighter" pack weights. They worked great although my socks were too thin. I would have been better off packing slightly thicker, medium weight Smart Wool (brand) hiking socks.

Gaitors Are a Must: On the beach and around camp, gaitors keep the sand out of your shoes; on the trail they keep the mud out. I chose to bring my ankle length gaitors and left my long, Gore-Tex ones back at the hotel. This was a mistake. Waterproof gaitors are the only way to go on the WCT - rain or shine. This is especially true when hiking on rock platforms at low tide when one will walk through water.

Hiking Poles: No, I didn't bring them. Yes, I should have. At best, hiking poles are as important as they are problematic. Even with no rain, hiking poles would have made traversing log bridges, waterways, and slippery rock-flats at low tide less dangerous and easier going. In wet, rainy weather they would play a critical role in safer hiking. Unfortunately, managing them as one climbed up or down the zillions of wooden ladder structures looked like a hassle. If you have knee concerns, hiking poles are a must. The WCT is all stepping up and down.

Tarps: I figured a tarp would come in handy in the rain, but it didn't dawn on me I'd require one for shade when camping on the beach. Bring a 6x10 ft w/ light blue tarp with thin, nylon parachute-type cord.

Money: Bring Canadian dollars and a credit card on the trail. You'll need them for Carl's and Chey Monique's. Despite what I read, the registration fee you pay at the required orientation includes the cost of the ferry shuttle at Nitinat Lake.

The Required Orientation: Before hiking the WCT, each hiker is required to attend an orientation. Bring money to pay for your individual registration. Credit cards are accepted. The orientation lasts about an hour, is very useful, and you will receive an excellent waterproof trail map, tide schedule, and very useful information about safety on the trail. You can not skip the orientation because you will need your orientation registration slip to get on the ferry shuttle at Nitinat to continue the trail.

You can pick up your free WCT T-Shirt at the Ranger Station at either end of the trail. We picked ours up at the end; make sure your registration form says: Pick up T-shirt at PR (Port Renfrey, if you are traveling south, or Bamfield if traveling north).

Length/Direction of Trip: We hiked the WCT in 6 days. Seven days would have taken away some of the daily hiking mileage pressure... although I love long mileage days on the trail. It was a smart move to hike the WCT from north to south and have the toughest leg/s of the trip at the end because (1) we were physically stronger and (2) had lighter packs. Also, hikers are more likely to get injured at the south end of the trail because of its strenuous nature. Hiking from north to south was good because we had the trail KM markers progressing in our hiking direction. Being a runner, I know 5K = 3.2 miles.

Arriving Early Before Beginning the WCT: We have become accustomed to arriving 2 days before beginning any of our trekking adventures. The WCT proved somewhat challenging as the clothing we wore on day-2 while traveling to Bamfield would also be carried on the trail. Spending a night in a B&B before hiking was perfect. We were relaxed, had time to get fuel and a few extras, and completed our required orientation the day before hiking in a relaxed mode! (At least Jim and I did...) Make sure you have agreement with your hotel in Victoria that they will hold your belongings until you return the following week.

When hiking the WCT beginning from the northern trail head, most hikers seemed to camp at Pachena Bay - adjacent to the trailhead. The WCT bus drops hikers off at Pachena Bay and then Bamfield, where we stayed at a B&B. Pachena Bay offers shady campsites along the bay, the possibility of limited showers and easy access to the ranger station/trailhead to attend the required orientation.

The only drawback for either beginning or ending at Bamfield (northern end of the WCT) is the 4-1/2 hr WCT bus ride to (or from) Victoria - half of which is on awful logging roads. We met some folks who beat the bus ride by taking a boat from Port Renfrey to Bamfield for about $80 (Canadian) each - I'd heartily suggest this option! We were told it was a beautiful coast line ride in which travelers got to see long portions of the WCT they would be hiking on.

Reservations for Lodging and Transportation: Get it all ahead of time. The WCT Guidebook and on-line directory has tons of information about who and where to call.

First Aid: Blisters are likely. Bring expensive blister pads and waterproof band-aides. Know where the evacuation points are along the trail.

Cell Phones: They worked on the WCT. Bring one. Turn your phone off when not in use to conserve your battery charge.

Waterproof bags: Bring them. The night before entering the trail, Warren gave me two medium sized OR (brand) water proofed, nylon bags (for my 51st birthday). They kept my essentials (lightened wallet, Canadian money, credit card and passport) and electronics dry. I also brought several 1-qt and 2-gallon sized, freezer quality, Zip-Loc bags. Be prepared for moisture!

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