We’re told during orientation to allot 5 hours to go from Thrasher Cove to the ferry at Gordon River…steep up and down, slippery, ladders…and the last ferry is at 4:30. Took me 3.5 hours at a steady pace, and I definitely needed to take my time. Very easy to twist an ankle or fall.
Sunrise at Thrasher Cove
It’s a 1 KM climb from Thrasher back up to the main trail junction…ladders, steep rock, roots.
Derelict donkey engine at 72 km
Ferry at Gordon River
Craig and the final ladder. And it’s the first ladder for those going northbound.
Time to wrap up…I scooted over to Victoria to get in the waiting line for the ferry
We pass by house boats…
…before exiting Victoria Harbor and head for home.
Tag: WCT
WCT Day 4: Go low
This day was timed to take the beach route at low tide vs. taking the inland forest path.
Love these log crossings
And this was typical even after a stretch of dry days
Go straight up the middle
Watch your feet
Surge channel on the coastal route at low tide
Stay high when traversing the coast at low tide.
Sandstone moon craters
Low tide at Owen Point
Quick video vignettes: two panoramas, approach to a surge channel. I fell on slippery algae by the sea cave…small head bump, nothing serious.
Tree stand at the Strait of de Juan Fuca…that’s the United States on the horizon.
Close-up of a Zodiac Rescue Boat used by CA Parks. About 40 evacuations off the trail so far this year.
Thrasher Cove CG
WCT Day 3: Life’s a beach. And many crossings.
Follow the trail
Coastal trees above the surf
Morning sun shines through
Old planks guide the path
Chez Monique’s place: everything on the menu from coffee to burgers to salmon
I took 3 sketchy jumps here. Made two of them.
And had wet boots has a present. Tip: Just swap out to sandals for the river crossings.
Coastal trees at 51 KM
Coastal tree in the fog
Pano of Walbran Creek
Lots of climbing
Root system
The trail ahead
Follow the planks
Down, across, and up
Trail tetris with mud
Don’t pause…
…or look down…
…just do it.
Finally settled into…
…Camper Bay CG for the night.
WCT Day 2: Miles to go
WCT Guardian Hut sits on the edge of the beach
The ‘Cadillac’ of latrines: compost only, throw cedar chips on top when you’re done
Trail with ocean view
Let’s do a quick pano
Cable car crossing at Klanawa River
Nice spot for lunch
Ladder system down to Tsusiet Falls
The first of many trail log crossings
Ferry ride across Nitinat Narrows
Boardwalk trail at 33 KM
Forest trail at dusk
Pano of Bonilla Point…the campground is just to the other side of my shadow
Tent side at Bonilla Point CG
WCT Day 1: “Someone’s been sleeping in my bed and she’s still there!”
Start of trail at the northern section
First ladder system
It’s a Suzuki
At the Pachena Lighthouse
First view of the beach at 12 KM. This is Michigan Creek CG.
Shadow selfie
Bear encounter – mama bear and cub on the beach. Just foraging for food, non-aggressive. Darling River CG is just beyond them
Quick 10 second view from a GoPro at wide angle…just look for the dark shape movement.
Entrance to Darling River CG
Tent side at Orange Juice Creek CG