71–79 of 79 posts
That said, underestimate it at your peril. There was a posse of "fancy Moms" from Toronto along the trail when I did it. Several of them tapped out on day 2.
The West Coast Trail is the definition of type 2 fun. While certainly a memorable experience, I wouldn't do it twice.
I was just about to comment about my dear of bumping into a grizzly bear while hiking there, but apparently “only” black bears live on Vancouver Island. That would still keep me away and I always wonder if I’m just way too cautious or if the likelihood of running into a bear is so low that it’s worth it?
They're pretty docile. Think of them as very big raccoons, not small grizzlies. The primary thing that brings the bravest black bears into close contact with humans is their love of untended food, but they're skittish and will scamper the moment someone hollers at them. Personally, I worry more about cougars and wolves.
We have both where I live, but I don't usually worry too much about off-leash trail walks during the day. Night time though, I just do leashed up road walks.
There's a survival show called Alone that recorded several seasons on Vancouver Island. One thing I learned from that show is not to underestimate this island: The rain, the wildlife, the wild! Most of the seasons can be watched for free, now: https://play.history.com/shows/alone#episodes
My favorite reality/survival show.
When I did this trail long ago I got to meet Monique (since passed) who ran a very tasty burger joint at the mid point. She had quite the operation going with a sizable garden and food boated in regularly. Exchange students ran much of the kitchen. I must admit, I had not been prepared to find myself arguing over esoteric details of Python with her. Monique was a very interesting person who was still going to school…
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It's not so strange; it's on the beach, so you can bring supplies in by boat or seaplane.
I don't think its strange (in fact, its probably really opportune, talk about a captured audience from a business perspective), I'm curious about how big it is, the layout etc.
It’s got two smallish buildings If I recall correctly? All built over the water on a pier. And yeah it’s in an estuary so they just bring all the non fished food in by boat every few days.
I was just about to comment about my dear of bumping into a grizzly bear while hiking there, but apparently “only” black bears live on Vancouver Island. That would still keep me away and I always wonder if I’m just way too cautious or if the likelihood of running into a bear is so low that it’s worth it?
Black bears have killed 67 people in North America since 1900, so I think statistically the risk is very low [1]. I have come across black bears on several occasions while hiking in Yosemite and Sequoia national park. They have never expressed the slightest bit of interest in me. Give them plenty of space, make plenty of noise, and eventually they will wander away. Grizzly bears, the other hand, terrify me. [1] https…
The other 2 times, the bears were feeding on berries in fields near the trail. We made lots of noise, had spray on hand, but the bear just looked at us then kept eating; we made a wide arc around and carried on.
Definitely hair-raising, but not so terrifying that I’m scared away from hiking the area. They’re less skittish than black bears but don’t like people any less.
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They're pretty docile. Think of them as very big raccoons, not small grizzlies. The primary thing that brings the bravest black bears into close contact with humans is their love of untended food, but they're skittish and will scamper the moment someone hollers at them. Personally, I worry more about cougars and wolves.
Cougars and wolves will generally leave people alone, but will be very interested in your pets. Wolves may try to lure dogs out of the yard, but kill them as competition, while cougars may take an unleashed dog on a bush walk. We have both where I live, but I don't usually worry too much about off-leash trail walks during the day. Night time though, I just do leashed up road walks.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Cougars and wolves will generally leave people alone, but will be very interested in your pets. Wolves may try to lure dogs out of the yard, but kill them as competition, while cougars may take an unleashed dog on a bush walk. We have both where I live, but I don't usually worry too much about off-leash trail walks during the day. Night time though, I just do leashed up road walks.
Yes, the risk is very, very low. Probably in the same ballpark as being struck by lightning. (Though I do know someone who was stalked by a cougar while they were hiking alone. So there's at least something to feel nervous about.)
I've been to a talk by a local guy who survived an attack by a young grizzly. The feeling of pure helplessness that he expressed was... something.
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I don't think its strange (in fact, its probably really opportune, talk about a captured audience from a business perspective), I'm curious about how big it is, the layout etc.
It’s actually fairly decently sized, probably like 10ish tables outside on the deck? It’s got two smallish buildings If I recall correctly? All built over the water on a pier. And yeah it’s in an estuary so they just bring all the non fished food in by boat every few days.