So, to pick up from our painful (at least for me) “finish” of the Appalachian Trail last Fall (2024), and what was finally diagnosed as a tendon tear that led to a debilitating case of plantar fasciitis, in my left foot, I am back at. Or, at least, I am going to test things out and see if I’m truly and fully healed. Not back to the Appalachian Trail, but a whole new thru-hike adventure…the 112-mile/178 KM Sunshine Coast Trail in BC, Canada (with my adventure buddies)

In the event this goes well, Paul and I will head back east in September to finish up the bits of the AT that were inaccessible to us due to last year’s hurricane Helene devastation.

The Sunshine Coast Trail was a suggestion from one of our shuttle riders two years ago, and thus, after a bit of research and timing, it has become a reality.

I’ll be hiking it with my friend Jody (aka. Sidekick) and her paddling friend, Stacey. But first, we’ll have to get there. And that’s where the adventure begins.

My father gifted us his massive truck and cab-over camper, as at going on 88 he hasn’t used it much as of late and thought we’d get more use out of it. It’s a beast. But a total SCORE! However, after driving that thing (solo) up to Jody’s and holding my breath, thinking “thin” thoughts whilst driving across the narrow 2-lane Hood River bridge, I was exhausted. So much so that in my brain, I “lost” a day, leading me to panic about getting all our stuff packed and repacked for our dual adventures. You see, we (Jody and I) had overzealously planned two back-to-back BC adventures, beginning with the Sunshine Coast Trail, and then off to Tofino for a week-long kayak/hike trip.

Getting there

July 23, 2025

Not a simple task, getting to the start of the Sunshine Coast Trail.  It started with a 5-hour drive to Port Angeles, where we caught the ferry to Victoria. But even before that, dates had to be ironed out, as well as projected daily hiking mileage, to order up a space on two ferries (one to Victoria, and the other to Powell River), book a camp spot for the day before the Powell River ferry, AND secure a shuttle to the start from the Powell River terminal. I have Jody and Stacey to thank for that amazing coordination and succinct planning. I, as usual, was flying by the seat of my pants. Who knew if my foot would be a willing participant during this adventure.  So, I guess, subconsciously, I didn’t want to get too “invested” in this hike.

“Go Time”

All loaded up for two successive adventures, Jody and I rambled along in the Beast as we followed Stacey (she has to leave after the hike) to Port Angeles, where we boarded the 5 pm ferry to Victoria.  From Victoria, we had another 4-hour drive to the Comox ferry. But that would wait till the next morning, so we set our sights on a campsite Stacey had booked for us, about an hour away from the Comox ferry terminal.

July 24, 2025

After a “meh” night’s sleep, due to pre-hike anxiety and Jody’s snoring, we headed to the ferry terminal where we had to figure out how to pay for parking for the next 12 days. You’d think it’d be easy, but our dilemma was how to pay for 12 days in a 14-day max lot that only allowed you to pay for 10 days. This must be some crazy Canadian math. Kinda like converting kilometers to miles and liters to gallons.

As we were pondering this equation, Jody announced that she had failed to bring her proper hiking shoes and would now be hiking in the well-worn, duct tape-worthy Altras currently on her feet. “At least they’re comfortable,” she mused.

We haven’t even set foot on the trail, and the hilarity has begun.

After using the Honk app, AND calling the people who “monitor” the long-term parking at the ferry lot, we paid for 10 days. Apparently, we can add time/days through the Honk app…provided (of course) we have service, to add the additional days when the time comes. The gal on the phone said we’d receive an email “reminder” that our time is about to expire. Again… provided we have service. Nothing like rolling the dice when you’re parked in (from what I’ve read) an aggressive tow lot. Aren’t Canadians supposed to be nicer than us?

I’m on A Boat

After securing our vehicles and hefting our packs and food resupply bags, we boarded the ferry to Powell River. At a little over 1.5 hours and calm seas, we finally disembarked at Powell River. But, not before getting “lost” on the ferry trying to find the foot passenger exit level.

As we were a bit early for our shuttle ride to our starting point, we took the obligatory tourist photos.

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And now we hurry up and wait…for our shuttle.