Sunshine Coast Trail

Day 1: 2.3 K (+ 1mi)

Now it’s Real

Powell River Ferry- Feather Cove

Jody had booked a ride for us to the SOBO start of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) with the Sunshine Coast Shuttle. They were about as “creative” as we were in naming our PCT Shuttle service. At least there’s no confusion about where you’re going.

Mark, our shuttle driver arrived right on time. He was a wealth of information and extremely personable. Good thing, as it was slated to be about a 3-hour ride to our start. We first pulled into the Shingle Mill Pub & Bistro to drop off our 6-day resupply…oof!  Once that was completed, it was onward to our storied destination, but not without a quick detour to Lund, where we got to chronicle mile 0 of Hwy 101!

After the touristy rounds, pavement soon turned to an “improved” dirt road, followed by a locked gate with numbered road markers where Mark (for safety purposes) had to call in via CB radio at each marker, as it is an active narrow logging road, and private property access. This was NOT an improved road. It was a challenging road that I would feel comfortable taking my FJ on…If I had to. Mark, however, comfortably chatted away as he drove, explaining our surroundings, and pointing out where obscenely wealthy people have created a gated community off this treacherous road. Apparently, they fly in.

Upon arriving at our drop-off point, we waited for the dust to settle before unloading. It is here that Mark explained that we would have to walk about a mile to the actual mile zero of the Sunshine Coast Trail at Sarah Point. Hmm, that wasn’t in the brochure or emails. He also made sure to emphasize that we should be VERY careful descending to our start via the dirt “road”. “Take your time and be careful. It’s pretty steep in parts, with loose rocks. We’ve had people injure themselves on the descent, and not be able to hike.” So noted.

Mark was not lying when he told us to be careful. Our careful and tedious descent made us feel (and look) older than we are. I felt like we were tiptoeing through an active minefield.

We had to catch ourselves more than once.

We took a quick breather once we had reached Sarah Point. We explored the hut a bit and took in the view.

From Sarah Point, we meandered and huffed and puffed our way to  Feather Cove, another 2.8 KM (1.68 miles) away. To make it to the Shingle Mill Pub, and more importantly, the next reliable water, we were carrying 4 days of food and 3 liters of water for the day and into the next. This, with no hiker legs to speak of, made for a laborious haul in 80° heat. Did I mention that in addition to “approach,” to Sarah Point, there was yet another “approach” from Sarah Point to the actual, and official start of the SCT? Once again, not in the brochure or videos that any of us had watched. Nonetheless, it was beautiful!

We found it funny that the guide book described the route to Feather Cove as having “occasional rocky outcroppings”. “Occasional ” was an understatement.  And the “gentle climbs” and “descents”, were more vigorous than anticipated. If this was how the trail was truly going to go,  we certainly weren’t looking forward to our 6-day load coming up in 4 days.

Once we arrived at Feather Cove,  not without taking an oopsie detour, we discovered that this site by the water was outfitted with several large wooden platforms scattered about upon which to camp. After careful consideration (I waited with our packs in the shade, whilst Jody and Stacy perused the area for the “perfect” spots) we settled upon an area to set up.

We each chose a platform with a spectacular view. Stacy had an interesting time setting up her Dursten tent on the platforms (another reason to have a free-standing tent).

We dined at the picnic bench located by the bear box and spoke with a sister duo that were camped there on their final day of a 5-day sea kayak trip.

Gotta say, while my watch clocked only 3.97 miles for the day, it felt like 10. The PUDs (pointless ups and downs) coupled with the stifling heat and “heavy” pack on legs/feet that were not fully “climatized” and truly fit for such an excursion was a little disheartening, but frankly expected. Good thing it was beautiful!

Jody Chronicles…

As we went to heat our water for our dinner, Jody discovered that her JetBoil stove (for some unknown reason) did not have a spark button to light the stove. Worse yet, she did NOT have a lighter either. Stacey gave her “child-proof” (and seemingly adult-proof as well) lighter, as her JetBoil had an ignition button…that worked. Later on, as the sun was setting, Jody was unable to find her headlamp, namely because she had forgotten it. I gave her my micro-light from my fanny pack.

First shoes. Now this. This hike is going to be interesting. Stay tuned!