Day 5: 6K , 1926′ ⬇️

Little Sliammon – Shingle Mill Pub

Even though the day before was “short”, it wasn’t easy on the feet. I awoke comfortably settled with my decision. We had a nearly 2000′ descent over 3K this morning. But first, we had to get up to Scout Mountain. This was going to suck. But, an end (and beer) was in sight!

After eating the very last of all of our food, we packed up. The trail meandered through a fairly dense forest and started to climb. Once we crested the high point, we were treated to a cool breeze and an amazing view of Powell River.

Here we were treated to a view of “civilization” and cellphone reception. Stacey called her mom, and I decided to check and make sure that the Shingle Mill Pub was open, as it was a Monday.  Typically, these “recreation” towns are open through the weekend and closed either Monday or Tuesday. We were in luck. They were open, but NOT until 11 am. Thus, there was no hurry, which was fine with us.

We wandered and chatted as we walked. Stacey had already been examining the places where I could (possibly) meet them. Stacey, is not a decision-on-the-fly kinda gal, unlike Jody and me.  She is a planner. Of which we were thankful.

We continued climbing to the next Crest and passed the group of four whose packs set aside for the scramble up to Scott’s Mountain. We decided to pass on that vista. Now for the descent. Definitely steep and a bit 4wd mode if you didn’t have trekking poles.

The descent was sans switchbacks for the most part. As Jody says, “the switchbacks needed switchbacks “.

Jody led the way. Her feet slipping out from under her due to little to no tread. “Hey when you’re in town, maybe you can buy me some new shoes and bring them to me,” she chuckled.

Eventually, the trail evened out to a wider and “flatter” track. We passed maple trees, blackberries, and a significant amount of bear poop.

The group of 4 caught up with us near the bottom of the final descent. We walked and talked all the way to the pub. We arrived to the Pub just as they were opening.

Time for fresh food! Adult beverages and charging of electronics.

We ate, chatted and hatched a plan to reduce Jody and Stacey’s food carries to 2 and 4 days. From Shingle Mills they would carry 2 days of food, and from Fiddlehead Landing, they would carry the remaining 4 days.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

While scouring the internet and all things Sunshine Coast Trail, I discovered Justin, who operates a water taxi that runs hikers to Fiddlehead Landing. I called and told him our predicament.  He agreed to run Jody and Stacey’s 4day resupply up to them for $100. Total deal. And with that, Stacey and Jody went about parceling out their food supply, and I looked at ferry times back to Comox.

After calling our husbands and letting them know of our updated plans, it was time to get a move on. I had a ferry to make and Stacey and Jody had some miles to crunch.

We parted ways at the Powell River bridge. Stacey and Jody turned left, and I continued along the shoulder of the road. I had 3 miles to walk and 2 hours to catch the 3:30 pm ferry. Totally doable, provided I don’t get hit by a bus. I would have taken public transit, but my app said it was running late. So, walk it is.

Two-thirds of the walk was via a raised sidewalk. The rest was walking on the shoulder facing traffic. I only had to jump off into a ditch once.

I made the ferry with 30 minutes to spare.

To be continued…

Jody Chronicles…

We spent nearly 2 hours at the pub. This would have been sufficient to charge any number of devices. With 30 minutes before our set time to exit the pub, Jody discovered that the outlet she had plugged in all her electronics was dead. Nothing had charged! Her Garmin. Her phone. My tiny light. Her battery packs. Not a single device! Shit! Good thing I was getting off trail. And with that, Jody was now carrying my air mattress, head lamp, and charging block. (I’ll stuff another charged block in their Fiddlehead Landing resupply)