LOST
JULY 24
Only a day away from our resupply at Highwood House and we lost our trail... completely.
We had only been walking for about an hour when we descended to a creek crossing north of the old, abandoned Galencia Mine to find that our trail disappeared on the other side the creek. Paolo searched the banks of the creek up and down while I back-tracked to the last blaze on the trail but could not find any trace of the trail continuing after the creek crossing. So we pulled out our maps and compass and decided to bushwack our way onwards. We agreed to head towards the northeast, assuming that we would literally run into the trail eventually if we headed in the right direction.
Our progress was hindered by thick forest undergrowth and many fallen trees, which also limited our range of vision so we relied heavily on our map and compass to point us in what we hoped was the right direction. We followed several animal trails which made for much easier walking but all inevitably faded away into the forest or headed off in the wrong direction.
After several hours of this slow-going, we had covered no more than one kilometre of actual distance and our hopes of finding the trail seemed slim. As we neared the top of the forested ridge crest, I headed west to ease our climb. And suddenly, there was the trail, climbing the ridge from the WEST (not the east). We all cheered, breathed a sigh of relief and headed down the trail only a few more minutes before we stopped to eat and laugh at the day's events. I made a note to advise the trail crews of this apparent lack of marking that gave us a little extra adventure on our trek...
JULY 25
We hiked out to Road 940 and quickly got a hitch with a local outfitter: him, his dog and the four of us with our packs in his small, compact car made for a cramped ride but we weren't complaining for in a few short minutes we were down the road at Highwood House eating ice cream and sipping cokes in the shade... sweet trail magic!
Hello to the COFFEE-TABLE BOOK family (sorry didn't get your names) we met at Highwood House.
And BIG THANKS to Ann and Kate at Highwood House for their hospitality and assistance!
posted by Brad Vaillancourt @ 5:02 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Sounds like you are having a great experience and I can't wait to see your movie when it's completed!
DK
Hello all of you brave people! Just wanted to let you know that the team here at Tropical Wholefoods is checking in on your progress. Our Techincal Director, Mr. Richard Friend, is an avid climber and is pretending to cry because he wishes he was there with you all. Best of luck on the next leg of your journey, here is to many more eventful and memorable moments, and less bear spray in the eye incidents! *Rachel Gurak*
Hi! Brad, Christy, Paulo and Bev. Read your pages, and what an adventure. Sorry I was not home when you called but Dad filled me in. We are happy you are on the trail and that all is well. When I was driving back from Vancouver it was 42 degress in Keremeos. Hot, Hot, Hot. Oh! forgot to tell you Roberto was car sick at that time so nice mess to clean up in the heat, thank goodness Penticton was not far away. Take care Love Mom & Dad We miss you XXOO
Very exciting following your progress from winter Down Under. Add me to the list of jealous readers!
Looking forward to more good stories (preferably ones without pain) and can't wait to see the movie. Elisabeth
Hey Christy and Brad!
Congratulations on having the courage to step out and do this! So many people think about stuff like this...so few actaully do it. You are definitely getting me to think beyond my cubicle!! Good luck the rest of the way!
Hi Brad, Christy, Paolo, Bev. Truly enjoyed meeting you and hearing of your trail adventures. We look forward to following your progress on your site. Thanks for inspiring two old gals to take a hike on the GDT, even if it's only a short one. You are awesome people. Keep smiling. May the trails be marked and the brews & ice cream be cold at the end of the trail.
ann & p.
Hi Brad, Christy, Paolo, Bev. Truly enjoyed meeting you and hearing of your trail adventures. We look forward to following your progress on your site. Thanks for inspiring two old gals to take a hike on the GDT, even if it's only a short one. You are awesome people. Keep smiling. May the trails be marked and the brews & ice cream be cold at the end of the trail.
ann & p.
I am soooo jealous! I can definitely imagine how satisfying that coke and ice cream must have been after days in the bush. Trail magic for sure!
Great stories, keep them coming so we can live vicariously...and avoid the tent puddles if you can!
Marc Robin
Great idea, GDT'ers. Had first 'food exchange' from your goodie bag at Highwood House. A couple of Colorado cyclists used some of your excess food and exchanged a few items to try something new. They pass on a big thank you. Hope things are going well.
ann
Hey. Good to know you're all doing well out there. It's already been about a month! Bear spray is good on Hawaiian pizza.
L.
Hi Brad and Christy, logged on for the first time today and got caught up on your adventures so far, good recovery from your lost adventure. Sounds like you will have some amazing pictures. I will stay tuned.
beth.........
PS Brad, the retirement video was a big hit, can't thank you enough. 8 days into retirement and loving it.
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