West Coast Trail 2010
The people
Phil Hiom – active adventurer, mountain biker, trail runner and endurance athlete
Grace Hiom- mountain biker, endurance athlete, trail runner, adventure racer
Annette Hiom (phil’s mum)– active runner, trail runner, outdoor enthusiast – has Brittle Bone disease
Gale Lutkehaus (Grace’s Dad)- farmer, logger, active outdoorsman, fisherman, former guide – prostate cancer survivor
The Trail – A 75km hike along the west coast trail for 7 days Grace and Phil Hiom have signed up to be sherpas for Gale and Annette for their quest to finish the West Coast Trail. Knowing the difficulties of the trip with lots of ladders, trolley crossings, deep muddy trails, slippery boardwalks and tiring beach walking.
7 days of food and gear is a lot for 2 people to carry but Phil and Grace are looking forward to the challenge. They like challenges but usually they cover a lot more distance in a lot less time so going slow will be the challenge but the heavy load will help to slow them down. Gale and Annette will be carrying daypacks with clothes and water. The rest of the gear could add up to a lot but totally worth the challenge for these 2 young adventurers.
Phil and Grace recently left some of the best jobs in the world in Calgary and travelled to Australia and New Zealand for 3 months when they returned they moved to Kamloops to be closer to family and have longer and warmer summers. Although missing their jobs and friends they had in Calgary it was time to make the move. Sometimes it’s worth the sacrifice to be closer to family to give your support. With Gale turning 68 this year and now recovered from prostate cancer why not take on the west coast trail, which is named one of the hardest hikes in Canada.
Annette also just being diagnosed with severe Brittle bone disease or Osteoporosis had a few things on her bucket list – one being the west coast trail and an other one she conquered last year when Phil and Grace took her to the top of a mountain in Lake Louise. Annette is very active; running road marathons and trail runs up to 25km maybe 50km this year. I’m sure there will be more after this trip.
Although each have their own concerns Annette has a fear of ladders and whether she will be strong enough to finish the trail. She has been practicing the ladders with one set up in her yard. Also hiking many stairs every day with a pack getting ready for the long hike. Not sure what the neighbours think – maybe lots of leaks on the roof?
Gale has concerns of being slow and getting exhausted too quickly but with encouragement we can get him through it. Needing some motivation to exercise he decided to build an extension on to his hay barn so the ladders will not be a concern for him.
Phil and Grace ran the West Coast Trail 4 years ago in 2 days so they know what they are getting into. With all the scary websites out there saying how hard this trail is Annette is starting to have doubts but as part of her training now she is not going to look at anymore websites on the WCT
Conquering this trail will be a trip to remember for everyone. The gear is going to be light and the story is going to be great. Wish us luck and good weather for the trip 
Fast Tube by Casper
Fast Tube by Casper
Tags: West Coast Trail
A friend of mine was out there last week doing some similar Sherpa duty… He split a back-tooth in half while midway through the trail. I’m certain you’ll have better luck. Have fun in ‘Fogust.’
Awesome summary guys
And a great story too. Well done to all finishing it. It looks GREAT!