Just under a month ago we did a story on the proposed Vancouver Island “Spine” trail, which would run the 700 kilometer north/south length of the Island between Cape Scott and Victoria. The story focused on the VI Spine Relay, which began at the beginning of June with the first leg of the journey, the 43 kilometer North Coast Trail. A total of four people took part in this leg, two relay organizers, and two runners from Victoria, Shane Ruljancich and his partner Sonia. Following is the the first part of Shane’s photo essay from the leg…

==========================

Despite the “Relay” name, this was an event rather than a race. The VI Spine Relay was set up to help promote the concept of building a trail the entire length of Vancouver Island from Victoria to Cape Scott. This is a similar idea to the Trans-Canada trail and is a quite a large undertaking since it involves getting support from regional districts, municipalities, and land owners up and down the island. It is a fantastic idea though and I wanted to do my little bit to support the VI Spine Trail. Additionally, it was a personal opportunity to experience a part of the island that I have never visited and nearly brand new trail (it was opened only 2 years ago in 2008).

Not wanting to miss out on something new, Sonja decided to join in the adventure. The plan was to drive up to the Cape Scott Provincial Park parking lot on Sat (June 5). The trip took about 7 hours aided by the fact that the roads on the northern half of the island are very good and nearly empty. The last hour and a bit were on a gravel surface, however, making things a bit slower. From the parking area we hiked for 4 hours, covering the 15km into Nissen Bight with small packs holding just enough camping gear for one night. At Nissen Bight we met up with the 10 or so other hikers that had also completed this first section of the relay. The next morning, four of us (Sonja and I were joined by the relay organizer Andrew Pape-Salmon and Jenny Taylor) would tackle the 43km North Coast Trail, the remainder of the hikers would return to the parking area with our camping gear. A big thanks goes out to these hikers were had to carry 2 extra tents, 4 sleeping bags, 4 themarests, several day packs and other gear in additional to their own gear.

Continue reading on Shane’s blog…

Executive summary

1. the North Coast Trail is an impressive feat of trail building: the builders should be heartily praised for forging access to, and helping preserve this spectacular stretch of west coast rainforest and beach. On a clear day (which we were blessed with), the views of the beach, forest, islands, surf, and coastal mountains are stunning.

2. although shorter (58K) than the West Coast Trail (75K), it is almost as hard, and less runnable due to the rocky beaches and climbing.

3. many of you have run 50K before. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the NCT is just a little longer than the Diez Vista, Kneeknacker, or Chuckanut races, or the Juan de Fuca Trail, and underestimate the challenge of this run.

4. Bob and Jeff hold the current record of 11 hours. That will probably be shaved down to 8.5-9 hours in the next few years. Those future record holders will not feel so good after setting the record, though.

5. transportation: useful to rent a car, and leave a car at the San Josef Bay parking area at the west end of the park, and drive back in the rental car.

6. bring gloves, gators, a headlamp, and a lightweight rain jacket.

7. for most runners, the older part of the Cape Scott Park, from the San Josef Trailhead to Cape Scott Lighthouse, with a side-trip to Nissen Bight and Fisherman Bay, and back (49K), will be a shorter, gentler, and more satisfying trail run.

8. probably not wise to attempt to run it solo: in contrast to the JDFT, it has no mid-trail access/escape routes; in contrast to the WCT, you will likely see few or no other people. If you twist an ankle or impale an eye, you’re on your own.

9. There is very little non-tidal drinking water on the entire trail. Skinner Creek at 7.3K, Irony Creek at 24.3K, and Laura Creek at 36K, are the best sources.

Continue reading…