Robert J Bannon

The West Coast Trail Robert J Bannon

The West Coast Trail One Step at a Time is not a travel guide but is a true outdoor travel adventure story lived by two friends enjoying their own mid life crisis. The West Coast Trail can usually be found on most lists of the best hiking trails in the world. This 47 mile backpacking trip is one of the most challenging multi-night hikes requiring the physical ability to carry almost fifty pounds of gear. The hiker will be knee deep in mud one minute and walking on white sand beaches the next. Most people spend about seven days completing the trail and all agree that it is an experience of a lifetime. Surrounded by old growth Douglas Fir trees, rivers and creeks of all sizes, tree roots the size of a person's leg, multitudes of ladders as high as a five storey building and a natural beauty that takes your breath away, the traveler is in awe at every turn. Add to this incredible scene two middle aged men in search of some meaning and purpose who stumble (literally) on a life changing, life challenging, life affirming adventure. The West Coast Trail challenged them physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually in ways they could never have conceived. Written in a conversational tone with light hearted humor and insight, the phrase "one step at a time," became a daily mantra literally and figuratively. Hiking the West Coast Trail became a touchstone event for the author and his friend that provided guidance and inspiration for the rest of their lives. A must read for anyone who has already hiked, or is contemplating hiking the West Coast Trail, it also provides a great read for the armchair adventurer, as well.