Behind but On Track as we near the Pacific

I imagine many of you wondered where we were.  Whether we were still hiking? Whether we were lost?  Or were concerned that perhaps we had given up?  Well rest assured that we are still very much trekking and since our last posting have hiked across the Midway point of the province, and have walked both into and out of Penticton BC!

This means (as you likely know) that we are about 12 blogs and countless images behind in our postings (which is nothing new) but rest assured they are coming!

Since our last posting we have completed the Columbia and Western Rail trail, given several classroom presentations, had an article published with Alberta Nature, as well as news articles released in Kimberley and Merritt, begun the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, dealt with forest fires, trekked through dense smoke, presented to the Nicola Naturalist Society in the beautiful city of Merritt BC and pushed forward. 

In the process we have seen new bird species, been ‘screamed at’ by Pikas, and enjoyed brilliant nights skies full of stars, as well as dealing with bone chilling cold and frost each morning in the higher elevations.  We have trekked train tunnels that are almost 1 km in length, walked over engineering marvels in Myra Canyon, and ventured through vast vineyards.  We have met local birders and naturalist groups walking the trail in their regions, encountered new species of snakes, and discovered traces of previous trans-Canada hikers who have come before us!

Regardless of everything involved, and despite being a little more tired and a lot more threadbare we have been fortunate to enjoy a long stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures in southern British Columbia.  That is until today. 

Today (Oct. 22^nd, 2022) unfortunately, our attempt to outrace the wet and cooler weather that is typical in these regions has come to an end. This morning there was snow on the tops of the mountains around us and dark clouds in the skies above.   In the coming 3-5 days on the trail we are projected to have day time temperatures in the single digits, regular rainfall (which the region needs), and frigid nights.  As such our race into the Greater Vancouver Area has taken on a new pace of urgency.

Adding to this situation is the hard reality that in 4-5 days when we get to Princeton BC, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Trans Canada Trail is closed for 156 km owing to washouts, removed trestles, flood and fire damage from 2021 and ongoing construction to repair the area.  Online advice from BC Trails suggests that hikers walk one of the major highways instead of attempting any of the lost trail sections.  However, while the intrepid and inspiring Mel Vogel recently pushed through fire, dense smoke and constant construction these highways are now snow covered and even more dangerous than when she trekked on them.  This means that we have 4 days to figure out a solution to bridge the distance between Princeton and Hope or to accept that this stretch (including the famous Othello tunnels) is lost as unsafe to trek and move into the Greater Vancouver Area and Vancouver Island for our final 2-3 weeks of hiking. 

After 4 amazing years of venturing across Canada, and getting very lucky at almost every turn we were due for some hard choices.  Yet I still have faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to.

Regardless, while we are behind we are on track and the Pacific is oh so near now!  Getting ready to see the coastlines after 535 days (so far) on the Trans Canada Trail!

See you on the trail!

Remember to follow our entire adventure here : www.comewalkwithus.online