This photo was taken over 15 years ago, on the afternoon of day three of our hike on the West Coast Trail. It was May and we were one of the first groups out on the trail. We had spent the previous 48 hours in a torrential downpour. Each of the previous two days had involved us wading in mud and water up to our chest for hours on end. Being the first on the trail meant that it hadn’t been cleared from the winter debris, so we had to haul ourselves over huge logs, and around major obstacles.The first two days were really challenging. Everyone was soaked through, to the point where we were going to have to be evacuated on the afternoon of day three. Dry clothes were scarce, moral was low and safety was a concern.

Then this happened… We emerged from the forest and found ourselves at the top of a cliff.  We saw nothing but ocean and blue skies. It was a moment I’ll never forget. We were going to be able to dry out and complete our 5 day trek. We were going to be okay… Actually, we were going to be so much more than okay. A trip of a lifetime. I can’t wait to go with the kids.