Slick as Snot

So I was at a wedding reception last night and came to realize that my uncle hiked the WCT a few years back. We talked for about an hour about the experience. When he found out I was going he got this crazy look in his eyes and then said, "you mind as well hike up to Everest Base Camp it will be a hell of a lot easier". He did go on to say that it was the best hike ever. He said that he did it in 5 days, but sincerely wishes he had taken 7-8 days to do it. He thought we had a better game plan doing it in 8. He said that the 5 day trip kills you and you really don't enjoy it until after it is complete. That is the second person to tell me the exact same thing. I told him that I went on a canoe trip that lasted 7 days during complete rain downpours and I felt like I had gone through hell. He looked at me and said "there are two hells on this planet...you are about to go through the second one".

He gave me some pointers for the trip. Some of which are repeats, but there is one unique tip. He said go light! Focus on the best gear possible. Bring gloves...he remembers his fingers freezing going up a 100 rung ladder. Get in shape! He said that "if you are not in shape before you go, you will be after". Then he said that a good piece of equipment to bring are these. If and when it rains the logs that you have to walk on become "slick as snot" causing you to fall and slip a lot. He said that if you have these on they eliminate the bumps and bruises.

I am not sure I am sold on the idea. If you go to http://www.mec.ca/ and type in spiky crampons you can see them. They are made by Petzl and cost approximately $40 CDN. They are a rubber slip on thing that has metal spikes sticking out the bottom. They are easy to put on and off, but look like they could easily slip off if you hit mud or debris. Not sure about this one. It is just a thought.

My uncle said that we will be talking about this trip for years to come. He has been wanting to go back ever since he finished. He also took the same route as us...Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. He said that is the best route based on all the reasons we chose to go that direction (ladders are at the end).

I then ran into a buddy of mine who kiked the WCT many years ago as a scout. He said all the same things that my uncle had to say and wishes we had an extra spot in the group (sorry all filled up bro). He said that we are "going to have a killer time" and then just smiled.