WCT - Preparation.. Struggles..

Time is flying and preparation is going slow... still need to get some key items hopefully this week;

- Shoes
- Tent
- Pack

Training; slow but better than nothing...
- Stairs - average 3 times a week
- Rock Climbing - Once at the Toronto Rock Climbing Academy
- Running - average 2 a week.

Time to pick up the pace!

WCT - Preparation Meeting #1

Ok, so last night took place our first group preparation meeting for our upcoming West Coast Trail venture. Attendance was successful with the exception of Mr. Misquith who let us down gravely.

The Agenda was as follows;
1. Research Discussion 2. Equipment (/ sharezies potential) 3. Agenda / What to expect on the trial (plan per day) 4. Tent Fitting (this will be an outdoor exercise where Raf, Rich,D and Adr play tetris to see if they will be able to fit into one 4-person tent.

I'm going to do some thinking out loud now, and combine some of the sources discussed to make a preliminary equipment list. Since we still have about two months we have time to be creative with this equipment and get some of these items used. Everyone should be as self sufficient as possible

Tent - still gotta figure that one out
Sleeping Bag - I think I already have a synthetic one
Sleeping Pad - more research required, could get a used one.
Hiking Boots - rubber soles preferred, water proof - $120
Gaiters - for your boots - only about $15 at MEC
Pack - need to do more research - probably looking into a 60 ltr for myself.
Stove - we have two stoves in the group
Fuel - have to look into situation closer to date
Food - need to do more research
Alcohol - mickey of spiced rum!! to keep me warm at night!
Water Canteen
Water Purifying tables - cheaper alternative than water purifiers
Head Lamp
Hiking Pole - getting more feedback that its a must for the trip, not willing to spend $70 on a stick, have to see other alternatives

Clothes - gotta stay dry
Options;
Rain jacket
Merino wool sweater
Sh-pants - unzippy ones
Wool Socks - many of them
Swim suits / sport undergarment for laaaadies

Other items;
Vaseline/Baby powder for feet
Tarp (for the group)
Rope (for the group)
Lighter
Garbage bags
Watch - required for tide tables
West Coast Trail Map -still to be provided
First Aid Kit - still need one more for the group
Degradable toilet paper ?

Other business on the Agenda;

• Camp Reservations - Matt to let us know closer to the date

• 4-Ppl Tent Trail - Attempted to pitch the tent in our living, but almost killed each other with the tent poles. Rich and Raf did a fitting using spooning position butt to butt, seems like there will be enough room, but a second trial is required.

Also, we all now know that Raf's pack can carry 90 pounds no proooblem!