Wordless Wednesday: Hiking the Arbutus Ridge Trail

Farewell to My Old Backpack

Me (on the left) and my backpack
with friends in Switzerland

I purchased my old backpack with Christmas money I received the year I flew to Europe on a one way ticket with a loose plan to maybe return to Canada in time to go to university in the fall (that was the story I told my parents, anyway).

Money was tight and I had a lot of gear to purchase, so I went for a cheap and cheerful 45L MEC backpack that set me back $42, plus shipping and handling. I entrusted all of my worldly possessions to that backpack. It held everything I needed for a motorcycle trip to the North Cape in Norway, a 3-day hitchhiking journey across Holland, Germany and Denmark, and a hike in the Alps, to name a few of the adventures we enjoyed together.

When I finally made my way back home a year-and-a-half later, I was pleased to find that my trusty backpack had not only held up well, but that it seemed to be ready for more.

Here's a selection of trips I've taken with my backpack since I returned from Europe:

1. Ontario to BC road trip and camping (via the I90)


2. Backpacking in Guatemala and the Yucatan


3. Bruce Peninsula National Park


4. Kouchibouguac National Park/Fundy National Park


5. Canoe trip, Lake Superior Provincial Park/Pukaskwa National Park


6. 46 km in Gros Morne National Park


7. 52 km, Copacabana to Yampupata/Isla Del Sol, Bolivia


8. 46 km on the Juan de Fuca


9. 72 km on the North Coast Trail


10. Summiting Mount Albert Edward, Strathcona Provincial Park

Me and my backpack on the North Coast Trail, Vancouver Island
(with the best looking guy on the Island)

Call me sentimental, but after 20 years of traveling with the same backpack it didn't seem right to retire that old backpack without acknowledging that it was probably the best $42 I've ever spent. This past Christmas I asked Santa for a brand new backpack--the same make and model as it's predecessor, which this year cost $79 (on sale). Looking forward to all the places we'll go to together!

Wordless Wednesday: Arbutus Trail

I Heart Winter Camping

Trip details: One night on the Forbidden Plateau

Day 1: Paradise Meadows trailhead to Lake Helen McKenzie
Day 2: Helen McKenzie to the ranger cabin near Hairtrigger Lake and return to trailhead

Location: Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC

A few of the things I packed for our
winter overnighter on the Forbidden Plateau

Last weekend we spent a night winter camping on the Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Provincial Park. When I told my sister about our experience she feigned interest for a few minutes, politely inquiring after a few small details, before finally asking the question that was obviously foremost in her mind, "You don't actually enjoy doing that stuff do you?"

Well, yes, I do enjoy winter camping.

I enjoy it because every winter camping trip I've been on has been a great learning experience. I always pick up a few tips that I can file away for future camping excursions,  cold or fair-weather. I enjoy it because the trails are quiet and we usually have the campground all to ourselves. I enjoy it because at the end of even short, overnight trips I feel like I've accomplished something epic and significant.

Winter camping isn't for everyone, and it's not without its hardships and challenges, but it's definitely one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences there are to be had. If you live on Vancouver Island, or happen to be in the neighbourhood, and are a confident and experienced camper, I'd highly recommend an overnight trip out on the Forbidden Plateau. You won't be disappointed!

View from the Paradise Meadows trailhead

More information about winter camping:

• Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping, Rick Curtis


• Winter Camping in Canada, Discover Canadian Outdoors


• Winter Camping, ClubTread, Stephen Sharp

Wordless Wednesday: Squally Reach in Gowlland Tod