25 mi or 40 km!

Bright and early on Saturday morning, when the world slept, 5 troopers began their long trek. It was going to be a challenge, especially for a couple of us newbies to the world of treks. My biggest, prior to this was about 16 km, and I took a whole day to do that :-)

We began the trek at about 645 am, and started out quite well. We were making good time, doing about 3 miles every hour, and with a break every hour for a power bar, we maintained that pace. Along the way, we came across Berry Creek Falls.


Further in, about 5 miles to our destination we started seeing runners on the trail heading towards us. After many attempts to read their t-shirts as they ran to us, we figured out that they were part of the Nike Team in Training troop, practicing for an upcoming half marathon. I was aware of this foundation through a friend, who is preparing for the marathon with them.

The highlight of the trip out was the midway point. Waddell beach. There's nothing better after a 4 hr hike than to soak your feet in the ice cold water of the Pacific, and then lie down and bask in the warm sunshine.

One hour later, it was time to go back. The return trip started just as well, with us maintaining the 3 mile/hr rate. Soon, as the feet began to give in, and the strain began to show, we dropped in pace. We made the return trip in about 5 hours, still quite commendable I think.

Once we hit the asphalt of the park's head office, walking became a severe strain. The feet had blisters, but the exhilaration of having just walked 40 km (it sounds bigger in kilometres) was enough to stave off that feeling for later.

At home, the first thing I did was to soak myself for 45 minutes in hot water. That really helped relax the body, and allowed for a wonderful 12 hr long night's sleep.

All in all a great experience, that really tests the endurance of the body, and a whole lot of fun!

The trail, from Big Basin Website:

Skyline to the Sea Trail to Waddell Beach

One Way.

What to see: Spectacular views!

Location: The Whole Park, Mid Park areas, Pacific Ocean.

Length: ~12.5 miles~20 kms

Time: ~6 hours

Elevation: ~+/-1000'

The journey, even if u were to drive: