THE WEST COAST TRAIL: One Step at a Time - Softcover

Bannon, Mr Robert J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 172789703X ISBN 13: 9781727897036

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2005

Synopsis

The West Coast Trail: One Step at a Time is not a travel guide but is a true outdoor travel adventure story lived by two friends enjoying their own mid life crisis.

The West Coast Trail can usually be found on most lists of the best hiking trails in the world. This 47 mile backpacking trip is one of the most challenging multi-night hikes requiring the physical ability to carry almost fifty pounds of gear. The hiker will be knee deep in mud one minute and walking on white sand beaches the next. Most people spend about seven days completing the trail and all agree that it is an experience of a lifetime. Surrounded by old growth Douglas Fir trees, rivers and creeks of all sizes, tree roots the size of a person's leg, multitudes of ladders as high as a five storey building and a natural beauty that takes your breath away, the traveler is in awe at every turn. Add to this incredible scene two middle aged men in search of some meaning and purpose who stumble (literally) on a life changing, life challenging, life affirming adventure. The West Coast Trail challenged them physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually in ways they could never have conceived. Written in a conversational tone with light hearted humor and insight, the phrase "one step at a time," became a daily mantra literally and figuratively. Hiking the West Coast Trail became a touchstone event for the author and his friend that provided guidance and inspiration for the rest of their lives. A must read for anyone who has already hiked, or is contemplating hiking the West Coast Trail, it also provides a great read for the armchair adventurer, as well.

About this title

About the Author

Robert J Bannon did not set out to be a writer; he set out to complete the West Coast Trail with his friend Gord. Following its successful completion, he found himself recounting the tale to friends and family to the point that several people suggested he write a book. And so he did. His first book, The West Coast Trail: One Step at a Time, met with success and led to another book, a very personal one about his adoption and the emotions that surround it. My Secret Mother, found acceptance by a large and wide ranging group of readers who are connected to adoption in many different ways. Some of the letters he has received from both adoptees and mothers who relinquished their child reveal how many people have been affected by one of the most important events in their lives. He has gone on to help budding authors with their own books through seminars, coaching and two books about how to write a book. He threatens to write more from semi retirement and occasionally adds to a blog found under his name.

Review

Dannie Hill5.0 out of 5 starsA life changing readNovember 12, 2012Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseThe West Coast Trail: One Step At A Time by Robert Bannon is one of the best non-fiction book I've ever read.
Mr. Bannon took me with him as his friend, Gordy, and he prepared and then made the famous 47 mile long wilderness trail on Vancouver Island in Canada.

The Author's style of writing makes this trip so enjoyable--even with its arduous, physically demanding travel through the wilderness--that any would-be adventurer will want to go along.

Mr. Bannon paints a picture of the beautiful forest, vast Pacific Ocean and life changing thoughts that held me for the entire journey. I watched as he changed from the rut of civilized life to become a part of the natural world. I saw his inner self release the turmoil of everyday life, see what he is really made of and change the priorities in his life. His insight is something that every man and woman will understand and perhaps give them a different perspective of what is truly important in their lives--I know it did me.

Mr. Bannon made this epic journey in his middle years and it is an accomplishment any would be proud of making.
The West Coast Trail is much more than a travelogue, but you will see the beauty and feel yourself being pulled into the natural world, that so needs our attention.

I highly recommend The West Coast Trail to anyone with an adventurous spirit or longing to live outside the maddening crowd and take One Step At A Time. I will certainly read this book again and again!

Opine9015.0 out of 5 starsDon't Pass This Up!October 4, 2014Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseSo well written and held my interest! I felt like I was on the trail too. Good story!

Mary Jane4.0 out of 5 starsWest Coast infoAugust 11, 2015Format: PaperbackVerified Purchasewas a good read as I've done the west coast trail from both ends and just did it again from Gordon River to Bamfield and did do the hike down and out of Thrasher Cove was quite the hike going that way added more challenge. Good reading about someone else who has done the trail.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 172789703X
• ISBN 13: 9781727897036
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208