“Following a total knee replacement that I had in February 2013, I gave Glyn the task of rebuilding my knee to help restore full strength, stability and movement in an attempt to allow me to complete the 75km ‘West Coast Trail Trek’ along the rugged Pacific west coast of Vancouver Island in September. Following an intensive course of physiotherapy, I was able to successfully fulfil one of my many trekking goals!
Partly through temperate rain forest (complete with an active bear population), partly along beaches, the trail was built as an escape route for sailors from the many shipwrecks that occurred off its treacherous shores. The inland sections involved very boggy paths, broken boardwalks and many, many ladders (some with at least 200 rungs). The beach sections were often a race against the tides with several dangerous surge channels. Parks Canada describe the WCT as “an isolated, prolonged and strenuous trek that is physically challenging and potentially hazardous”. The truth of this statement is demonstrated by the fact that the average duration on the trail is 6-7 days. There is only one place to voluntarily exit the trail early (at km 32). About 1% of hikers need emergency evacuation, which may take over 24 hours to arrive (in good weather).
I would like to sincerely thank Glyn and his G4 team for their exceptional work and for enabling me to complete the trek!”