SUNSHINE COAST, B.C. – It was an adventure to remember for six members of CFB Esquimalt.
According to a report from CFB Esquimalt Lookout Navy News, the members dealt with frigid temperatures and steep inclines during their recent adventure training on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast Trail.
The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 180-kilometre back country hiking experience that stretches from Sarah Point in Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay.
CFB Esquimalt Lookout Navy News reported that the team from Joint Task Force Pacific and Maritime Forces Pacific headquarters set out on their expedition along a portion of the back-country trail on March 11th.
Attracting hikers from around the world, this epic hiking trail now boasts 14 huts with one more planned next year, making it Canada’s Longest Hut-To-Hut Hiking Trail – and the only free one.
CFB Esquimalt Lookout Navy News noted that the aim of adventure training is to enhance physical fitness, endurance and morale, to inspire leadership, and to test individual and group abilities under challenging conditions.
One day before they were to leave, team leader Captain Steve Galipeau suffered a minor back injury, which meant it wouldn’t have been prudent for him to lead the group on the expedition, according to CFB Esquimalt Lookout Navy News.
“That opened the door for the team’s second in command, Leading Seaman Gillian Good to take charge. She’s an experienced hiker and kayaker, and was up for the challenge, but was concerned her non-commissioned rank might be an issue,” the report noted.
“I was the only non-officer in the group and now all of a sudden I was in charge,” Good said.
The team ran into adverse weather conditions, including freezing rain, unseasonably cold weather and snowpack covering the trail made footing on inclines and at higher elevations highly treacherous, according to the report.
The group completed the hike.
