Hiking Musings: The West Coast Trail

Sixty-eight-year-old Kenneth T. Gallagher may have been slightly ill-prepared for his first West Coast Trail hike. Still, armed with too much confidence and an out-of-date trail guide, he set off on an adventure. His number one priority: spend time and make memories with his son.

Soon, Kenneth was in it up to his knees, literally and figuratively. Between the constant rain, rough terrain, hundred-foot climbs, and sassy burger chefs, Kenneth found himself struggling through the seven-day hike on the world-famous coastline, once known for its frequent shipwrecks. But with the help of his son and unsinkable sense of humour, Kenneth made it to the end-though he almost lost his feet along the way.

Filled with stories of trials and triumphs-and some hilarious characters-Hiking Musings: The West Coast Trail is both a practical guide and a personal memoir, suitable for pro hikers and couch potatoes alike. It’s a tale of perseverance, grit, and the bond between father and son, with plenty of laughs along the way.