Many years ago I had ran the length of the East Coast Trail south, 213 km, virtually nonstop, with support. I always knew that I would be back to attempt the trail unsupported as I felt the trail had so much to offer. I tried to plan my trip based on good weather. And as I have family in Newfoundland, I was relying on weather reports before going, hoping for optimal trail conditions as I know how heinous the East Coast trail can be. I arrived on Monday to begin the East Coast Trail and as usual Newfoundland showed how unpredictable the weather can be! I departed from my drop off in pouring rain and knew once I got on these trails that they would be underwater. I spent the next several hours in ankle deep water and mud with consistently long sections of slippery rocks and overgrowth that was soaking! I knew I just had to embrace the situation I was in, and years and years of expedition experience has taught me to be prepared as best I can. Originally, I had anticipated if I had good weather that I could complete the trail in a few days or less. But I planned four days of food and went super light on everything else. My total weight at the beginning with water was around 32 pounds. By removing the water, this was much less. I pushed my way on the first day through mud and rain and rough conditions and set camp at the edge of a stream where I could filter. The next morning I woke up and the rain had left, but the air hung heavy with humidity. I completed the road section leading through town and headed back onto the trails. Trail conditions had improved somewhat but were still wet and I spent that whole next day, once again, navigating dense, wet brush, mud and slippery rocky terrain. Towards the end of the day trail conditions seemed to improve dramatically, and my hopes were high for the next day. I set camp in a bay once again by a freshwater source adjacent to the ocean so that I could filter freshwater. I woke up the next morning to a heavy fog. But conditions had still improved enough that I could make good time. I moved as far as I possibly could throughout the day, through very technical sections, but much dryer trail conditions, and set camp in a meadow, not far from the famous Spout. I met some other hikers who were on the trail at that point, and it was nice to see some smiling faces for the first time in days on the trails! I got up super early and was determined to get to the finished in Fort Amhurst as quickly as possible to keep my time around 3 1/2 days or less, total clock time. Trail conditions improved throughout the day and it became very warm and very dry. As a matter of fact, you could say that the weather was becoming quite hot, which was perfect for me. I set a goal of arriving at Fort Amherst in St. John’s no later than 9 PM. The trail conditions were very good and dry but typically very technical as all trails in Newfoundland are 😊, I was able to arrive at the finish after a long climb and then huge descent at 8:19 PM that day. Highly recommend the East Coast Trail to anybody that wants a true adventure in the wilderness and if anybody has any questions about my gear food sleeping equipment anything please let me know.
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Sounding Hills Path: Ferryland to Aquaforte – Map 22
This path has been closed at the trailhead in Ferryland due to a conflict with the landowner in that area. However, it is still possible to hike from the Aquaforte trailhead as far as Herring Cove and return to Aquaforte rather than proceed to Ferryland.
https://eastcoasttrail.com/path-advisories/
Attached you can also find a picture of the sign at the Aquaforte trailhead.