What's a pilgrimage?
"Pilgrimage" basically means spiritual adventure. Any journey could be a pilgrimage, as long as there is an intention for discovering more of the Sacred.
Pilgrimages are often made out of respect -- or homage -- for another person or a place.
They always involve foregoing the comforts of home for a time.
Pilgrims (the people who go on pilgrimage) are often searching for something that everyday life doesn't reveal.
Who is this for?
This is a youth trip, geared to 15-25-year-olds, with adult leaders.
Physical, mental, and spiritual challenges in wilderness settings during our youth are vital to understanding the fullness of one's own character. They help us uncover who we truly are, and whether we have what it takes when life demands something of us. And more to the point: wilderness challenges are fun!
This relationship-building and memory-making journey takes about a week, but lasts a lifetime.
This pilgrimage will be rooted in the Christian tradition and is open to folks of any faith background.
Could it be that this pilgrimage is for you?
What's the itinerary?
A road-trip, a hike, a rest, a hike, a road-trip
The journey begins with a day-long road-trip from Victoria, BC to San Josef Bay. Then we hike for two days (with spiritual practices interspersed), rest for a day at Cape Scott, and hike back. It's a 7-day adventure.
Day 1: Drive from Victoria, BC to San Josef River Heritage Park
Day 2: Hike from San Josef River Heritage Park to Nissen Bight/Nels Bight Junction
Day 3: Hike from Nissen Bight/Nels Bight Junction to Cape Scott
Day 4: Layover day at Cape Scott
Day 5: Hike from Cape Scott to Nissen Bight/Nels Bight Junction
Day 6: Hike from Nissen Bight/Nels Bight Junction to San Josef River Heritage Park
Day 7: Drive back to Victoria, BC
What will I need to bring?
You will need to bring all the essentials of wilderness camping, plus gear to withstand a potential torrential downpour (although we'll be hoping for sunshine:) )
We'll help find the gear.
Tent (roughly 1 tent for 3 people)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpack (50-70L)
Sturdy, wet-appropriate footwear
Rain gear (jacket, pants, and hat)
Clothing (pants, shirts, etc)
Socks
Water bottle
Flashlight
Dishes (plate, bowl, cup, cutlery)
Toiletries (eg. toothbrush)
Toilet paper
Journal (and pen)
Camera
Small musical instrument
Small games (eg. deck of cards)
Small personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, disinfectant, blister care)
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Spending money for the road-trip
Dry sack
Small knife
Compass
Whistle
Emergency blanket (space blanket)
Fire starter