Profile - John Coles - Founding Member

I have hiked with John Coles on numerous occasions and took the following picture on one such outing to Zoa Peak earlier this year. With a wealth of knowledge about our coastal forest and a lively spirit he is the type of company you want to keep on those long hikes. He followed his father's interests and used to work these same forests with the BC Forest Service before retiring.  The same passion is found, passed on again, in his sons and daughter. 

(John has since informed me that his grandfather was a BC Forest Ranger - giving the Coles family a combined 98 years of coastal forest experience).

John Coles Zoa Peak Hike

A great story teller, I particularly like John's tale about his daughter Christine's move to Victoria, BC. Asked if she felt at home already in Victoria, she replied no, there were still many plants in the forest she could not identify...Yet.  This connection to the natural world I found revealing to both of them.  Not surprisedly, John has an almost spiritual affinity to our deep woods.   

Stephen Mullock


In John's own words....

I have hiked trails on four of the six continents of the world. And have spent about 61 years hiking in B.C.   I have been bushwhacking the last five years in and around Green/ Bear Mountain.  It is now time for some nice trails for others to enjoy what I have seen.

I feel I am One with The Great Outdoors. I stroll the Green Grind, I trail-run, mountain bike, back-country ski, alpine ski, cross country ski, snowshoe, kayak, and canoe all in my backyard playground.  The Great Outdoors invigorates me and humbles me.  I love walking through a deep damp green forest in the pouring rain or sitting in the hot sun on tinder dry moss as balsam needles scent the air with aromatic oils.

I got involved in this project when I met another fellow on the trails who had the same idea as me but had a hard time finding his way.  We joined forces and I showed him the path to Harrison Hot Springs.  Mother Nature spurred me on when I at times I slowed in my quest.  In fact twice she sent a black bear to talk to me and steer me in the right direction.

The benefits of hiking is simply that I never have and believe I never will run into a person who is angry. 

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