The Many Adventures of Shawn Henry Baybutt

One of Shawn Henry Baybutt’s obsessions is hiking. Whether it’s on the eight day jaunt of the 77 kilometers of the formidable West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island or on the mighty mountain passes in the Himalayas in Nepal’s Khumbu region near Mt. Everest, the wide vistas, the mountain’s peaks hidden in the clouds, and the rushing streams call to his adventurous nature. He loves exploring the cultures and peoples of countries all over the world, including his own western Canadian stomping grounds. He’s seen the sphinx and pyramids in ancient Egypt and the Taj Mahal, India’s jewel. He’s hiked in Mexico, Israel, taken high tea in England and explored China’s teeming cities.

An avid fly fisher, Shawn Henry Baybutt goes after the elusive steelhead, that silver dream of a fighting fish. Hooking the steelhead is one thing, getting it landed is the drama anglers dream of while waiting in a fishing lodge for the break of day. Hooking salmon, steelhead and trout in British Columbia’s sparkling rivers and streams remains one of Shawn’s favorite expressions of his passion for the great outdoors. The sheer beauty of the great Canadian river valleys calls to his nature, and the demands of angling for the toughest fish to catch, keep him going.

Long treks especially appeal to Shawn Henry Baybutt’s need to challenge his body and soul in daredevil hikes. In 2005, he took the rough 10 day endurance test known as backpacking the 97 km journey through Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittiq National Park on Baffin Island. The stunning arctic sights and sounds, especially when the weather cleared for a day and the many glacial streams shone in the sun, count as a highly treasured memory.

Of key importance in adventure hiking, says Shawn, is to plan the trip. Learn what the hike will entail, the length of the journey and the difficulties of the trail. So when Shawn starts dreaming of hiking in Argentina, he considers the most audacious treks, such as hitting El Chalten, known as the trekking capital of that bold country. First he will read and research all he’ll need to do that hike, as seasoned travelers and hikers like to do.

Even for an outdoorsman like Shawn, reading has been one of life’s pleasures. Reading, and watching hockey and football whiles away the off duty hours of Shawn’s day. Wise and wacky Kurt Vonnegut has long remained his favorite author. Still, it is the fabulous regions of the wide world that call to this adventuresome soul. From Nepal’s awesome mountains and fascinating Sherpa culture to India’s mysterious mix of religions and peoples, to diving Ras Abu Galum and the most arduous treks on the planet, Shawn’s love of travel and adventure take him where few others dare to step. Stop here to read of fascinating insights into the world’s cultures, wild, haunting landscapes in places still little known and traveled and always, the thrill of landing the best catch of the day.