The late summer time air hung heavy with the scents of pine needles and damp earth as Framke and I started our trek, the Kinsol Trestle rising above us like a picket cathedral. Daylight streamed by way of its latticework, portray geometric patterns on the path beneath. Our mission was easy but sacred: full a 15km loop that showcased the grandeur of this Vancouver Island landmark and its surrounding forest. Naturally, espresso was going to be part of the journey.
“Prepared for some path magic?” I teased, adjusting my pack, which held not simply necessities and our lunch, however our moveable espresso arsenal: an AeroPress, Timemore C3s Professional grinder, foldable pour-over, filters, titanium mugs, and one indispensable instrument.
Framke grinned, her enthusiasm as fixed because the forest round us. “At all times. Although that pour-over on Mount Rainier final fall set a fairly excessive bar.”
“Problem accepted,” I shot again with a smirk.
The primary stretch of the path meandered gently, flanked by towering Douglas firs and the murmur of the Koksilah River. The sound swelled as we reached a secluded rocky outcrop overlooking a waterfall—our first espresso cease.
“Good,” I declared, dropping my pack.
Framke surveyed the scene. “The place’s the water coming from this time? Don’t inform me we’ve got to attend 90 minutes on your fancy-pants photo voltaic kettle to warmth up?”
I pulled out the compact Jetboil Flash with a flourish. “4 minutes to boiling—no fuss, no ready.”
Whereas the Jetboil roared to life, I started working grinding beans. Right now’s choose: a naturally processed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, bursting with floral and citrus notes. The Timemore C3s Professional made brief work of the grind, its easy burr motion and ergonomic design slicing by way of the beans very quickly. As I arrange the AeroPress, the aroma of freshly floor espresso crammed the air.
With practiced precision, I gave the brew some stirs, locked down the plunger, and gave it a sixty second steep time. Then the press-down got here. I brewed the Yirgacheffe, splitting the wealthy, concentrated fragrant elixir between our mugs, topping them each off with a bit extra water from the Jetboil. The brilliant, fruity notes performed fantastically in opposition to the forest’s earthy backdrop. We sipped in silence, the second as good because the caffeine was energizing.
Refreshed, we packed up and continued, the path changing into steeper because it looped again towards the trestle. Alongside the best way, we exchanged greetings with fellow hikers, together with a Portland couple absorbing the Island’s magnificence with their 9 yr previous. Framke, who lately, and really sadly needed to say goodbye to her longtime companion Donnan, a collie, obtained to rustle the hair on just a few pleasant canines alongside the best way. These small connections added vastly to the day’s attraction, however we anticipated a crescendo that was nonetheless forward.
After we lastly emerged from the timber, the Kinsol Trestle got here into full view. It’s a kind of spots that simply blows you away. In-built 1920, it’s an enormous picket construction—a real engineering feat from a time when equipment wasn’t doing all of the heavy lifting. Made to haul timber from the Koksilah Valley, it even held the title of the world’s tallest freestanding timber rail trestle for some time.
However, like all previous issues, it took a beating from time and the weather. By the Nineteen Eighties, it was too unsafe to make use of and was deserted and condemned. For years, it sat there, a lamented relic, till a group of locals stepped up. They noticed its historic worth and fought to revive it. Due to their arduous work, the trestle obtained a second likelihood and reopened in 2011.
Now, it’s not only a piece of historical past—it’s a must-see vacation spot for hikers, cyclists, and anybody who loves an awesome view. Standing on it, surrounded by forest, you may’t assist however really feel a mixture of awe and appreciation for what’s been preserved.
Strolling throughout the trestle, the rhythmic thud of picket planks beneath our toes blended with the pure symphony of the forest. The view was breathtaking: the river beneath, the hills rising within the distance, all beneath a cover of blue sky.
We discovered our second espresso spot in a clearing with a picture-perfect view of the trestle. It was time for the pour-over.
“Alright,” Framke mentioned, her eyes glowing, “let’s see what you’ve obtained espresso boy, as a result of that first cup was fairly good!”
Out got here the Native Designs Expedition brewer, a foldable contraption of fabric, copper, and buckles, given to me by our pleasant Senior Editor right here on CoffeeGeek. Inside have been 4 Hario V60 filters, and a really tiny scale I had packed alongside for the event.
“A scale?!!” Framke famous, in disbelief. “You actually are a espresso geek!” Properly, after all I’m. I don’t use a scale with the Timemore grinder as a result of by way of expertise, I do know it holds about 20 grams of espresso as much as the highest ribs. However I do like having a scale for pourover, to get ratios proper.
This time, I might be brewing a uncommon washed Colombian espresso, chosen for its caramel sweetness and balanced profile. The Jetboil, our trusty companion, as soon as once more sprang into motion, rapidly heating the max quantity of water to the right temperature.
Then my final trick was pulled out of the bag: a Hario Air Kettle. This ultralight plastic kettle facilitates the form of managed pour you want with a V60; one thing that has confirmed tough to do with the Jetboil’s pot.
“Okay, that is subsequent degree,” Framke mentioned when she noticed the Hario pouring kettle, which is why I really like her a lot. She actually will get me.
Practiced pours. Pause for the bloom, savor the aroma, and proceed till the size reads 300g in brew water weight. One cup down, and repeat the method for the second cup. Then we paused to let the espresso calm down a bit.
Because it cooled, we took within the scene: hikers pausing to admire the trestle, daylight dappling the forest flooring. Pleasant faces smelling the aromas of the espresso we simply brewed, with a twinge of need to be becoming a member of us. Then it was time to benefit from the tastes to associate with the aromas and sights. Easy, wealthy, with notes of chocolate and a touch of fruit. Framke leaned in opposition to a mossy tree trunk, her sigh of contentment saying all of it.
“That is the life,” she mentioned.
I nodded, agreeing silently. These espresso breaks weren’t simply gas; they have been moments of connection, of shared pleasure amplified by the pure magnificence round us.
Because the solar started to dip, casting the primary shadows over the towering timber, we began the ultimate stretch again. The path felt quieter, the rhythmic crunch of our boots on gravel the one sound. Every of us was misplaced in thought, having fun with the day’s experiences.
By the point we reached the trailhead, the golden gentle of early night bathed the forest. Drained however content material, we paused to take all of it in.
“Completely good,” Framke mentioned, squeezing my hand, and pulling me in for a young kiss.
“Simply wait until subsequent time,” I replied, already imagining our subsequent journey. For us, it’s at all times in regards to the journey, the sights, the sounds, the feels, and the magic in between. And the espresso.
