How I Got a Trail Name: The Birth of a Trail Name at an In ‘n’ Out in Cabazon
The USA is unlike any place on earth. It is the place I was born but left when I was eight years old and have not resided since. Returning for the trail, I feel I possess both an insider and outsider perspective on this country. There are many unique points at which to marvel: massive gas stations, diners, the style of billboards, the extraversion of its citizens, open carry states, root beer floats, the extensive list of side effects read in every medical commercial on TV, the flavour fruit punch and the list goes on. Most people here are unaware that some seemingly insignificant elements of everyday life are exclusive to this country and of great intrigue to people like myself. It is one of these US-specific-phenomena that earned me my trail name: Refill.
(Note: trail names are nicknames used on many long distance hikes. They cannot be chosen by the person but can be rejected. Fellow hikers may suggest trail names based on characteristics, a funny situation, a unique habit or any other point of interest.)
As well as being a PCT thru hiker, I am also very much a modern, easily influenced, 22 year old. This may be news to you but the internet is quite obsessed with the West Coast fast food chain, In ‘n’ Out. It has gained a reputation as the echelon of cheap, greasy eating enterprises. While my interest was piqued, my desire for such a place had lain dormant for some time (owing to the geographical constraints of residing on the other side of the Pacific Ocean). However, upon finishing university my bags were immediately packed for Mexico and I was one step closer to the trail and this beloved eatery.
I arrived in the US two days before heading to Campo, during which time I stayed at the legendary house of Scout and Frodo. As well as being the epitome of angels themselves, they are assisted by other volunteers. One in particular, Proton (he’s always positive), made it his personal mission to help me get to In ‘n’ Out. I was deeply moved by his selfless tenacity in helping me pursue an arguably asinine dream. Despite the most earnest of efforts, we were unable to coordinate everything for the trail and work in an outing for a burger too. Knowing Proton as a person was far better than any meal could be but nevertheless, I don’t turn down opportunities when they present themselves. That is when Cabazon turned up and a trail name was born…
Before trudging through Mission Creek- the most arduous section of the PCT to date- Yoghurt (she ate two pounds of yoghurt one day in town) and I made the most important pit stop of my life: to the Cabazon In ‘n’ Out. The hitch took longer than any other but we remained undeterred. After nearly an hour, the grandparents of a fellow hiker generously picked us up and dropped us off at the promised restaurant. I was excited but tempered my expectations as I did not want to be disappointed. The internet is not always the most truthful of places.
The doors opened. We entered giddy and stinky. The white and red interior greeted us with a feeling of nostalgia for a time I do not know. A friendly man in a boat hat took my order: a classic burger combo. The prices were very reasonable. I awaited the call of my number in anticipation. Not long after, it arrived. The meal was delightful and was truly everything I hoped it would be. Yet, what captured me entirely was the accessible fountain drink station. Specifically, the fact that refills are free and unlimited. I was raised in a house that knew the value of a bargain and that is something that has not left me to this day. Armed with this mindset, I knew the more I drank the further my dollar went.
When presented with the free refill I feel like David fighting Goliath; the single proletariat taking on the bourgeoisie; me and the multimillion dollar fast food chain going head to head over their profit in this purchase. I will win. This trail name is situational and ideological. It is light hearted and fundamental to my core values all at the same time.
At this particular In ‘n’ Out, I refilled well into the double digits. The pursuit of the free refill has become a favorite town activity of mine and statiates the desert dehydration. No other country has refills the same way the US has free refills. Perhaps, it is because the US is a master on the myth of meritocracy; expert on knowing how to make you feel like you can affect companies through cups of pink lemonade. It is undeniably an arbitrary and silly way to reclaim some sense of power. However, in a generation seeped with nihilism I find it a fun way to rebel against the absurdity of life, reclaim joy and a sense of autonomy. It doesn’t matter but it does. So, whether it’s a cup of coffee or free refills that keeps you from killing yourself- I say enjoy and maybe you too will find a trail name in it!
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Comments 2
I love it! I’m a friend of your mom’s from Parent’sPlace – Gillian and Sonia are my daughters. I feel the nihilism and I’m middle aged. There’s rampant disinformation about events I witnessed on tv. Anyway, hope you get animal style next stop🤣 it’s the next level! Hopefully the fires don’t get in the way. Your parents sure seem to have picked one of the safer places on earth! Stay safe💗
Hi Kirsten!
Yes, I totally remember! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog- I really appreciate it! I definitely understand the feeling and don’t think it’s uncommon at all… animal style is living rent free in my brain and is a requirement next In ‘n’ Out stop! Thanks again and all the best 😊