The Trail does indeed provide

I have been impressed every day with just how true the saying “the Trail shall provide” is. 

Trail Angels

There can never be enough written about the Trail Angels of the PCT. There is something beautiful about the human spirit and the PCT. Trail Angels are the unsung cheerleaders of the hike. in Wrightwood, Carol and Dale not only opened their home to wayward hikers, but they also acted as valet, chauffeur, and quasi therapists. 

We spent 3 days and 2 nights with them, and their enthusiasm for what we were doing on the PCT was infectious.  An added bonus was the 22 mile drive to the trailhead at the end of the Bridge Fire closure Dale told me the day he drove us that he has done 6 trips in a day just to help out fellow hikers. 

Balden Powell to Aqua Dulce

The sunrise at Jimmy Springs campground was special. The PCT is beautiful, but there are days with Mother Nature puts on a show. As we hiked towards Aqua Dulce, I recall seeing a cooler by one of the trail signs from a few hundred feet up the trail. Coolers are like carrots for horses, but for hikers. I remember almost sprinting downhill. The reward was 3 cold drinks left in the cooler for the 3 of us. Pure magic

The Trail is turning hot as spring starts to give way to summer so the hike into Aqua Dulce was more like being a human salt lick than a hiker. Woody stopped to say hi to a horse on the outskirts of Aqua Dulce, and she was licked by the horse the entire time. 

The night before Aqua Dulce, we camped at a fire station at the point of the trail closest of Los Angeles.  The caretaker Todd showed up as we were finishing dinner with cold cans of coke and beer. He literally was like a trail Santa. After 27 years as caretaker and probably more than 20,000 PCT hikers, he was still genuinely interested in each of our own stories and showed curiosity that was genuine and very refreshing. 

Aqua Dulce to Green Valley

The hike into Green Valley was probably the toughest day of the hike so far. It has way more uphill than expected, and the heat was oppressive. It is a challenge having to plan hikes on the next water source. This day had a 15 mile carry. Good training for the Mojave which is coming next. 

The magic in Green Valley was the BBQ place in town. To find out less than a mile from the fire fire station where the water faucet is that there is a legit place for a meal and a beverage was the exact remedy to the physical and mental fatigue we experienced. And yes it is possible to have two meals and to still be hungry. Root beer float included. 

This entire journey continues to remind me why I wanted to hike to Canada in the first place. Mother Nature is a phenomenal therapist, and interacting with the humanity on the trail is so rewarding. Through all of the sweat and the effort comes a mind that is healthier and happier.