‘Twas the Night Before Hiking

‘Twas the night before hiking, when all through the tent

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The tents were tied up at the campground with care,

In hopes that Mama Earth would be there;

 

The hikers were nestled all snug in their sleeping bags,

While visions of vistas danced in their heads;

And Mexico in her warmth, and Canada in my eyes,

Had just settled down for a long trek ahead,

 

When out on the trail arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the tent to see what was the matter.

Away to the vestibule I hobbled in a flash,

Tore open the zippers and startled a tumbleweed.

Adaptation from “Twas the Night Before Christmas” for what I vision aspiring thru hikers had in their heads as they go to bed before starting a journey.

March first is very very exciting for PCT thru hikers because that is the first day the permits start and the day that many begin their journey. (I had hoped to write this on Feb 28th, but alas I thought sleep was more important in the moment than writing.) But I am very excited to meet the aspiring thru hikers and help them learn about some Leave no Trace principles along with knowledge about upcoming trail conditions. Water spots with other general safety tips are the main concern to help people start, especially with the recent snow. The most up to date way for hikers to get knowledge about this is to check when there is service in a town on the PCTA’s website with trail conditions and closures.

Please don’t be afraid to say hi! Between day hikers, section hikers, and thru hikers we are here to help you start your journey. We were out here in the pouring rain/snow on the first day and we did have brave souls start their hike! But even on the second day and everyday until the permit season is over for the southern terminus for when people start we will be here!

One super cool reason why the permits are in place so that there are not say 113 people starting April 15th for example and only 8 people the next day. (That did happen once!) This way the bell curve is flattened a bit to protect the resources and not to have overcrowding so that people can experience the nature on the trail.

March 1st, 2023

-Morgan