Scout and Frodo’s T-minus 2 Days

We woke up early at our hostel in Ocean Beach and jumped straight on a bus to Scout and Frodo’s (S&F) house where we’d be spending the next two nights. S&F are the ultimate trail angels (people who help and support hikers). S&F completed the PCT in 2007 and Scout went on to get his triple crown (completing the PCT, CDT & AT through hikes), as well as publish 3 books. We were the first arrivals at S&F’s due to our excitement and as the first couple, this meant we were offered the treehouse built by Scout and his son in 1997. It’s a beautiful house suspended in the tree with a winding iron staircase, balcony and a mezzanine floor with a double bed, a far more luxurious stay than we’ll be used to over the next 5-6 months.

We were given a tour of the house which is perfectly set up to aid hikers prepare for their trek, with a packing station to ship forward resupply boxes, tea & coffee station with labels for cups so as not to confuse yours with one of the other 20+ hikers staying and volunteers that have previously completed the PCT who can share their wisdom.

Over the two days we must have met ~30 people who like us are attempting to take on the PCT, some who may become a huge part of our journey.

A lot of the time was spent discussing our back packs and weighing them with the baggage scales provided by S&F. This is a nerve wracking experience where you figure out how much your life for the next half year weighs. Mark (aka Prancing Dear), a volunteer, offers out shakedowns, a process where he assesses your kit and informs you of what can be left behind based on his experience. Although you’re allowed a small amount of luxury items, it’s hard to know what you’ll actually use unless you’ve got someone there to advise who has previously lived it. It was great to see another guy shed 4kg from his pack base weight!

After lots of “so when do you start” and “where are you from” conversations, we were up on our feet, being taught by Scout to line dance! The full American experience!

S&F really are incredible people, with further generosity shown in the spread of food given to us a dinner. It’s unparalleled kindness that they simply do because they “like hanging out with hikers” as Scout told us. It’s humbling to see people helping you out while asking for absolutely nothing in return.

After dinner we sat down to listen to some important information on what we might face along the way. All eyes are fixed on Scout in awe as he talks. I’ve never seen a room of people more engaged and transfixed on every word he says. He simultaneously informs and humours you, whether it’s advice on stream crossings or a story about him skinny dipping on trail, you listen when he’s talking. They’re truly two of the most interesting and admirable people I’ve ever met, doing what they love their whole life and dedicating that love to every other hiker that passes their way, Scout and Frodo, thank you from all of us!