PCT 27 - The People Along the Way

PCT 27 - The People Along the Way

One thing that I have written little about through this trip is the hiking community that we have shared time with. Now that the end of the trail just 80 miles and 4 days away, it seems many of us have landed in the little town at the head of remote Lake Chelan, Stehekin. Most of the day has been spent in the all time favorite hiker passtimes; talking with others, drinking and eating food. The Bakery here has been a focal point of many, but most have just sat on the deck at Stehekin Landing looking out, just staring upon the mountains. In each there is a sadness that the days of summer are coming to close. Line is always amazed to think that when we started this long trek back in Quebec, that there was 5 meters of snow in the ground. Myself as well feel the clock ticking by, and yet so close there is an urge to take it slow. But the trail calls.

Tonight most of the hikers here in Stehekin got together for dinner at the Resturant and had dinner together. We all reminised stories and places that we have seen. We shared a table with Irish, Flop, & Damp Dan, while another crew of hikers was at the table next to is. To realize that you have spent a summer with such a fluid or tight community, brings a connection of a traveller that I have not really felt since my years on Camp Staff. Line (Accent) counted that we have hiked with over 200 other hikers on this trip, now as we tell stories of the others we habe seen, I realize that we all share a special experience. The regular guests of the resort look over from time to time at the scrappy dresses bunch with long beards and inquire with the waiters who we are. With rolling eyes he responds, "Those are just Hikers..." and leaves it at that. For our community exists for a summer and the disbands into our other lives that we live in the "real world".

Through this trek I have meet some of the most extraordinary people. From Austin, a 75 year old woman that just rafter the Colorado River and was full of life. To Gordon, a dedicated Trail Angel, who seemed always to be at the next road crossing with gateraid and more stories to tell of trips, trails and life. The Trail Angels like the Saufley's, Anderson's and Heitman's, who took in hundreds of hikers into their own homes to allow all of us to rest or tired worn out feet. To all the random people we meet that gave us rides to our resupplies while hitchhiking, who's stories ranged from the bazaar to the heartwarming. And to each Postmaster of those small mountain towns, that for the summer deal with hundreds of hiker resupply boxes. After meeting so many people, I have became more confident that the heart of real people is warm and true, giving me back my faith in humanity.

Sometimes one of the most enduring memories of travelling like this is the people you meet along the way. And that has made it all the better...

From the backcountry mile
Ridgewalker
山武士
Http://ridgewalkernw.blogspot.com