May 18, 2018 Of Trail Angels & Traditions

Granny Hat learns something new every day as she follows Mission on his trek through California.  There is a special culture that develops between  people who travel light and endure the stark wilderness.  If packs are too heavy, hikers start giving things away, meals, extra socks, dried fruit and nuts.  It is somewhat common to see a picnic table or a rock laden with extras for others.  Through-hikers often leave notes for other hikers because everyone is traveling at their own pace and stopping for rest in different spots so it is likely you may meet again between Mexico and Canada.

There is a growing group of people who live near the trail who regularly stock water caches or food drops.  They are affectionately called “Trail Angels” and have probably saved many lives.  Some of them give rides into a nearby town for someone in need of a re-supply or medical attention.  Others offer postal service access for re-supply at their address or a place on their ranch for PCT hikers to pitch tents.  Many of them do these kind deeds for free, only taking donations to finance the upkeep of water caches and supply drops.

And the PCT is good for business in some remote wilderness towns.  Some general stores  keep a comprehensive supply of re-stock items including gear and trail food.

There are also traditions along the way.  As pictured several days ago, most PCT through-hikers stop for a photo on Eagle Rock.  Others sign their name on fences or boards designated for such a purpose.  Here is Mission’s photo of the Interstate 10 underpass in Riverside County.  The hikers follow a path right under the 10 freeway and an elevated railroad track.  Notice that Stephan found his friend, Broken Arrow’s signature.  Broken Arrow started his PCT journey in March and is now in the Sierras.  Maybe they will meet up sometime this summer!  Granny Hat visits Sonora Pass in the Sierras often.  She may consider becoming a Trail Angel and leaving some goodies up where the PCT crosses Highway 108!

Does this sound like fun to any of you?  In case you have been sold by the gorgeous views and photos of the PCT traversing through quiet forests or fields of wild flowers,

bear in mind that there are plenty of vistas like this one too, lonely and exposed,

but where you can hear yourself think or even talk to yourself. Go ahead and answer yourself or better yet, talk to God and hear His still small voice.