Trail angels

The southernmost section (approx. miles 0-700) seems to be the best supported by trail angels. People who live along or near the trail seem to delight in helping the hikers by providing food and drink at trail-road junctions, shuttling them to post offices and towns, and even inviting them into their homes. 

Twice now Arthur has spent a night with a number of other hikers in homes on or near the trail, where the landowner charges a small fee for a bed, shower, and laundry.

On Thursday, Arthur and his crew were met by my friend Jennifer. I've known Jennifer since 1999 when we worked at different newspapers under the Oakland Tribune parent company and played co-ed rec softball together (Go Band!). Jennifer is also a backpacker (she joined Arthur and I on a four-day trek through Desolation Wilderness a few years ago) and lives in Bakersfield, which is just an hour or so drive from a couple of PCT resupply locations. So she was eager to be a trail angel. I've mailed he lots of Arthur's food and gear in recent weeks so that she could get them to him. She is generously letting Arthur spend two nights at her house to rest, shower, and do laundry. And she'll meet up with him again in a week or so at another location a short drive from Bakersfield.

Another prominent trail angel for their group has been the dad of Hats Off. He has brought them cold water and even burritos. Partly as a result of this generosity, Arthur found himself with many more backpacking meals than he needed. Since we have both spent much time and money on these homemade meals, we cringed at the idea of leaving them behind (food is possibly the heaviest thing in one's pack on a backpacking trip), but lucky for us Hats Off's dad offered to ship them home! 

The trail community around the PCT is incredible. I'm so grateful for everyone who has helped PCT hikers this year and in the past. 

A happy Arthur and his buddies after Jennifer picked them up and got them to a taco place and grocery store.  


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