A Few Hikers I Have Known

I have been hovering around Julian, CA this past week and I have met many hikers. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to locate the trail exactly but it didn’t take long to get my bearings. I had unknowingly parked the Clydesdale close by a side trail that some hikers take to get water. Sunshine Trailhead is right off the PCT around mile fifty-nine and never seemed to fail at providing me, hikers.

One morning not long after waking up, a young woman approached me. I knew instantly she was a hiker by her sunned skin, pack, and a small sense of concern. She and her two traveling companions were out of water and the tank was dry. I, of course, gave them all I had which luckily was the exact amount they needed. While they were filling up we talked pleasantries about their hike and their homelands, Poland and Germany. They left me at the trailhead surprised at my good fortune at having my day start with such pleasant people and of course their beautiful accents.

Another time I was at the post office sorting some mail when I overheard the postmaster giving information on possible rides to a trailhead. I hadn’t even noticed the hiker at the counter. I interrupted them both by introducing myself and informed the hiker I would be glad to help after I finished sorting and mailing. The hiker turned towards me revealing a smile, slightly hidden by a long white beard. This was Tinker a hiker whom if I’m not mistaken is thru-hiking at the age of sixty-nine. He very lovingly spoke with Bowie and gave her a few pets before jumping in the Clydesdale. We chatted as we drove down a mountain to an area known as Scissors at mile seventy-seven.

Tinker was very charming and immensely polite. We swapped stories of our ventures on the Appalachian Trail as he had thru-hiked in 2016 and discussed his attempt at the Pacific Crest Trail just last year. In no time we had chatted right past our turn allowing us a few extra minutes of trail talk. Tinker was very gracious for the ride and as I watched him hike into the desert I only hoped I would see him up the trail again.

I also had a chance meeting with The Quinns, A family of hikers out doing a section of the PCT. The family was made up of a husband and wife, their two teenage sons, and grandmother too! I was totally impressed that the whole family was out getting some vitamin trail! Out of all the family vacations to choose from theme parks, cruises, beaches, etc. they had chosen to spend their time together backpacking. Their family along with a few other hikers filled the Clydesdale to a record six hikers with packs. We shall see how long this record stands!

There are so many more hikers I could tell you about, those with trail names and others still without. I have met hikers from all over the world each taking on the trail in their own way. It is a privilege to meet such amazing people. Each is on a quest of some kind and if you have ever talked to someone on a quest, you know they have the greatest stories.