No Title
- Mile 364 - Jun 7th, 2010
I'm in Wrightwood, mile 364, making a brief stop to resupply, and I'll head out tonight or in the morning. It's been really hot the last few days, but the trail has been interesting. We had a very relaxing stop at the Deep Creek hot springs a few days ago, alternating between soaking in the hot springs and swimming in the cool river.
Two days ago we passed through a highway intersection and decided to spend the night at a Best Western hotel. From the beginning both Flyboxer and I had decided to avoid motels as much as possible, mainly due to limited budgets, however it was a long, hot day(at least 90 degrees in the shade, if you could find any), so we decided to indulge. Besides, we were with another hiker who was suffering from serious dehydration and heat exhaustion, and with the hiker rate split three ways, the motel only cost $20 each.
We have been experiencing a lot of trail magic the last few days. We sometimes pass through campgrounds and roads, and people often ask us about our trip and are excited to learn about our journey. I never get tired of hearing the question "where are you hiking to?" and then seeing their incredulous reaction when I reply "Canada.". People often offer us things like food, cold soda, or even cold beer! Yesterday we were offered all three, by different people throughout the day. At times it almost feels like we're being treated like celebrities, when all we're doing is hiking.
When something wonderful and unexpected happens on the trail, often as a result of the kindness and generosity of complete strangers, it is called 'trail magic'. We have had a lot of trail magic lately, and I'm very grateful for it. In addition to trail magic, there are people known as 'trail angels', who selflessly help out hikers with things like rides to and from the trail, hosting hikers in their homes for free, etc. One of the great things about a trip like this is that it reaffirms my faith in the kindness and general goodwill of people, which is especially important for someone as cynical as me.
Our next stop is is Agua Dulce in 90 miles, where I plan on staying at a place called Hiker Heaven. Hiker heaven is the home of some well-known trail angels who generously host up to fifty smelly hikers a night. Till next time. Peace, Dan.
AnswerMan
- Mile 364 - Jun 7th, 2010
