Category: People

Trail names

People3 Comments

It is customary for long distance hikers to be given a trail name.We have met ‘Socks’, ‘Pockets’, ‘Semper Gumby’ (always flexible), ‘Crunchmaster’ (crunches the miles and once managed 52 miles in one day), ‘Smiles’ who hikes with him, ‘Rockstar’, ‘Hot Ham’ (carried ham into a hot desert section and ate it and lived to acquire the name), ‘Indy’ (hated snakes), Magellan (bad sense of direction), ‘Moses’ (seen talking to a bush) and many others.Ros got the name “Compass” some time ago, due to her lack of sense of direction (we could have ended up in Mexico a couple of times).A couple of days ago, Robert was named “Moss” for obvious reasons.

Day -1: at Scout and Frodos

People4 Comments

Today and yesterday we have been staying at the house of some trail angels with the trail names of Scout and Frodo. These people, and several volunteers, have helped us and 1300 other PCT wanabees (this season) by pickups, lodging, advice, meals, packing facilities, and finally (for us 6am tomorrow) a one hour ride out of San Diego to the start of the hike near Campo.

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Each night there have been about 30 hikers here. Most sleep outside in big marquees on the lawn but we were fortunate to be allocated to a guest bedroom. I think we are the only married couple here at the moment. It seems that the country with the highest representation is Germany. Also there are French, Swedish, NZ, Canadian, US, Brazilian, UK, Austrian and would you believe, a guy from Nerang.

We are pretty pleased with our final packs. Our base weights are 7.6kg and 5kg, and when we add our food and 2.6 litres of water, we have 13kg and 12.5kg. I think (hope) we will lose a bit as we get into the rhythm of the hike.