Trail Angel Training Hikes

With all the PCT blog postings ... we just couldn't miss an opportunity to hike a section near our home in Portland today. We saw this as an opportunity to train ourselves to carry heavier loads as well as test some gear.

Before we headed out I updated HalfMile's iPhone App, loaded up my pack with simulated apple weight (this is the training part), grabbed a pair of new Darn Tough socks I've been wanting to test, and hit the PCT SoBo from Cascade Locks with some friends from the Cascadia Women's Mountain Group.

Everything worked out well, except the electronics. Just like last year, I have to go through the basics again. Last year I remembered using the app to locate potential campsite and water caches, this year I can't seem to see that. I need to do more research, but I think I must be doing something wrong. No worries today, I was on a section of the trail I know well.

Many of the PCT hikers take the Eagle Creek Alternate from Whatum Lake, experiencing one of the most beautiful trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Unfortunately they miss this beautiful section of trail with its views of the river, waterfalls and pinnacles.

Tomorrow, we hike from Cascade Locks to the Greenleaf overlook with heavier packs ... apples weigh a lot ya know!

My Trail Angel Style

Last year (2012) was my first year as a PCT Trail Angel. I had an opportunity to try out a number of approaches to supporting thru-hikers. Toward the end of the season, I stumbled upon the best approach for me . . . I carry a backpack full of apples, atomic fireballs, and small snacks to offer to unsuspecting thru-hikers I encounter while day-hiking sections of the PCT.

Why apples? They pack easily, it takes a lot to hurt 'em, they don't leave juice in my backpack, and the hikers don't have to feel like they need to stop and visit for a long period of time. Just grab 'n go!

Why Atomic Fireballs? Why Not! They are an awesome cinnamon jawbreaker treat that really puts some pep in your step.

With an off-road capable vehicle, I can access more remote sections of the PCT, usually far from a resupply stop. Last year I could be found just about anywhere between Barlow Pass (2100) in Oregon and Hart's Pass (2630) in Washington, usually when a group of 15-20 hikers were passing through. Thus my trail name . . . Where's Chris?

I typically park at a trailhead, load the backpack and head south toward the thru-hikers to hand out goodies. At 6-7 miles in, I rest and eat lunch, and then head north back to the trailhead . . . handing out more goodies. If time permits, I'll hang out a bit at the trailhead handing out the last of my apples before heading home.

I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to hike 3-4 days a week, usually midweek. I try to work in at least one day on the PCT. This season I'll also be incorporating some camping alongside the PCT with my day hikes. When I'm camping . . . I'll be bringing along extra drip coffee to share with hikers each morning. There's nothing like good strong coffee in the morning. If you smell it ahead on the trail . . . please stop and I'll make you a cup.

Thanks to the blogs of so many PCT hikers, and comments on the PCTA website, I can get a good idea of where the herd is along the trail. There are already several really good blogs from hikers who are on the trail and/or hitting the trail in the next few weeks. A shout out to HalfMile for creating HikePress that provides a daily aggregation of blog posts; he has made it so much easier to find blogs to follow this year.

The PCTA said they've issued more than 1000 permits for this season . . . so I better start training to carry a lot of apples each day! And, I'll be enlisting the help of my fella Charles to join me as often as he can.

2013 Hikers Are On Trail!

Spring has made a first real appearance here in Portland. The Columbia Gorge is waking up and starting to display bursts of wildflowers at the eastern end.

While the PCT remains covered in snow throughout most of Oregon, the first of the PCT hikers are slowly making their way onto the trail at the Mexican border ... time to stow the snowshoes, do my gear checks and hit the trails again myself.

As I write this, there are already several hiker blogs I'm following in anticipation of intersecting with these hardy hikers when they begin reaching Oregon in late July.

If you are interested in finding a few blogs to follow, check out this great compilation site http://www.hikepress.com/

More later with my own PCT Trail Angel gear review ...