Cindy and I share many values. Yes, we love outdoor adventure and nature, but we also love people. We left for the PCT because of my memory of the trail being the most remote and beautiful of the National Scenic Trails. The beauty is still there; the remoteness, not so much. Yet as we return home our memories now are filled mainly with the people of the journey.
First and foremost is our daughter Charissa. My sweetheart, I know you still must be reading these. Please know that tears well up just thinking about you taking six months out of your busy life to spend them with your Mom (and, um, me I guess). Our memories would be nowhere near as dear if you were not the centerpiece to them.
Almost as dear are the people who hiked with us. If you have not read “Dave Kinney’s Last Mile,” please do. He captures the sentiment of old hiking buddies loving and supporting each other better than I have. Most of our cherished memories feature an image of those who came to hike with us. Mike, or “En” (short for Cindy’s Entourage), is in the lion’s share of those memories as he joined us for two months. In our cherished memories as well are Savitt, Patsy, Tom, Deeda, Jerry, Kirk, Bret and Dave. I doubt I can adequately convey to these folks just how grateful I am.
Ms. Frizzle
My gratitude goes out as well to our daughter Serena and boyfriend Kevin who came to visit us. I fondly remember Karl Mattson, helping us with the long drive across the country. Karl is now an adopted member of the Washington Sinclair clan.
There were, of course, also the thru-hikers we met along the way. Many of these left lasting impressions, particularly the ones we encountered in multiple states. I give thanks now to the ones who left a comment on my blog or Facebook page. Lady Pants, Milkshake, Smitty and Ms. Frizzle, I’ll always remember you. I’ll be grateful if other 2014 thru-hikers leave a comment as well.
My most recent Facebook photo album is titled “Trail Angels Supreme,” devoted to those people who took us into their care during the journey. These are not the wonderful folks who went out of their way to help PCT hikers in general, such as Kermit, Ladybug and Coppertone. I refer to those trail angels for whom circumstance placed us uniquely into their care. To recap in chronological order:
Connie and the Washington Sinclair clan of Olympia, Washington.
Judy of Eugene, Oregon (with an assist to Bill Perry and Roger Monty)
The Lyons Pride Trail Crew of Northern California
Our neighbors Carolyn, Marnie and Stacey at Waldo Lake, Oregon
John and Gail of Etna, California
Carlos, Mariana, Kristel and Valentina de la Fuente of Auburn, California
Marty, Fran, Jocelyn and Andrew of Novato, California
Tom and the California Sinclair clan of Carmel, California
Dave and Jeannette of Huntington Beach, California
Ralph and Diana of Las Vegas, Nevada
Cindy and Paul of Descanso, California
When I was young I associated with other people in nomadic groups as a means towards accumulating wilderness adventure memories. Now that I’m, um, mature, I associate myself with wilderness adventures, ironically, as a means to accumulate memories of kindness and community. To all the people we encountered on Cindy’s last long-distance journey, thanks for the memories.
Kirk,
It was a real privilege to be able to accompany you and Cindy for a few days of your great journey. I was highly impressed by your unfailing patience and good humor, while doing life on a far harder setting than I think I could manage gracefully.
Even in the best of circumstances, the ending of one of life’s chapters can be difficult. On that last day I couldn’t help but feel moved myself, and to wonder about all the thoughts that must have been running through your head, over the past and into the future, reflections and anticipations.
I hope that the return to civilization has afforded you some respite.
Someday I’d like to get out on the northern portions of the PCT shown in your photos. The scenery looks awesome, though it would be hard to equal the company of this last trip.
You and Cindy have my profound best wishes.
Thank you Bret for joining us at the end. I know that everyone else had the common past of the CDT, but you really fit comfortably in and enhanced the experience for all. By all means check out Washington. There are also a few ranges here in the East worth visiting. You would have a base camp with our home.