I forgot to mention this in my last post, so I thought I'd add it now.

One morning in Bishop, we were walking Tuck across the street from our motel in a really nice city park. There were hikers resting nearby, going through their packs...making last minute checks before heading out to the trail entrance near Bishop. Most of the hikers are in their 20's and 30's...this is a very strenuous hike folks (Google the PCT and you can see the route), so you need to be young and FIT. But wait....here's an older hiker adjusting his pack at a nearby picnic table. Curious, we walked up to him and said hello. We are so glad we did. It turned out that he was indeed walking the PCT. Whoa....we had to learn more, particularly since he looked to be our age.

He explained that he was retracing the hike he had made 26 years earlier on the trail. He said he was moving a lot slower than the "young kids", but he was doing OK. Blisters covered both his feet, but he was forging on. He had come into town the day before to escape some of the snow melt conditions high up on the mountain. We also realized from his accent and complexion that he was Native American. He was a gentle soul for sure and we liked him immediately. He knew everything about the trail, the wildflowers, the wildlife and the weather. He explained that he was worried about rejoining the trail that day because of some bad weather moving in. We thought that was an odd comment, as it was a crystal clear, beautiful, windless day. All I can say is....was he ever right. Somehow, he knew what was coming....and me, the old white guy....didn't. Later that afternoon, the wind picked up to 50-60mph gusts and dark clouds moved in over the mountains. Anyone stuck high up on the trail would have been in serious trouble.

After he left, it struck both of us how "in tune" to the environment he was. He had skills that you didn't learn....you were born with them. I wish I had gotten his name and phone number, as he was a special person...and you don't meet many of them these days. Perhaps we will meet again? I sure hope so.

Cheers,

Wayne, Claudia & Tuck