Trail Magic is Real

Current location: Laying in my bag in between Hwy 58 and a railroad line, while the sun sets and my stomach feels full. This is the highway exit for both the Mojave and Tehachapi. We Nero'ed out of Tehachapi after a night hanging out with my Dad. He worked around LA this past week, and was able to stop by and be an incredible Trail Angel to Fly Ballz, Franklinstein, and myself... Stummy.

A little bit ago while in Agua Dulce (a small town with a bit of roadwalking as the trail) an amazing family sitting near a group of us smelly hiker trash inside a Mexican restaurant were both fascinated and excited about our adventure. They came up to us while we were eating to tell us they were so inspired by our journey, that they already took care of the bill to help us make it to Canada. Thank you strangers! You rock!!

Terry and Joe Anderson are amazing! These Trail Angels have been sharing their magic for many, many years. Their home is truly a hippie-daycare for hikers looking to kick back, laugh, and relax! With disc golf, a maze of trees to camp within, a water pipe, breakfast, dinner, and rides to the store, I couldn't help but stay 2 nights before continuing trail. Props to them for all their commitment and hard work supporting the PCT. YOU BOTH FUCKING ROCK!!

Life-long friend Krystin Moler (who blued my hair before trail) and her beautiful boy Kristofer picked me up from the Anderson's and brought me to her mother's place in Landcaster for a shower, shave, in-n-out, and ice cream! It was so awesome to spend time with her, and to relax and watch some tv while washing my clothes and catching up with Krystin. She's so amazing! While dropping me back off at the Anderson's, we picked up 2 hiker trash folks. Krystin is a Trail Angel for sure!

The killer Portland Thrash bands Weresquatch and Gladius met up at a KOA campsite and day-raged with us hiker trash. They played the night before near LA, and the PCT just so conveniently lay in their route to their next show. After we demolished a crap ton of pizza and beer and soaked in the hot tub, they went on their way to their final show. Such rad dudes! Ponder nailed the ultimate trail magic for me, and carried all the way from Portland Stone Brewing's Enjoy By 4-20-15 to share, as well as a Ninkasi Stout that had yeast that traveled into space! So sweet!

My Dad's visit was so awesome, and I was sad to see him drive away this afternoon as he dropped us off on Tehachapi Willow Spring Road. Last night, him and I stopped by Honey Wagon Brewery, he helped run errands today, and he kicked back with us hiker trash in the hotel room pounding pizza and laughs. It's amazing how much he has influenced me, and how I feel so connected to him. Music, foods, jokes.. We even look alike. He filled up an iPod for me, and today, while hiking, I both laughed aloud and shed a few tears as each song brought me closer connected to childhood memories. Everything from Counting Crows to REM, to Van Halen and Black Sabbath... It was such a good mix. Hey Dad, you're pretty fly, for a white guy, and I love you so much.

Trail Magic is real, and honestly, magical. From zip-lining to a margarita, I appreciate every little bit of it. Makes me reflect on generosity and kindness. Big acts and small acts. Heart and soul. I think heavily on some of the magic I have received in my life outside of trail. From the magic of Nan and her family, to my own family and the quality friends in my life. And magic I'm not sure if I said "thank you" enough for. The Kay's when they took me with them to Hawaii; Cortnie for dying my hair with her dye; Jonathan for the toy princess pony to sit on my desk; Maha for building me a custom table; Emily for the rooftop party; John for the skateboard... I'm not sure if I said "thank you" enough times to really express how grateful I am to those people for all that they've done. So, to you guys, thank you. And to everyone one else, thank you too.