Highlights from the PCT Backpacking Trip

Highlights from the PCT Backpacking Trip

I'm aboard my flight from Seattle to Atlanta Tuesday afternoon, and have some time to write. Here are some of the highlights of the trip to the woods:

Crying Babies - As those who have traveled with me know, I get a great parking spot at the airport with the trade off being that I am a "baby magnet"(NOT A BABE MAGNET - maybe this is some cruel joke by some demonic deity who took advantage of my constant pleas as a high-schooler) when I get on an airplane. This time I had not one but TWO babies within two seats of me on the flight out - They cried like banshees and the "wince factor" for those around was about an 8 out of 10. Thank God for my iPod! Increase the volume please!

The Vistas - As we walked this part of the PCT we were able to see Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens. During the second day of hiking we saw all four at one time or another.

Wildlife - The Pacific Northwest is known for it's plentiful and diverse wildlife. On this trip the most memorable was the screaming coyote. Early one morning, at about 3 AM, one started howling, barking like a dog and sounding like a wounded animal. The goal is to try and lure the dogs out of the campsite for a snack. We had 3 dogs with us - two are herd dogs and knew better and the other was louise, who just snuggled closer to her owner. There were tracks from elk, deer, bear, and someone said maybe cougar. We saw a deer feeding in a meadow just below us on the second night.

The Meteor Shower - the two nights we were out followed the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Each night we were treated to a show of shooting stars. Amazing.

The Stars - Having no lights from a city and a quarter moon enabled us to see a MULTITUDE of stars. The Milky Way looked like a dust cloud - billions of stars.

The Company - The 16 guys who went were a great blend of age and personality. We always have a great time around the campfire but this year was especially interesting. Ages ranged from 8 years old to almost 60. Everybody fared well - the usual blisters, sore muscles, and lack of sleep not withstanding.

Seeing Harold and Linda - Harold is the reason that I go there each year. It is his invitation that brings all of us together. Harold has been a part of starting some of the biggest Bible Colleges in Africa - they have trained thousands of pastors over the years. Harold has also written about twenty books and is trying to change the world. Linda is an amazing woman who teaches school there in Yakima, has raised three kids who are now adults, and is a great hostess. Her home is always open to people and her heart is huge. Thanks Linda!

Landing an Airplane - Bob, one of the guys who went, has a LARGE mint farm in Yakima (and Oregon). In fact, if you have eaten pickles from a grocery store, any grocery store anywhere in the USA, the dill from Bob's family farm has been in those pickles. Most farmers drive a pick-up truck around the farm. Bob flies a plane around the farm. Harold called him and asked if he would take us up and he said sure. We pushed the plane out of the hanger and took off. As we got to a small community airport in Sunnyside, WA, Bob looked over and said, "You can land the touch and go." I said, "No thank you." I can steer a plane in the air but land, NFW. We got about 500 feet off of the runway and he lets go of the stick and says, "keep the nose up." So, with his help, and constant reminder of "nose up, nose up" we landed. That was cool. And Harold didn't even scream from the back.

Great trip! Great friends! I am fortunate to have such an opportunity.

As always I have to thank my amazing wife who supports me as I go out and do this each year, sometimes at physical peril. As fun and expanding as travel is I always look forward to getting home to my bride!

WH