By Dave Hobbs
I was thrilled to be accepted for a stint as a volunteer trail maintenance worker for a September project in the Goat Rocks Wilderness of the PCT two years ago. What a dream vacation! Admittedly, the drive from Seattle was a bit tedious, but isn’t that true of most any vacation spot?
Upon arrival we met our crew leader who told us what we could expect. Carrying packs with our own tents and clothing, we hiked seven miles to our base camp through fine woods. PCTA supplied food and trail equipment, which was carried to camp by pack animals driven by friendly volunteer horsemen and women.
We had a great group of about 10 fun, like-minded workers and two very agreeable and friendly leaders who also did most of the cooking! Our base camp rested by a small pond about half a mile from the PCT in the most gorgeous area in which one could hope to spend time. The view of mountain peaks at sunrise was spectacular. Of course the weather cooperated very well with clear cool starry nights and sunny days.
A hiker passes through a section of trail that has since been rebuilt by people like you. Sign up for a future trip! Photo by: Julia Trebilcox
In the beginning, I was concerned that the work might be too vigorous but soon found out that I was able to work at my own steady 69-year-old pace and accomplish tasks adequately and satisfactorily. We carried lunch and tools to the work area, trimmed brush, replaced tread, dug drainage ditches and moved stuff that impeded the pathway, such as rocks and logs, while breathing the freshest of air and gazing upon the high ridges, peaks, valleys, mountain lakes and meadows.
During the workday, we spoke with many thru-hikers heading north (I even met someone whose brother is a friend back home). Each night after returning to camp for dinner, we enjoyed campfire conversation. And get this… after three days working on the trail, the leaders declared a holiday! So we all formed smaller groups and took a day hike on the PCT through a part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness that we hadn’t yet seen.
I’ve enjoyed hiking all my life and have done several small segments of the PCT, even though we now live in Vermont. It is very doubtful that I will ever thru-hike the PCT, although Washington state north to south at my own pace still sounds like good goal. But being able to spend a wonderful week in some of the most beautiful country on Earth is hard to beat. Maybe you should try it.
Volunteering for the Pacific Crest Trail is a remarkably rewarding experience. And we need more help. Please check out our PCT project schedule and sign up!