By Wes Jones
Two seasons of leading Volunteer Vacations for the Pacific Crest Trail Association has left me with one obvious and lasting impression: a simple “thank you” goes a long way. For the nearly 2,000 people who volunteer on the trail each year, it’s not hard to feel good in the midst of such recognition. Volunteers and crew leaders alike really get a kick out of feeling appreciated. Without fail, even when a hiker is in the groove, head down, legs pumping to the rhythmic motion of steady progress, they pause to give a nod of thanks.
Volunteers Christina Risa and Joan “Blue Jay” Tomlinson using team work to position a fresh log during construction of a turnpike extension in the Lemiti Meadows section of Oregon while crew leaders Jennica Tamler and Wes Jones plan the next step. Photo by Rik Williams
Our trail crews are usually deep in the wilderness as a PCT hiker or horseback rider stumbles upon what can sometimes be a mess of a work site. Tread dug out and scattered, check steps, retaining walls or turnpikes half finished. A loud shout of “TRAIL!” echoes down the line alerting us to their arrival. Covered in dirt with tools in hand, we beam bright and do our best to clear the path and get out of the way.
On cue we hear the sweet music of gratitude.
“Thank you all so much for what you are doing out here. It really makes a difference.” – Perma Smile (2016 northbound thru-hiker encountered in the Mount Hood Wilderness, Oregon)
“Thanks for the hard work. The trail looks amazing!” – Energizer Bunny (2016 southbound section hiker encountered in the South Sisters Wilderness, Oregon)
The Shale Lake volunteer trail crew discuss their plan of attack to remove a giant boulder in the middle of the trail on a steep talus slope. Pictured from front to back: Andy Milgliazzo, Jennica Tamler, Kat Wallace, Sam Hartman, Erin Mullen, Thierry Chatard. Photo by Michael Weiss
Inevitably after such encounters, our tools swing with increased vigor and renewed gusto.
Want to see a boost in energy and progress? Give thanks. Say it face to face to the person you appreciate. This can be a common practice that extends beyond the trail. Every person in our modern society would greatly benefit from this simple gesture, from the sanitary worker to the random stranger that holds open the door. I’ve seen it in action. I experience its effects daily.
So thank you PCTA members, volunteers, partners, donors, trail users, office workers, thru-hikers, and all the innumerable people who contribute to the Pacific Crest Trail and the protection of our wild and scenic open spaces. The world is a better place with smiling faces giving thanks.
Wes Jones, recently completed his second PCTA season. He hails from the brittle scrub of Southern California. When not working for PCTA, he earns his living as a backpacking guide, organic farmer, pizza thrower and hot sauce brewer. His connection to the outdoors is motivated by a desire to preserve and regenerate wild spaces in the pursuit of passing along a love for wilderness that spans generations. Movement is his meditation.