On behalf of trail users now and for the generations to come, the Pacific Crest Trail Association extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Wood for his generous support.
Robin Wood celebrating at the end of the trail
I began seriously hiking in the fall of 1973, although I didn’t recognize it at the time. My girlfriend, now my wife, and I did an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail near Stratton Mountain in Vermont, and I was hooked. Carrying my house, food and clothes on my back — what a feeling of freedom. In June 2010, I finally finished the AT after section-hiking it for over 37 years. As a gag, my son Charlie carried me up the last hundred yards to the top of Springer Mountain.
On the AT, I met many individuals who had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. They inspired me to complete what seemed to me to be the jewel in the crown among trails: the John Muir Trail (which, of course, shares 170 miles with the PCT). But looking at the vast grandeur of the Sierras one day, I knew I had to do the whole PCT. I was now retired, so I was able to do longer sections on the PCT than I had on the AT, so it only took me 11 years to complete, from 2010 to 2021. It would have taken less time if not for the disruptions from the growing Pacific Northwest fire season.
Robin Wood’s parents
My father was a businessman and turkey farmer, and my mother and I were hands-on with the animals. It was a family affair. As I looked back on completing two of America’s great trails, I realized I had to give back and that I wanted to honor my parents, who gave me life, legs to walk, and an appreciation for rural, small-town life.
As part of this and of my desire to help others to find the freedom, peace, and deep self-satisfaction of long-distance hiking, I have established endowments with both the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
A philanthropic endowment is a fund that a nonprofit organization, such as the PCTA, sets aside in investments so it can accrue and provide stable long-term funding. Endowments benefit donors like me by creating a lasting legacy. Because the endowment’s principal is never spent, the gift will continue to benefit the PCT in perpetuity – continuing to give long after I am gone.
The PCT is a special place that needs our help. If you’d like to support the PCT and the PCTA through an endowment or to learn more about how endowments support the PCTA’s work, please contact PCTA Director of Philanthropy Angie Williamson at [email protected] or 916-285-1849.
Robin Wood established the Robin Wood M.D. in memory of Lily Slade and Donald M. Wood Fund in 2023.