I left Harts Pass and meandered south on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The scenery remained epic but was changing rapidly. The alpine meadows gave way to endless wildflowers and the charred remains of a forest. One moment I was amongst lush evergreen boughs and in the next I stepped into a red rocky desert without a tree in sight.
I hiked through this jaw dropping landscape for two more days and then took an unplanned detour into town for a much needed rest. I hitched into Winthrop a bustling western themed town on the Methow River. I found a room at a quaint inn, took a shower, bought two days worth of groceries at the Thriftway, devoured all the food in one sitting, and passed out.
I spent the next two days running errands (such as mailing my ice axe home), chatting with locals, and swapping stories with other hikers. I bumped into the Marine and secret agent lady at a sidewalk cafe. We chatted and then strolled to the ranger station together to get national park permits. I also met Pep Talk and Jas, an awesome couple from Australia, that were hiking the PCT. Winthrop was outstanding and I was tempted to stick around one more night to hang out with my new found friends but alas I needed to hitch back to trail.
I stood beside Hwy 20 west of Winthrop. My pack was in the dirt at my feet and the late afternoon sun warmed my back. I held out my thumb and clutched a scrap of cardboard on which I had scribbled my destination “Hiker to Rainy Pass”. Locals and ranchers waved as they passed but most of the vacationers in high-end cars ignored me. There I stood as afternoon faded into evening and the passing traffic slowly dwindled. A Tesla silently sped by without a wave and I began to wonder if I was going to get to trail before dark. Fifteen minutes dragged by and then I heard a car horn honk behind me. I turned and was surprised to see the Tesla had returned without a sound. I expected to ride in a clapped-out Subaru or bed of a pickup. The Tesla was a total shock. Overjoyed, I hustled to the open passenger door and carefully climbed inside trying to prevent my nasty gear from soiling the immaculate white upholstery.
I hadn’t ridden in a Tesla and silently rocketing through the mountains was a real treat. The pilot of this space ship was an investment banker from Seattle. Conversation came naturally and we discussed everything from family to wildland firefighting. By the time we reached Rainy Pass it felt as though we had been friends for years. I piled out of the car, shook the banker’s hand as I thanked him profusely, and then moseyed down the trail.
I reflected on my hitch hiking experience as I walked through the fading light. I carried a list of reasons why I had embarked on this PCT journey. One of the goals on that list was to regain some faith in humanity. That Tesla driving banker’s incredible kindness helped change my perception. My trust in a total stranger had turned into a wonderful experience. It was a poignant reminder of why I was here.