14) Scout and Frodo

 

A guy named Bob picked up Oli and Sabine and took them to Scout & Frodo’s private "base camp," where a group of 27 international hikers were gathered prior to heading for Campo, where the trail actually begins. A brief respite, the couple had the pleasure of staying overnite in this deluxe camper parked in the garden. After dinner, Scout gave a lecture about respecting the rules of the road on the PCT. "Leave no trace" is the motto here: pick up your trash and dispose of it properly in the next town. This even includes used toilet paper. When nature calls, dig a hole 15-20 cm deep. Sabine doubts President Trump is familiar with said motto. Scout also prepared the hikers for the dangers that will be encountered on the trail. One false step can end in disaster. Stream crossings are the most dangerous, especially during the snowmelt – and represent the cause of most fatal accidents on the trail. Oli had a scary experience during a hike in Iceland a few years ago, so this vicarious blogger hopes tour our intrepid pair will take care when crossing those streams!