November 11, day 226
PCT kilometers: 2,495; kilometers hiked: 4000
I cross the 4000-kilometer mark with a feeling of melancholy mingled with joy. I'm about to have a celebratory sip of whiskey, when a group of about 20 hikers from the Ashland-Oregon Hiking Group approach. Their leader, John Kerr, explains to the group, who have come from Kangaroo Lake, that their trail intersects the PCT at this point. The group applauds when I tell them what I'm doing. I would never have expected that my celebration would include others! John speaks a bit of German because he was stationed in Lahr, near Freiburg, when he worked for the Canadian army.
When I show him my little bottle of Black Velvet, John promptly invites me for steak, beer, and a shower, followed by a scotch whiskey, once I arrive at Callahan's, Ashland. And he'll even pick me up at Callahan's. Awesome! He gives me his phone number; I'm to give him a call once I'm there.
(A (rather long) note from the translator: Congratulations on the 4000 kilometers! What an achievement. Let's say I'm there in spirit(s), vicariously enjoying your spirits - in both senses of the word (this pun is for the benefit of your English readers ;-)). I do love a good whiskey ... Having spent these many months tagging along like a ghost on your shoulder, thanks to your blog, I feel nearly as exhausted from all the translating as you do from the actual hiking. Alas, I haven't lost any weight; I guess "vicarious" has its limits! hahaha. At any rate, I can hardly believe this adventure will be coming to an end soon. (Though I admit I'm relieved the translating will come to an end...) Undoubtedly, this was a sustainable adventure, in the sense that you and Olli will have had experiences you'll draw on for the rest of your lives. I suspect this is what makes people DO the Pacific Crest Trail in the first place: the desire to change something, something fundamental, in one's life. The desire to live at one with nature, as far as this is possible in today's world. The desire to take the invaluable lessons learned on the trail into day-to-day life, applying the wisdoms gleaned. Regarding your travels, it seems to me both of you have experienced an extraordinary, fundamental kindness, which goes beyond simple hospitality, from so many individuals - individuals who were strangers. Frankly, I'm not a little proud of my fellow Americans!)
