Nicknames

People on the PCT use "trail names"

On his first  morning with us camping in Tuolumne Meadows, our son Caleb led us over to meet his “trail family,” the group of young people he is traveling with in a loose group as he hikes the Pacific Crest Trail. The ‘kids’ were eating a large breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes kindly provided by a lovely retired man traveling in an RV. 

I introduced myself to Richard, the breakfast host, who told me that he enjoyed providing hospitality for energetic, hungry, appreciative young people. “I miss my own kids,” he said. “It’s fun to feed these ones.” 

“Thank you for looking out for them,” I said. “it’s comforting to me as a mom, to know there are so many good people who enjoy supporting and helping the hikers.”

Wizard’s “trail family” for the PCT 2021

The hikers themselves were a good-looking group of lean, fit, friendly young men and women ranging from early 20s to early 30s. Most of them, according to Caleb, are recent college graduates having adventures before they settle into the ex…