[pct-l] Thank You Trail Angels

[frankgilliland at comcast.net]

Thank You Trail Angels: (and fellow hikers)


I would like to thank every one who has housed me, fed me, talked to me,
given me rides, provided water, encouraged me, healed my wounds, shared good
times and bad, walked with me, greeted me with a hug, laughed at my bad
jokes, stayed in contact with me off trail, smile when they see me.....

I am sorry if I had a bad day and said something stupid, when I did not say
"thank you", when I spoke of someone negatively, when I spoke to you
negatively.  

My best memories of walking the Trail are of the people I have met.
Especially of the Trail Angels and those who given me rides in and out of
towns.  I can not believe the generosity of the trail community.  More than
once I was given a ride by a Mom with kids. * I wouldn't have picked Me up.
* But they knew that I was a PCT hiker and they treated me like family.

Trail Angels are indeed Angels.  Southern California is blessed with the
likes of Hikertown, Saufleys and the Andersons.  I could go on and on and
on.  

California Towns such as Big Bear, Idyllwild, and Etna are not just great
hiker towns, but they are GREAT towns.  These are just three of many
wonderful towns on trail.


Thank you again to all I have met and will meet again.  I plan to hike south
from Castle Craigs to Whitney in August.  I am looking forward to that new
memory and chance trail meeting.


*StarMan*


PS:  I have hosted, provided help, and shared what I have on several
occasions.  But, I am behind on my payback account by a factor of 100,000 to
1. The act of giving back to the trail is only rewarded by the fantastic
feelings.  I hope to "Pay it Forward" when I can.  

PSS:  into my second week after knee surgery.  Doc says I should be able to
hit the trail in a few more weeks.  By August I should be 99.9%.......see ya
down the trail