This Way, picking up a pair of Black Diamond Trekking Poles at Granite Chief.

This Way - More than a direction

"This way, this way", a hiker up the trail called out.  The young dentist from Korea adjusted his direction, gave a blushing smile, and thanked the other hiker.  "That would not have been a good start to my day, nor my PCT journey", joked This Way.   One amusing benefit - he now had his trail name, right from the get go. Little did he fully realize, however, the challenges that lay waiting ahead.

The Travel / Adventure Bug

Step back several months, This Way was preparing to enter the next chapter of his life.  He recently graduated from dental school.  Before settling into his profession, however, he decided to feed a portion of his hunger for travel.  Egypt, additional parts of South Africa, Cuba, and the U.S. became his itinerary.  Where in the U.S.? Well, he had heard about this hiking trail, the "PCT", or Pacific Crest Trail, that runs from Mexico to Canada.  People had described the trail to him ... desert blooms and high mountains passes, offering both stunning views and experiences.

Speaking of experiences, This Way did not have any backpacking experience ... "In Korea we don't backpack, it isn't part of our culture.  It is great here - I see families raising their kids to hike and backpack.  It's very different", he said with admiration.  That "small detail" of experience was just that in his eyes, small and surmountable.  With research and equipment taken care of, This Way was ready to begin his PCT thru-hiking experience.

Facing the Challenges

After being pointed in the right direction, the size of This Way's journey began to take shape, step after step.  Candidly, the new hiker said, "Around 220 miles I just cried one night.  My whole body was sore, I was feeling lonely, and my head was filled with doubt. There are only 16 people from Korea who have done the PCT. Was I going to be the 17th, or face not being able to do it?" Fortunately, the next few day brought contact with other hikers.  "Each person gave me encouragement and helpful tips - they saved me."

Those tips were well timed, as This Way then faced even greater challenges once he reached the higher elevations, outside of Bishop, California.  Snow, snow, and more snow, with no trail markings for miles to confirm his directional decisions.  Collapsing snow bridges, raging water crossings up to the top of his chest, and constantly having to dry everything out - these were all new, serious, experiences for This Way.   Fortunately, at this point both his physical and mental stamina were much stronger, giving him the ability to persevere. He also now found himself in a position to help another thru-hiker.  In the spirit of the PCT community, This Way shared one of his dinners with a hiker who had gone through his rations faster than planned, leaving only pudding for the evening meal.

Restock, a Reminder, and Growth

This Way came off the PCT at Donner Summit, and down into the Town of Truckee, whereby he walked into our Granite Chief Mtn Shop.  We helped him get set up with a new pair of Black Diamond trekking poles. It was wonderful to talk with him, and listen to his story.  While doing so, we noticed a pink shoelace on one of his shoes.  Needless to say, it came with a story.  It also served as a reminder for helping your fellow thru-hiker. As the time came to wish This Way well on the remainder of his journey, the young Korean dentist, displayed a matured enthusiasm. The enthusiasm was the kind you develop with first hand experience. He had completed over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail,  and we could tell, his thankful smile had grown to include a calm, self confident, glow.

This Way and his pink shoe lace in a well worn pair of shoes This Way's pink shoelace, received from another thru-hiker. It serves as a daily reminder for helping out.