What's the PCT?
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Sam K White
The PCT is the Pacific Crest Trail that covers 2663 miles of rugged terrain from Mexico to Canada, following the crest of the mountain ranges that emerge from the western part of our country. It was officially dedicated in 1993. The PCT crosses Tehachapi Willow Springs Road just above Oak Creek and again where Cameron Canyon reaches the 58 Freeway, both about nine miles from downtown Tehachapi. Each year between 500 and 700 hikers pass through our area, starting in April. Few come through after June. Most of them hike the PCT in sections over two or three years. They all need to stop from time to time to pick up their supply packages at the Post Office, buy groceries, eat normal food, have a shower, do laundry, and maybe even sleep in a real bed!
Our community formed a volunteer group called the PCT Angels for the sole purpose of aiding PCT hikers in their passage through the Tehachapi Mountains. Many of us have backpacked extensively ourselves and know how welcome a ride can be! Our list (with first names and phone numbers) is posted at the Tehachapi Willow Springs Road trailhead and is distributed to local hotels and motels. One Angel provides gallons of water stored in large ice chests there. Thirty Angels give rides to hikers from and to the trailheads, and help them in other ways. You will soon be seeing the hikers all over town and can recognize them by their heavy hiking boots, backpacks, tan skin, and beards on the guys. The PCT Angels team formed in 1996 and has given assistance to thousands of hikers over the years.
The trail has become more popular now because of the best seller Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and the recent film based on the book. Cheryl hiked portions of the trail and wrote all about her experiences. She tried to hike through the Sierra Nevada in 1996 with a deep snow pack and passes over 12,000 feet. This was nearly impossible that year and caused her to detour around that part. Her pack was so heavy when she started that she could not even lift it at all. Along her way, another hiker helped her part with unnecessary items, but her pack was still such a burden that she called it "Monster". She suffered with blisters on her feet that caused her to limp painfully over most of her 17-19 mile days.
If you see a backpacker or two downtown, stop and offer a lift! Some stay at the Tehachapi Airport's grassy campground, where there are trees, toilets and barbecue grills. There they can take a shower and use wifi for only $5 a day.
It's a long walk from the post office or a market back to town, especially when carrying groceries. Hikers come from all over our country and the world. They are appreciative, interesting to talk to, and fun to follow later, if they give you their blog information. Join us in showing them warm Tehachapi hospitality!
