August 25 - The End?
The plan was to get up at 7:30, eat breakfast, and then leave around 8:30, but I could tell by the sounds coming from NoEnglish's tent that she was thinking we were leaving at 7:30. So I hurried it up and packed up, then waved goodbye to Sun as we passed her tent. Seven miles to the border! The way I figured it she and Brad would be right behind us and we'd probably be at the border at the same time. I was almost right. We beat them by five minutes!
Reaching the border was a bit anticlimactic as the routine of get up, walk, eat, walk, eat, walk, set up camp, eat, sleep has become the way of life. Anything different is a little disruptive but just a blip in the routine. However, we celebrated with a cup of red wine, cheese, crackers, and salami. Thanks to Brad and Sun for the wine.
After a few serious, and then less serious, pictures we headed for Manning Park with Brad and Sun out front. Brad had warned that the trail might get difficult with downed trees and such, but mostly it was good.
NoEnglish and I arrived at Manning Park, checked the store and restaurant before finding Brad at the Lodge. Sun had already started her visit with a shower and swim in the hot tub. The Manning Park Lodge is a PCT thru hiker's dream with free showers, towels, access to the pool and hot tub, and low cost washer and dryer, soap included. Sun and I got the wash started and then all enjoyed a shower and dip in the pool. Afterwards we collected our clean clothes and decided to head for the bar/restaurant, but first I needed to find the visitors center and leave a message for cousins Bob and Sue who were coming to pick me up.
I walked the kilometer to the Bisitors Center and left a message before heading back to the restaurant. As I walked through the restaurant parking lot Bob and Sue drove up! I invited them in to have a celebratory drink and meet my newest trail friends. We had a grey time talking and sharing experiences.
Later it was time to say goodbye. Brad assured me he would get NoEnglish on a flight to Reno where she could get a bus back to Kennedy Meadows South. Sun was headed there too, but on a different path. Brad was flying home to Michigan. So after a quick hug and handshake we were off on our separate ways.
Bob asked if the end of the hike was going to be more of an emotional thing and I told him I didn't expect so. Thru hikers tend to take things as they come, and while the moment may be beautiful, it's always time to move on.
Thanks to Bob and Sue for driving down with their 5th wheel. I had a great time traveling with them all over BC and Alberta and staying at their house in Calgary.
End of the line.
The final four.
The boys
The girls
Checking the log with section hikers.
Canada.
Hikingsolo (aka Allen)
