Ode to an angel of the path

Blog 7

From Julian, to a reverse shower in Palm Springs

How do you end up in the legion in Julian, sleeping in his yard on a Nero day (almost zero day) and then face down in a shower with bags on your feet in a luxury villa in Palm Springs?

Enter Dr. Louis Crust. My optometrist.

So when I told the Legion people in Julian, where I spent my first night out of my tent since leaving the southern terminal, that my doctor, who winters in Palm Springs, would be picking us up, they said, «Oh, it’s nice to have a friend like that.»

I said, «Well, we’re not really friends. I’ve never spent time with him outside of his doctor’s office. He’s just a super nice guy who was the highest-rated optometrist in Winnipeg, so I went to see him over 15 years ago.»

On a whim, I messaged his office and he called me back. I told him what I was doing and the next thing I knew he had driven over two hours from Palm Springs and was picking me up to take us to his condo. I say we because at the last minute I asked if a family friend from the trail (tramily) could come. Daphne is a young woman from Holland. He said absolutely.

Definitely a Trail Angel, right?

Moms Pie

We bought Julian’s Mom’s Pie as a small thank you and a way to do business with this amazing company that gives every PCT hiker a free slice of pie, ice cream, and cider. The owner went up the PCT years ago and likes to give back, said the young woman who works at the register. The thing is, there were more people inside the store eating delicious free treats than there were paying!

So, back to Dr. Crust, next thing you know, we’re at a Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs eating the best Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life. Then a tour of Palm Springs, then to Walmart, where I bought way too much food, but the prices were too good to give up!

Then later that night it’s hot tub time (ah, bliss) with two plastic bags at my feet.

****Note: See previous blog on why plastic bags.

First rain since Canada was thwarted

After an incredible day, it’s 1am and I’m debating with the AI. From my previous blogs, you will know that my relationship with AI is very complicated. After washing my clothes and charging my batteries, I’m debating with AI whether I should wet the Luko P tape on my messy feet. AI and I talked about it and “we” decided it was best to keep it dry. I put plastic bags with paper towels stuffed where they press against my ankles and finally realize this will never work. Refusing to give up, I contort my 59-year-old, 10.5-month-old body and proceed to lie face up on the shower floor, feet up under the faucet. Then I wash as best I can inside out.

***Note to self: Next time, take the shampoo off the shelf before bed. See above about an almost 60 year old body.

So the next day, this “friend” takes us back to the trail for another two hours.

More than 9 hours driving in 30 hours.

Angel of the trail? Saint of the trail?

When he dropped us off, he brought a bunch of food for the hikers we knew would be under the bridge, seeking shelter from the rain. Then, Dr. Crust and his trusted co-pilot handed out all kinds of fresh fruit and snacks to the hikers.

I, a 1 full week percentage hiker, hereby designate Dr. Louis Crust trail angel; no, a Saint of the Path.

Thanks to him, his friends and all the Path Angels and the magic they perform for all PCT hikers.

Now, of course, I can no longer call him Dr. Crust, but now he is Lou, my friend.

A week later, after I had walked many more miles, I was rewarded with a sunrise view overlooking Palm Springs. Here is the view from my tent.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.