PCT: the start

Blissful Hiker spends time off-trail looking back at one of her favorite thru-hikes, the Pacific Crest Trail and learning about the meaning of grace. In this episode:We're introduced to trail angels Kurt and Holly in Bellingham, Washington and learns about the value of paying it forward. She rides up to Hart's Pass with thirty other hikers and finds their reasons for being there are varied, but always full of hope and joy. The start is actually 31 miles short of the Canadian Border, and because the United States won't allow entry via the trail, hikers have to hike north before hiking south. The start is on a clear, sunny Chamber-of-Commerce day on easy, beautiful trail and is told she will be spending the entire upcoming five months smiling. She realizes the birds she loved in Washington are the same in Montana.Two Bear Air Rescue, the people who pulled her off trail, sends her a gold medal to remind her that "every day is a gift and to never take it for granted."MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.Support the Show.