Members report that Quincy’s Pacific Crest Trail Angels group has been bustling with activity this summer. Each year, approximately 7,000 permits are given for hikers on the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail that spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Hikers, who usually go by trail names, may be hiking the entire PCT as thru hikers, or a single portion of it as section hikers. Many of these hikers stop over in Quincy to resupply, rest up and eat.
The local group of support volunteers, known as Trail Angels, includes retirees, hikers and “people that just love helping and meeting new folks,” says volunteer Sandy Borden.
Borden said assisting hikers can range from answering a question on Facebook, picking up/dropping off at a trailhead, and hosting overnights. Members use the Quincy CA PCT Trail Angels Facebook page to track what hikers’ needs are. “Trail Magic — setting up a drink and snack station at a trailhead — is always appreciated by the hikers as well and a great social introduction to the hikers,” she said.
The Trail Angels will be hosting a Trail Magic day Saturday, July 20, starting at 10 a.m. on Quincy-LaPorte Road on the trail crossing. All are welcome to join in. More information is available on the Facebook page.
Many PCT hikers are from various countries. On a recent day, reported Borden, Trail Angels John and Donie assisted hikers from Switzerland, Oklahoma, Texas and the Czech Republic. Donie and family have hosted over 18 hikers in the past week and given rides to 25. Borden says the group expects those numbers to grow over the next few weeks as hikers scramble to reach the Canadian border before snowfall.
Many days, says Borden, residents may see hikers at the Quincy Toy Sore enjoying a free ice cream or at Patti’s Thunder Cafe having a last meal with Trail Angels before hitting the trail, typically at Bucks Summit.
All are welcome to join the Trail Angels group. Borden reports that the organization is informal and volunteers mostly work independently, although they sometimes do relays of hikers and share information with neighboring Trail Angels groups such as Chester, Burney and Far Norcal. Borden also said that all the Trail Angels groups are coordinating regarding current wildfires, making sure hikers are getting evacuated out when needed and giving them valuable information on fire status.
Information provided by Quincy Trail Angels
