Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two arrested in Medford slaying ... Medford woman sues after husband crushed by dump truck ... Jax hates germs ... Two arrested in Medford slaying ... Medford woman sues after husband crushed by dump truck ... Jax hates germs ... OUTDOORS Ashland provides PCT hikers with a much-needed respite 'Bath, beer, ice cream, laundry' among the sought-after luxuries Comment By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 27, 2015 at 2:09 PM Updated Aug 28, 2015 at 4:24 PM By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 27, 2015 at 2:09 PM Updated Aug 28, 2015 at 4:24 PM » Social News Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and Ashland residents seem to have created a bond in a year in which the trail has gained in popularity following the release of the movie "Wild." By late August, northbound through-hikers have completed the 1,670-mile slog through California, but know they must resupply, grab packages they’ve mailed to the post office, strap on big packs and be on the trail again soon if they hope to make Canada before the rains. “Bath, beer, ice cream, laundry. That’s what I want in this town,” said through-hiker Rebecca Brockwell, 34, of Australia, as she downed a breakfast burrito at Ruby’s. “I saw the plays. It’s phenomenal. I love theater, so that was really, really cool for me. And Ashland’s got the best coffee on the trail.” Sharing breakfast with her, Gus Parrish, from Virginia, got two all-you-can eat meals, a shower and tenting on the lawn at Callahan’s for $60 (the PCT passes near the lodge), then, like Brockwell, thumbed a ride into Ashland. Parrish (trail name Moondog) welcomed the hospitality and said the hikers are received with open arms in Ashland. “People in town are really interested in what we do,” he said."They want to buy us lunch or a beer and learn more. They give us money, rides. I feel like a celebrity. It’s so good to get in town after a long time on the trail.” The PCT travelers meet many other hikers on the trail, but in order to keep to their schedules of hiking 25 to 30 miles a day they have little time for talk. When they're in Ashland, they're able to hang out together and talk about the trials of the trail, said Brockwell (trail name Snakebite). In town, the hikers are careful to make a good impression and leave a small footprint, she added. “The longer you’re on the trail, the more respectful you are coming into a community.” The deck of the Ashland post office on most summer mornings is a prime meet-up spot. Hikers unload their packages and build new packages to send ahead, says Ashland Postmaster Mark Christopherson. It’s where Parrish and Brockwell connected. “The volume of packages is twice what it was last year, probably because of the movie,” said Christopherson. “The supply packages taper off in September. If they’re not here by Labor Day, they’re going to have a hard time getting through. We give out about 100 or 200 a month at the peak in mid-July. We even answer the door on Saturdays (a closed day) if they need their package.” A stop in Ashland for many hikers is the Ashland Outdoor Store, where hikers can stow packs in cubbies and get oriented, sign a humorous, sketch-filled trail book and see at a glance which hikers are in town. They also buy supplies: new insoles, isobutane fuel, socks, water treatment pills to kill giardia — and, for Brockwell, a new foam pad to sleep on. The other one lost its loft. “They stay at the Ashland hostel or hotels. Ashland is a big destination for them,” said Kacy Carlson of the Outdoor Store. “They’re here with a mission, not to goof off. They get food and get back on the trail as fast as possible." Showing the new dimension of fame for Ashland, Carlson said Outside Magazine had just been in the store and interviewed six through-hikers. The question the hikers most often get asked is simply: Why? “I don’t know why. It sounded like an awesome adventure,” said Brockwell, who writes a blog online at whimsyandwanderlust.com.au . “Things that are harder are the most rewarding. It’s fun to do things people don’t know about. “We see things most people never will see, yet any reasonably fit person could do it,” she said. “It’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. I’ve met a lot of incredible people, seen beautiful places I’ve never seen before and pushed myself to limits I’ve never known I could do.” John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 27, 2015 at 2:09 PM Updated Aug 28, 2015 at 4:24 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501