Hikers tackle Pacific Crest Trail

Janet Zuelke's home just east of Sisters turned into an oasis for a pair of weary travelers last week.

Zuelke's daughter Laura Babcock and her trail companion Aaron Hirschman stopped there for two days rest on their quest to complete the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada by September 26.

The pair had already hiked 1,958 miles to Elk Lake, where they were picked up and ferried to Sisters - where a hot tub and some home-cooked food awaited.

After a hard-earned two days of rest on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the pair re-embarked at Elk Lake on Friday to complete the last 705 miles of their journey.

"I love backpacking," Babcock said. "I graduated from college (Colorado State University in wildlife biology) in December, and I wanted to have a break before moving on to new things."

Babcock met Hirschman just seven miles into the trek and they hit it off. They've been traveling together ever since.

While Babcock has had experience with three- and four-day backpacking trips, Hirschman has done some longer hauls. He made 1,200 miles on the Appalachian Trail before being laid low by Lyme Disease (he's obviously fully recovered).

Hirschman has previously hiked a portion of the PCT in the Columbia Gorge, a trek which inspired him to tackle the whole thing.

"I've wanted to do it for a few years," he said. "The journey just appealed to me the most."

Babcock said she didn't do anything special to prepare physically for the trip. The main focus was on preparing logistics, including food drops.

The trip has been demanding. The pair has averaged 25-mile days, even in the rugged country the trail traverses in California.

"We have our coffee break and our dinner break," said Babcock. "That's what keeps me going."

She said that "the people, really are the most interesting thing (about the trek) - the people you meet along the trail and in towns. And, of course, the scenery is gorgeous everywhere."

Babcock said the biggest challenge for her has been keeping her feet healthy. She's been through five pair of boots, discarding three pairs quickly because they weren't comfortable over their daily long haul.

"I've had quite a few problems with my feet," she said.

The pair had pushed hard through California, feeling behind schedule. Oregon and Washington are considered easier portions of the trail.

"The trail's pretty flat here in Oregon, compared to California," Hirschman said.

However, the trekkers had to figure out how to navigate around the Mt. Washington Wilderness portion of the trail, which has been closed since July due to fires.

Babcock is looking forward to starting her career in wildlife biology. Hirschman, who works in the family bakery in St. James, Minnesota, is contemplating his path.

It seems certain that this will not be the last trek for either. Hirschman still has the Appalachian Trail to complete, and Babcock has her eye on other long treks.

"I'd like to do the Continental Divide Trail," Babcock said.

"But not in one year."

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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