hitchiking the PCT

Hitchiking the PCT
On a dark and stormy morning we awoke at the base camp of crater lake. A 5 mi hike loomed before us if we wanted to see the natural wonder and the glassy water above. Our feet were winning us accolades among the through hiking community as our blisters were among the worst they had ever seen (gaping chunks of flesh were falling off our heels). We did not have it in us to shove our feet into our ill fitting hiking boots (I later found out that mine were 2.5 sizes too small...ouch!) So we decided to try our hand at hitchiking, which we have never done before just to set the record straight. Clad in flip flops we timidly stuck our thumbs out right before the ranger station. The first car pulled over immediately, and two kind airline pilots hopped out to lug our packs into their car. We gave them trail names on the way up: white gorilla and Air Force one (aka Ian and Casey). They were best friends from 7th grade and were out for an adventure after their flight to Japan was canceled. They had rented a car and driven to the redwoods and just happened to be headed to crater lake. They dropped us off at the top and I got their number in case we needed a ride elsewhere, although AT&T has no service in Oregon apparently. After attempting acro-yoga and taking fake chirstmas card photos we parted ways and just as the clouds let loose and the rain poured down. We sought shelter in the grand hotel, which was in stark contrast to our huge pack and grungy hiking clothes. Irish coffees boosted our mood instantly :) Due to unforeseen events and the kindness of 2 strangers giving us their empty room we decided to detour and stay the night at diamond lake, which we then had to figure out a way to reach our end destination (as we were in so much pain we could barely walk). As luck would have it Kylie's phone had roaming so we called our friendly airline pilots who 'had just left'. I said we were miserable as the rain had turned to snow and would it be possible for them to drive us anywhere north (apparently they got a kick out of that). An hour later they pulled up after apparently being lost, finding us on the side of the highway. We got to diamond lake, using airplane terminology to direct them and bought them dinner in an attempt to repay the kindness they showed us. They told us tales of all their failed hiking adventures, hang gliding, sailing, fishing and many other sports they have picked up. Apparently these guys were up for about anything. They saved the day for us. Thank you two so much, I hope you read this and contact us if you are ever in the Bay Area! And remember: bring water!