About a week ago, after I crossed a paved road, there it was. That little cardboard sign, with the words ” trail magic”. Sure enough, just around the corner, I found it. And this wasn’t just your regular magic, this one had beer! And good beer!

I was greeted with a smile and enthusiasm by a young woman, Skunk Bear, and her husband, Sachet. They are from NYC and were in the area for a wedding. They hiked last year and chose to pay it forward. They provided drinks, beer, fruit, veggies, and snacks. Their goal…to make our day.

Several other hikers were there. Gravity and Wheels, who are in my age bracket, and two others. We shared stories from the Trail, home, and life. It was delightful! The others left just as I was finishing my second IPA. Encouraged by the hosts, I stayed for another.

A short time later, another hiker arrived. He proceeded to tell us how well his life was in the Bay Area, that he was an expert regarding the PCT, and he was about to complete an 800 mile section. His longest yet, on an ongoing six year goal of completing the trail. The man’s ego was as big as his pack.

As introductions came around, I replied with name, rank, and serial number… “Growler, SOBO, from MA”.

The new arrival responded with “I’m familiar with the Sierras. Do the math. You might as well give up. You won’t make it. Just quit now.”

Not cool…the double whammy…give up and quit!

I should have used Mrs. Growler’s technique of responding with “ouch”…and forced him into awkward silence…but I didn’t think of that. Instead…”I’ve done the math. It won’t take me six years.” I finished my beer, thanked the hosts, and with a fist pump for both, returned to hiking.

Just like that…we both threw shade on the others efforts and dreams.

Again…not cool.

But the man has a point. My race is against Old Man Winter. The suggested date for a SOBO to be through the Sierra Mountains is October 15. So where do I stand?

Estimated pace since resumption after the ankle injury (7/30-8/12): 260 miles every two weeks with one zero day.

Estimated to arrive Kennedy Meadows, mile 1950, the week of October 15.

The math works. Changes in pace and the number of zero days will adjust the arrival date. Remember…these are estimated dates. Winter might not arrive until late October or early November. An early snow storm could be an insurmountable obstacle. At this stage, I feel good to go!

The important point to remember…don’t throw shade. If I could, I would handle the situation differently. But life doesn’t give us do-overs, or a reset button, just learning opportunities.

Do you know what to do in a similar situation?

I do.

Be the magic!