Day 25 - Another Day of Climbing! — Walking People Out of Poverty

May 10th

Depart Mile 407.80

Arrive Messenger Flats Campground (Mile 430.40)

We departed camp at 6:15 am and the opening 3/4 mile was very pleasant walking but we were then greeted with a big climb of 1500 feet. The first part of the climb was conducted in the shade as the sun was occupied elsewhere! These climbs are a real grind but there is nothing to do but just keep going. At the summit we enjoyed a well deserved water break which was followed by a long, long downhill section which eventually led to a water source and a lunch table which was already crowded with hikers. Just prior to the water source I came across a sign from Mary a Trail Angel which, if you were in need, was very reassuring especially as the area we were in was somewhat isolated. Unfortunately someone had taken advantage of the generosity of the lady who was offering to help, which is shameful behavior in my opinion. I had heard that Mary, the TA, had provided someone with a 90 minute drive and was then offered a cup of coffee. Some people have no class! As it was lunchtime we joined in the fun, but not until we had filled our water bottles. And then it was back to work. The next section of trail saw us endure another 500 foot climb in the heat of the day before descending again. The third and final climb of the day was another 1000 footer. We saw another rattlesnake, but this one was in the bushes, and although we were “rattled”, pardon the pun, we didn’t feel threatened.

We were very pleased to finally arrive into camp after a tough day, and we followed our usual routine of pitching our tents, getting both our sleeping pads and sleeping bags set up. Once this was accomplished we entered our “private sanctuary” to clean up prior to dinner.

Special Note:

You may have noticed that on the tee shirts I’m wearing, (I only have 2 to save weight), that I’m doing the walk in honour of Allan Hogan and Ray Olafsen. Now would probably be a good time to offer up an explanation.

Allan was my brother in law and much loved by all. He was an avid golfer who had a beautiful golf swing, and unlike me his drives were straight and true. I had the great pleasure of golfing with Al both here in Alberta and on his home patch in PEI, and also when I took him on a golf trip to Scottsdale in Arizona. Unfortunately Al succumbed to Cancer early in 2017 and is greatly missed.

Ray Olafsen, who passed away last year, after a valiant battle with cancer, was the beloved husband of Doris Olafsen, who is VP Philanthropy Western Canada. The impoverished people of the world, that Opportunity International support, could not have a better champion for their cause than Doris, who was supported 100% by Ray. Liz and I only had the opportunity to meet Ray the once but we were instantly drawn by his demeanour and dry sense of humour. Ray, like Doris, had a huge heart for both the poor and those in need, and like Al will be greatly missed by all those who came into contact with him.

Our world is a sadder place without Al and Ray in it and I’m both proud and honoured to carry their names on my shirt. I’ve felt their presence on my shoulder several times during my journey. They are sorely missed.