PNTA and trailside communities in Washington enjoyed two end-of-year Round-Ups to close out the 2024 trail season.
On the evening of Thursday, October 10, 2024, over thirty members, trail angels, volunteers, curious community members, and trail users joined the PNTA staff and board to fill Wander Brewing in Bellingham, Washington. It was an enthusiastic crowd as we all made new friends, shared our love of the trail, and celebrated the end of the trail season.
Pippi and Lucky Martin from New Zealand had completed their thru-hike only days before, and they received their 1200 Miler patches with much celebration. They were leaving the next day to continue hiking in Peru, inspiring all of us with their adventurous spirits!
One table was filled with trail angels who shared their enthusiasm and tips with new folks interested in being angels next year. We also connected two enthusiastic young people with Sterling, our Western Washington Regional Coordinator, who encouraged them to apply for trail crew roles in 2025.
Our first event was such a resounding success we were thrilled to bring the same energy to Eastern Washington two weeks later!
On Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2024, PNTA staff and board members gathered with thirty trail angels, trail users, volunteers, and community members at the Republic Brewing Company in eastern Washington. We were even joined by Melanie Simmerman, author of the Trail Town Guide, who drove 8 hours from her home in Montana to connect with Republic area trail community members.
Again, we connected with people who were interested in joining PNTA as staff and we expressed our deepest gratitude to the local hiking club members who pick up litter as they hike. Trail Angels and crew members shared stories, and we filled the brewery with laughter. It was a gorgeous time of year to be in the northwest corner of Washington state, and we’re already looking forward to returning in the Spring.
This event also let us wish our Eastern Washington Regional Coordinator, Kristin Ackerman, the best of luck as she leaves PNTA this winter and moves on to new adventures. Thank you for everything you have done for the trail, Kristin!
Are you in a trailside community that would like to host a gathering? We are looking forward to meeting our Idaho and Montana friends! Our Spring Warm-Up events are geared toward sharing an informational presentation about the trail and connecting with potential new crew members, volunteers, and supporters. At the same time, our fall Round-Ups celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together. Reach out to Robynlynn@pnt.org if you’d like to help or suggest a location.
