Roots in the wilderness

[balzaccom]

I've met a lot of really interesting people as I work as a volunteer in the Desolation Wilderness. One large group of a few adults and lots of kids got my attention recently. I suggested that they split up to avoid falling foul of the regulations, which limit groups to twelve or smaller. They had no problem with that, and quickly set off on two separate trails. But I noted that the kids were not fluent in English, and I asked where they were from.

"Sacramento," one of the adults answered. "But before that, Afghanistan. We thought they deserved a day up here, after all they've been through."

There wasn't a hiker on the trail who begrudged them the obvious joy they felt.

If you want to hear about some of the old-timers who've shared their stories, the full post is here: https://www.backpackthesierra.com/post/hiking-roots