Hotline Bling

Yesterday we had one of those situations that really illustrates how The Hiker's Home Office operates. Out of the blue and 2 days earlier than I expected, at about 5:45pm Eastern, I got a call from Jamie that was short, urgent, and relatively clear.

"We need a shuttle or ride between Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek pass. Weather is turning." - Jamie, actively slogging through said weather

I say it was short because it was basically just that. There were a few other words said, but nothing super enlightening.

It was urgent in the sense that weather turning that results in needing a shuttle into town, regardless of exactly how it's turning, is by definition "urgent."

And I say it was relatively clear because it wasn't immediately apparent to me what he was talking about! In another example of a hiker being so involved in their hiking world and situation, that they might think you are too, he assumed I knew exactly what he was asking and all the particulars I might need to know to figure it out.

Maybe he said exactly what he meant to say/thought he said. Maybe he said he needed a shuttle between Pagosa Springs and the Pass. But I could have sworn I heard him say he needed a shuttle from Pagosa Springs to the Pass. This did not fit with my understanding of where he was headed or the geography. So, I went to

the map in the Far Out app, and see what I can find. Then... I called him back!

Of course he didn't answer.

He did call back quickly, though (PHEW!) and from that I gleaned new information:

Rain. Mud. Thunder. Lightening. More rain. Worsening thunder and lightning. Hail now.

Oh, boy. But, I also got clarity on what exactly he needed.

"Okay. I'm on it." -Me, kicking into mode.

The Far Out app is really Jamie's trail guide with routes, trail stats, elevations, etc. I access it for information about resupply towns, services and amenities in these towns. It's not always right on about everything (it's kind of a crowd sourced tool) but it is pretty useful, certainly as a place to start. Jamie's resupply spreadsheet includes some information that he has pulled from the Far Out app, trail guides, and who knows what else. They haven't actually been field tested, but again, it's a start. Also, it might seem a little low-tech, but Google Maps is a surprisingly useful tool. Being able to see the layout of a town can be so helpful, especially if you are trying to find convenient lodging or services that don't require a lot of walking. (Funny how these hikers dislike town walking!)

So I started with a gear shop called Ski & Bow Rack. You see, I've learned that these little trail towns all have little bespoke gear shops and they are goldmines! Their staff are almost universally knowledgeable and are willing to give you good insights, references and the like and they did just that, giving me two recommendations: an outfitter who "might" do shuttles and a taxi company.

But after striking out with the outfitter, and knowing I didn't have a lot of time to futz around, I went straight to the Pagosa Cab. And I just have to say, there is just nothing better than reaching out to find some help, and being met with a definitive and AFFIRMATIVE response like I got from George!

"Yeah, I can go get 'em." - George, stepping up

And he did. He picked them up at the appointed spot and got them into town, for a warm room, hot shower, and soft bed. Yay, George.