2019 NoBo thru hiker, Poppins (@mariedraws_thePCT), passed through during my Easter Celebration and created an e-portrait of me during the event. So, this is what I looked like back in late April.

Thanks, Poppins!

With the sharp decrease in the number of hikers passing by my place, I decided it was time to remove the outhouse, shower, and trash can. As always, the water tank, picnic tables, and Little Free Library remain.

Two hikers spending the night helped me move the outhouse to its storage location.

I am celebrating Walt Whitman’s bicentennial year at my hiker oasis for all of 2019; however, I decided to do something special for the actual birthday date on May 31.

I put a sign that read “Birthday Party today. Come join us” at the junction of the side trail heading to my hiker oasis

and provided birthday cake, champagne, and lots of fresh fruit to the hikers staying at my place that evening.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Walt’s cut-out and took turns reading his poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” A good time was had by all, including Walt, who often speaks of his being present to his readers.

HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY, WALT!

I had gotten word through northbound hikers that a brother/sister pair of thru riders were on the trail just south of my place, so I left a “Horse Rest Area” sign along the trail and a note inviting the pair (and their horses) to spend the night at my place, if their schedule put them here about quittin’ time.

On May 30 in the late afternoon, the pair rolled through and decided to take me up on the offer.

They left next morning and I joined them on mare for the ride to Paradise Valley Cafe, where they would meet their support rig.

It was a lovely ride and we got to Highway 74 ahead of the afternoon heat.