Trail leads home after weeks in the wilderness

A La Conner Town Council member has gone the extra mile — and then some — to meet folks from all walks of life.

Jacques Brunisholz is home after having completed a 500-mile section of the scenic Pacific Crest Trail, part of America’s famed Triple Crown of Hiking.

The 61-year-old Brunisholz says it’s the toughest thing he’s ever done.

Even harder than hitting the campaign trail in La Conner.

“It’s just an overwhelmingly difficult thing to do, physically and mentally,” Brunisholz says of taking on the Pacific Crest.

“It’s like a job,” he said. “You’re out there for eight to 10 hours a day. You have to be careful and cautious. There were a lot of people — even young people — who ended up getting injured, hurting knees, ankles, and tendons.”

The terrain has a lot to do with it. The trail is aligned with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, running from the Mexican border to Canada.

There were treks through Southern California desert areas, says Brunisholz, that made having enough drinking water on hand more than a luxury: It was a must.

So, too, was having the other provisions, from food to camping gear, that Brunisholz carried every day for six weeks. Those 40 pounds often made it feel like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Still, there were a couple key factors working in his favor.

For one, Brunisholz grew up in Switzerland, where walking is a way of life. A retired La Conner High teacher, he has long seen walking as a tonic.

“We definitely need more opportunities for walking,” Brunisholz says. “It’s what we’re meant to do, but a lot of the pressures and demands of modern society have robbed us of that natural birthright.”

He sees the pendulum swinging back, however, citing the popular La Conner Boardwalk project as a prime local example.

“I think our society is slowly getting back to the simplicity of walking,” Brunisholz says. “The Pacific Crest Trail is one of our ultimate walks, but locally we’re doing great things, too.”

A humble approach to the Pacific Crest hike was likewise helpful.

Brunisholz literally spent a lifetime in preparation. He knew well the rigors of Pacific Crest and has hesitated recommending it to others.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says. “I’ve been hiking many years, so experience really counts. But it’s not the kind of thing you leave to chance.”

Unlike most other Pacific Crest hikers — many of whom were 40 years his junior — Brunisholz started early each morning and retired well before sundown. He usually logged between 15 and 20 miles a day.

He enjoyed striding past native California wildflowers and beneath the state’s giant Redwood trees.

“It was such a diverse environment,” Brunisholz says. “I wish I knew the names of all the plants and creatures I saw.”

Yet it was the camaraderie forged with fellow hikers that made the biggest impression, says Brunisholz.

“The wilderness was amazing,” he says, “but, for me, it was mostly about the people. The people you meet on the trail help energize you. Everybody is extremely nice and helpful. Nobody talks about politics out there. It’s all about the type of gear you have and where you’re from, that sort of thing. The great thing is you come across people from all walks of life.”

Hikers are aided by so-called “Trail Angels,” who make available various necessities, even opening up their homes at day’s end.

The trail itself is well marked and winds through towns where hikers can secure lodging, meals, and showers.

But, as Brunisholz soon discovered, there’s still no place like home.

“When you live out of your backpack for awhile,” he notes, “you appreciate all you’ve got. More than anything, you really miss your family.”

For now, Brunisholz is leaving open the option of returning to tackle another part of the Pacific Crest.

“The romanticism of the outdoors is great,” he says, “but you realize how important your family is. And how nice it is to have running water, shelter, and fresh food.”