Hiker Heaven at Agua Dulce

At mile 454, we've arrived at the legendary "hiker heaven", where the king duo of "trail angels" reside. Upon arrival, the Saufley's provide you with: a free shower, free "rental clothes", free laundry service, free bed or cot, free food, and they have TWO cars which thru-hikers can use to take trips into different towns. At the guesthouse, there's stove fuel, a free gear/food exchange, a VCR/DVD with a library of films, a library of books on hiking and natural history, a kitchen fully stocked with fruit and ice cream. No exaggeration. They sometimes host up to 65 hikers at one time. The ranch contains huge tents, buildings, and beautiful landscaping. And Donna Saufley, who goes by "Elrod", is not only one of the most generous, upbeat, and amiable people you've ever met, but she also somehow manages to remember everyone's name. It's out of this world.

Gerry