[pct-l] Callahan's risen-from-the-ashes rebirth

[David Plotnikoff]

Dear Ron and Donna,

Going through my links on Best On the Crest 
(www.emeraldlake.com/pctguide) I saw your grand reopening page and 
was thrilled to see everything put back as you and God intended it. 
(I'd listed the re-opening as August, although I see now the 
"official" kickoff was 10/16). There were a couple times in the long 
interim where I pulled off I-5 on various section hike shuttles to 
see the progress and noted the pushed-back deadlines and hoped 
silently that things would finally fall into line for you.

I know it was a long haul with permitting, the whole bureaucratic 
process, etc. But you made it.

What touches me most: Through everything, you remembered your 
scuzziest, smelly-est, least-profitable guests -- US ! I'm so 
gratified that you chose to invest in PCT shower and laundry 
facilities and to keep the tradition of lawn camping alive. The tiny 
rooms under the bar may be history, but we're still a part of your 
plan. I know from my previous history with you that you are true 
friends of the PCT. I knew that when I saw the prominence that the 
PCT register had at the front of the restaurant years ago. I'm just 
so grateful that the tradition goes on. On behalf of the entire PCT 
community, thank you for the friendship and support --  so many 
memories, so many PCT seasons.

Callahan's occupies a unique, special place in PCT lore. (You may not 
remember it, but a well-circulated, dead-on parody of the Wilderness 
Press PCT guidebook style involved the directions for a tipsy hiker 
"hiking" from the bar to his room downstairs...) And it appears that 
special connection will continue for a long time to come. 
Congratulations on your new incarnation!

David Plotnikoff
david at emeraldlake.com
www.emeraldlake.com/pctguide