TSJ: Musical Connections

Dear friends, family, and fellow advocates of adventure,

Today, the air feels thick with a mix of intense emotions. Some people are celebrating, many people weighed down with anger, but most people will be feeling terrified at the uncertainty for what the future holds.

Whatever emotions today has brought up for you, I have a simple challenge: find a way to bring a smile to someone else each day this month. It doesn’t have to be grand—a compliment on a stranger’s shoes, a meal gifted to someone in need, surprising your partner with a homemade dinner, or even a quick message to someone you’ve been thinking about. The ways to brighten someone’s day are as limitless as the kindness in each of us.

Today, I decided to make people around me smile by bringing fun, colorful stickers to work and offering them around. The smiles and simple joy it brought people caused a 180 switch in my attitude.

While there is so much we can’t control, we can choose to strive for a better future one smile at a time. 

With that being said, Thank you for reading. I hope this story will be able to brighten your day. I would also love to hear of the ways you made people this month :)

Sharing stickers with my co-workers ft. our anger mask

The Thrill Seekers Journal: Musical Connections

Hello, Fellow Seekers of Adventure! I hope everyone has had a fun and spooky October. I personally have had an incredibly full and exciting October. From completing the Via Valtellina with two of my good friends, to accepting a new job with The Gubbio Project, there was never a dull moment for me this past month. 

This month's story is one of my all-time favorite memories, and easily one of the best days I had while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023. I hope you enjoy!

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Connecting Through Music

Washington, Pacific Crest Trail, Mile 2380(ish)

I glanced down at my phone, taking note of the small dot marking my place on the vast map that stretched from Mexico to Canada. I had already reached 14 miles since starting early that morning. I was halfway to the day's end destination: Snoqualmie. After 10 days without a shower and a diet that resembled that of a first-year college student (Ramen, instant mashed potatoes, and too many chocolate bars) I was more than ready to get to town. Not only was I thrilled at the idea of having an indoor flushing toilet and hot running water, but a close friend of mine—Bruno, who I met after moving from Canada to California back in 2010—was meeting me there the next day.

Determined to make it to town, I trudged on through the cool, misty Washington forest. The scenery that enveloped me was fairytale-like. neon green moss blanketed the floor and crawled up the massive cedar trunks only to disappear in the fog, hiding the canopy above. A setting I can only describe as mysterious and whimsical. 

Misty views as I descended below the fog line

After another half hour of feeling like a wandering forest gnome, alone in the dense wood, I heard the unmistakable sound of hooves rapidly approaching. I jumped to the side of the path not wanting to get trampled by whatever large animal was headed my direction. I waited patiently until I saw a gorgeous chestnut-colored horse appear, followed by a beautiful white horse with a smoky mane. A woman looking to be in her late 50’s - early 60’s  rode the chestnut horse, followed by a man about the same age with hair that matched the mane of his mare. They stopped abruptly when they saw me, smiling warmly, seemingly thrilled to see another human.

“Hey! Are you hiking the PCT? Are you hungry? Thirsty? We’re out here just for you! I'm Terri, and this is Jim.” The woman smiled warmly at me.

Terri and Jim are *trail angels—the best thing a thru-hiker can encounter. I was beyond excited to see these two strangers.

*Trail Angels are people scattered in and around popular thru hiking trails. They offer all different kinds of support to hikers from rides to town, letting hikers stay in their houses, or offering support on the trail with food and drinks. Trail angels are the backbone for many of the people who hike these trails. 

“Yes, please!” I said. “I’d love something to eat or drink!”

I introduced myself by my *trail name, “Happy Hour”. They dismounted, secured their horses to nearby trees, and began showering me with sandwiches, granola bars, chocolate, and beer. Nothing lifts a thru-hiker’s spirits more than a trail angel’s generosity, especially when cold beer is involved.

*A Trail name is a nickname taken on by thru hikers and long distance hikers. Trail names are typically given to hikers by other hikers. Regular names are rarely used while hiking. Most people opt to go by their trail names. 

After chatting for a while, Jim looked at me and asked, “Wait, are you carrying a violin?” He gestured toward my ukulele, who was also given the trail name: “Tequila”

“Nope, that’s my ukulele!” I replied with a grin.

Jim, astounded that I had carried it all the way from the border , proceeded to tell me how he too was a musician. A professionally trained violinist who once upon a time played nightly shows and toured all around. He lamented the fact that it had been quite a while since he had played, and remarked on how fun it would have been to play together.

I could tell by the way he spoke of his days playing the violin that he had an intense passion for music. I began to feel a small wave of disappointment that I wouldn’t be able to play music with the fascinating person I had just run into. 

I got caught up in conversation with Jim and Terri and completely lost track of time. Once I finally took a moment to glance at my watch, I was shocked to see nearly an hour had passed. It was time for us to go our separate ways.

”I should probably keep going, I’m hoping to hit town tonight and would like to get there before sunset.” I regretfully said as I stood up to shake their hands and thank them.

“Happy Hour, if you want, we are camped with our RV ‘bout 7 miles away, just off the side road of the next small lake. It’s impossible to miss. We're doin’ up burritos for dinner, and will have plenty to go around. We would love to have you stop by!”

I had still hoped to make it to Snoqualmie that night, but the offer of free burritos was VERY tempting.

“If you do decide to come by, we have three dogs just so you know. Very friendly, but very high energy. Got some cold beer in the fridge as well!” Jim let me know as he put back on his cowboy hat which he had placed on his horse's head for safe keeping.

The horse seems to be used to the hat…

Burritos!? Dogs!? Cold Beer!? Despite the fact that I hadn’t given them a solid yes or no before they galloped off, The deal had been sealed. I tossed my 50lb pack over my shoulders, clipped my waist belt, and set off in the direction of the lake. 

Only a few hours later, I found an RV just as they had described to me. Approaching it on tired legs, I saw the backs of two horses poking out from a grove of hemlocks. Perfect timing, they seem to have arrived back just before I had. I gave the horses a generous amount of space, not wanting to repeat the less-than-ideal experience of being kicked when I was 8 years old.

“Jim! Terri! Hey, I made it!” I greeted them as they were just finishing up de-saddling and brushing the horses

 As promised, I was greeted by two energetic dogs ripping around the campsite. One was a beautiful, tall, gray and black spotted mix named Dipper. The second, a small 8 month old puppy named Scout who closely resembled Dipper, but with brown fur lining his snout. The third dog, a small gray and white chihuahua with cloudy, bulging eyes which despite not having pupils, still appeared to point in two different directions. I fell in love with all three of them instantly.

“That’s our girl Bennie.” Terri told me, catching my gaze.

 “She’s about 14 I think… Blind as a bat, but she’s got a strong pair of lungs on her still and loves to use em’.” As if rehearsed, Bennie let out a series of yaps, and continued to wander aimlessly around the trailer. 

“Why don't you take a seat in one of the chairs? Make yourself comfortable! I'm gonna start the meat cooking for the burritos— Wait, you aren’t vegetarian, are you?”

I laughed and shook my head no.

”Oh good. Not that there's anything wrong with being vegetarian… I guess… I just don't understand it. Anyways, grab a beer and take a seat! It will be a little while before food is ready.” 

I grabbed myself a cool can out of the fridge, and let my backpack drop from my shoulders to the grass below. The moment my backpack made contact with the ground, “Tequila” let out a small ring from the force, audible to everyone around, but still soft and quiet. 

“Oh we would love to hear you play if you are up for it!” Jim said after hearing the hum of the four strings. 

“Yeah, I’d be happy to play some songs. I'm going to have a few sips of my beer first though.” 

“Haha, I always had a beer before going onstage. Was kinda a pre-show ritual in a way. Damn, I miss playing. I really wish I had brought—“ Jim’s eyes suddenly lit up with great realization. He jumped up excitedly, and assured me he would be right back after disappearing into his home on wheels. 

Moments later he reappeared with a solid black case, the leather on it cracked and peeling, allowing a light brown base to peek through indicating its age. He wiped off an alarmingly thick layer of dust and flicked open the golden clasps. 

“Now don’t get your hopes up. She hasn't been played in years.”

That was easier said than done. My hopes were higher than the clouds above us. I wanted so badly to play with another person. After months of being the sole person playing music, it would be the best gift to play with someone else. 

As he tuned up the neglected instrument, I did the same to Tequila - ready to play regardless of the state of the violin.

”Ah Shit. — Damn. — Come on!! “ Jim mumbled frustratingly to himself. I observed the bridge, an essential piece that holds up the strings, collapse a few times. He tried again and again to make it hold its position, but nothing seemed to be working.

Jim, on a mission to fix his fiddle

“Dammit I don’t know if its gonna work.” 

“Ah darn, I was looking forw—-“ 

“WAIT! I have one last idea!” Cutting me off mid sentence, he turned his attention towards his wife, who was setting out plates and cutlery for dinner.

”Honey, do we have dental floss?” The man inquired with urgency.

The woman said nothing, but gave him a look that said “Of course we have floss” while simultaneously giving a look that said “Are you telling me you don't floss?” 

“Right. Of course we do.” The man said sheepishly, jumping up and disappearing into the trailer yet again. 

I couldn’t help but giggle at the display of communication I just witnessed. It is a level of communication I consider only achievable after years and years of spending time with someone. 

Emerging triumphantly with the small box of blue, mint flavored wax floss - the man began tinkering with his instrument once again. I admired his persistence.

“Alright. Let’s give you a try.” Mumbling to himself yet again. He raised the weathered instrument to his face, gingerly placed his chin in the rest and began to release a string of notes that flowed seamlessly together, causing me to go speechless.

”Yeah, I think that’ll work!” He exclaimed, both shocked and thrilled. “Are you ready? Go ahead and play something!”

”Like what?” 

“Anything at all. Don’t you worry, I'll catch on fast.”

I’ve always needed to know the chords and the tune before jumping into any song. Each time I have the pleasure to play with musicians who can figure it out by ear is both humbling, and inspiring to me.

I started strumming “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, a trail favorite I’d been singing with fellow hikers since day one. It took him less than one round of me playing through the verse before joining in. He played along with such grace and skill that I was almost too awestruck to focus on my own playing. 

Tap here to hear the recording of that exact version!!!

Jim and I playing “Stick Season” together

If I hadn’t known any better, I’d say he played along with the song a thousand times before. He had never heard the song before in his life. I was smiling from ear to ear at how deeply connected I felt to this stranger I'd met mere hours earlier. 

Not too long after we started playing tune after tune together, more hungry hikers began to trickle into the RV site also in search of free burritos and beer. Soon enough the two of us were playing for an audience of about ten hikers, three dogs, two horses, and Terri.

These experiences, like so many others, remind me of the importance of connection. Music has been a consistently impactful part of my life. It has tied together adventures and relationships in ways I never expected. To this day, I swear by the fact that I would rather backpack without a tent than without my ukulele. Any attempt to describe the feelings I have when I get a group of strangers singing and swaying together would be futile. I guess you will just have to come and experience it with me for yourself someday :)

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SNOQUALMIE, WA, USA

If you were to drive eastbound from Seattle on the I-90, it would only take about 30 minutes until you found yourself passing by the small town of Snoqualmie. At a first glance, the quaint town of 13,000 people doesn’t seem like it has much to offer. However; only an hour of wandering the streets and exploring the trails will open up endless possibilities for adventures and new experiences. Snoqualmie offers a mesmerizing blend of lush wilderness, small-town warmth, and rich history that makes you want to linger just a bit longer.

One of the must-see marvels found here is Snoqualmie Falls. A powerful 268-foot waterfall that thunders down into the mist below. The falls are a sight that stirs the soul and leaves visitors with their jaws dropped. After hiking to the falls, you can satisfy your hunger at one of the cozy local cafes, breweries, or restaurants found along Railroad Ave that runs through the town.    

There’s no shortage of trails here, each one winding through dense evergreen forests and opening up to views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Hike, bike, or simply wander—the landscapes are yours to explore. And as the sun begins to set, consider heading to the historic Salish Lodge for a meal that’s as comforting as it is memorable. End your evening with a drink and a view that seems to stretch into tomorrow, capturing the spirit of Snoqualmie in every last moment.

The views that greeted me as I hiked out of Snoqualmie. 

Thank you for tuning in to The Thrill Seekers Journal. My hope is to continue sharing these stories and to inspire others to seek out those moments of connection in their own lives. I would love to hear about similar experiences you have had in your life. Keep an eye out for next month’s edition, where I’ll share more snapshots from my adventures.

Until next time, stay curious, adventurous, and never stop being a thrill seeker.

Carly Ball

“Music has a power to bring people together like no other art form.” - Michael Franti

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