If it’s too smoky to hike, the second-best thing is to hear stories about hikes and hikers past. One notorious group of Methow Valley backcountry explorers you may have run into out in the mountains over the past 40-plus years includes Paul Pinsky, Marty Lobdell, Charlie Kinkade, and brothers Les and Chuck McCallum.
Chuck and Les are the grandsons of Methow Valley pioneers, Lester Hollaway and Ethel (Callahan) Hollaway, who established a homestead below McKinney Mountain and Lucky Jim Bluff. Lester was an Okanogan County Commissioner and cut the ribbon for the opening of the North Cascades Highway in 1972.
Chuck and Les spent parts of their youth with their grandparents in the Methow Valley and always treasured their annual horse packing trips into the mountains. These trips formed the inspiration for what would become a four decades-long tradition of backpacking with their friends, first with Marty and Charlie, and, soon thereafter, with Paul.
“The Big Hike” crew in 2003.
Chuck met Paul in graduate school at Stanford in the late 1960s and invited him to join the group. Paul, already a dedicated hiker, fell in love at first sight with the Methow Valley on his inaugural trip into the Pasayten with the crew. On subsequent trips over the next 40 years Paul photographed the landscape, the flowers, and the wildlife — especially bald eagles — of the valley, resulting in an extensive collection of striking prints that capture the essence of the valley’s beauty and diversity. Taking these photos required carrying a huge pack that could accommodate his special photography equipment, but that never seemed to bother Paul — getting the right shots was important to him.
Paul got so hooked on the Methow Valley that he later built a cabin in Edelweiss, which became headquarters for the backpacking friends, as well as a showroom for his framed photos.
One of the traditions Paul brought to the annual hiking expeditions and winter cross country skiing ventures was his creation of the “Pinsky Patio” cocktail hour, involving drinks, appetizers, a stunning view, and good conversation. In those days, the “patio” was a granite slab or a fallen log.
Once Paul could no longer hike or travel due to the toll of Parkinson’s Disease, his friends continued the tradition and looped him in through FaceTime. The annual “Big Hike” has evolved to include day hikes, evening showers, and real beds, but the same high spirits and good humor prevail, just as they did when the members were in their 30s and 40s. (Do not attempt to engage in a battle of wits with this group; you will not emerge triumphant.)
The Edelweiss cabin, now owned by Les, remains the site of many a Pinsky Patio–on an actual patio or deck — with rousing toasts being raised amidst countless memories shared. Over the years, more friends were added to Pinsky Patio events, expanding the circle of those who appreciated all that Paul did to nurture and share his love of the valley.
Paul passed away earlier this spring, leaving behind his wife of 57 years, Joanne, his three adult daughters and their families, his brother and sister, and a vast extended family and network of friends. His memory will continue as someone who deeply loved the Methow Valley, who invested generously in protecting it, and who captured its essence in photographs, which he shared widely with others.
Fittingly, a farewell Pinsky Patio will be held for Paul in mid-August, although it will not be the last Patio event. Like most meaningful traditions, the Pinsky Patio will outlive its founder, keeping alive not only his memory, but the feeling of camaraderie and appreciation he cultivated among people united by friendship and love of place.
