Minneapolis mailman retires after years of walking route, heads out on 2,650-mile mountain hike

After retiring from his job as a mail carrier in Minneapolis, Scott McLaughlin set off on an extraordinary journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. At 61, he stands out as one of the older participants in a predominantly younger demographic, inspired by the film "Wild" and a lifelong passion for hiking. Despite the added challenge of navigating the trail with vision in only one eye, McLaughlin embraces the adventure, forming a close-knit group with fellow hikers known as the "Midwest contingent. " His daughters played a crucial role in his preparation, gifting him freeze-dried meals with encouraging notes, which helped sustain him during the demanding trek. Along the way, he adopted the trail name "Postcard," a nod to his postal career, and his practice of handing out postcards to fellow hikers as icebreakers.

McLaughlin's experience sheds light on the mental and physical challenges of long-distance hiking, including the importance of community and support. He also faced personal loss, pausing his hike to attend his sister's funeral, showcasing the balance of life events while pursuing one's dreams. His story embodies resilience, determination, and the spirit of adventure, proving that retirement can be a time of new beginnings.