[pct-l] of the Triple Crown

[Paul Magnanti]

Was told by a good friend in town to refrain from
adding my .02..but, well, since debating was the
family past time growing up... :D

A diluted triple crown? Bah....

The "award" itself is being able to hike all three
trails. To see the wonders of nature for not days or
weeks but months. Being able to experience the trail
with fellow wilderness pilgrims.

Less than one month after finishing the CDT, still on
a post trail buzz. Luckily these lists AREN'T the
trail. When on the trail, did not think of purity, or
dilution of my experience or being a glory hound.

I just knew that I was on the divide in Montana and
seeing nothing around except for deserted jeep roads.

Walking in Wyoming and seeing wild horses that weren't
native..but belonged out there.

Holing up in Crested Butte with 8 other thru-hikers
who managed to hitch there in a snowstorm. Laughing,
enjoying each other's company and making memories none
of us will forget.

Remember a glorious desert sunrise during my last days
on the trail.

No internet forum, no sayings from other people, no
hiking judge will change my experiences. 

I've seen desert sunsets, walked over snow fields,
"walked the ancients paths where the goodway is...".

The rewards was the time spent outdoors. Nothing can
change those experiences. Nothing will make the
memories I have "diluted".

I just came back from RI visiting family and soaking
up the "Atmosphere" As such, a colorful dialect word
that is still heard quite a bit around those parts is
on my mind to mr. O.D or whoever: "Va fungu!"








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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com