[pct-l] Learning

[Mike Saenz]

Ok....
My two cents:

I didn't realize there was a need to "learn" how to walk....

Just get out and DO IT!

The rest will follow.

As been cited before: "Good judgment comes from experience, and often
experience comes from bad judgment."

But I prefer: "Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability
to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their
apparent disinclination to do so."

Read just about every trail journal and you'll find that, even after a
year or more of planning and preparation, many Thru Hikers make
adjustments in their gear and routine after the first few sections.

I too have "taught" backpacking to newbies (I'm a BSA Backpacking Merit
Badge Counselor). No matter how much you lecture, newbies will gear up
as they think they need to. My favorite lesson is AFTER the trip- when I
ask a newbie to empty their pack and separate out all the things they
didn't use/need. The light usually goes on after that.

Ask anyone who's hiked with me since Campo, they'll tell you how my
approach to the PCT has evolved. Learn as you go. Enjoy the process of
learning itself!



Michael  Saenz
Associate Partner

MVE & Partners, Inc. | Architecture + Planning + Interiors 
Irvine + Oakland + Honolulu

1900 Main Street, Suite 800 | Irvine, California 92614-7318 | T
949.809.3388 | www.mve-architects.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Tortoise
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 4:23 PM
To: Pacific Crest Trail List
Subject: [pct-l] Learning

Maybe some of you out there were born knowing how to backpack and thru 
hike. I was not one of those.

When I started backpacking, I read Colin Fletcher's _The Complete 
Walker_, talked to some others who already were and then went on short 
Sierra Club trips. I kept learning as the years go by -- mostly learning

from what others are doing, sometimes by my own discoveries. I've even 
taught a course or two on introduction to backpacking. I volunteered to 
do this, spent my own money on preparation and didn't receive a cent.

I'm still learning and hoping to get back out on the trails next year. 
I've lightened my load somewhat already and need to do more.

Would I pay to go to a workshop -- no. Would I even drive a long way to 
go to a free workshop -- no. Why -- because I think I know most of the 
basics and now am watching this list and learning from others so as to 
improve.

But I've no negative thoughts about a workshop unless the instructor say

his/her way is the only way. And also what may be great for someone 
doing a yo-yo may not be great for someone doing just a section.

Finally, the publicity garnered by Scott and "Flyin' Brian" (remember 
him) help to keep backpacking and our trails alive.

----------
Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>

I switched to Mac OSX rather than fight Windows
Using Mozilla Thunderbird  http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
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