[pct-l] hiking speed

[Reinhold Metzger]

NED,
I have thru-hiked the JMT nine times at various speeds and the Grand 
Canyon rim-to-rim 3 times  &  the rim-to-rim-to-rim 2 times in one day 
and the same trails at a slower pace.
First of all, as you know, high milage days does not have to mean racing 
through the wilderness, although it can be that, it could be the result 
of better time management (less down time and longer hours).

On my fast packs I focus heavily on time management, light pack and 
hiking at a very fast pace.
Am I less aware of my surrounding?....I don't think so.
I am blessed with good balance and nimble feet and can move fast without 
having my eyes glued to the trail.
My eyes are forever scanning the surrounding terrain.
If  I do twice as many miles in one day I will see twice as much 
wilderness an terrain that day making the hike more panoramic.
By moving  swiftly and quietly I seem to see more wild life and since I 
am traveling ultra light when fast packing I don't necessarily have to 
be more fatigued at the end of the day unless I go for the extreme but, 
I think you are focusing on fast packing not the the extreme...no?

JMT Reinhold

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NED WROTE..................When your hiking fast, how do you know if you 
are missing anything as compared to hiking slower?
Has anybody out there done the same trail section at different speeds 
and noticed any difference in awareness of the environment?