[pct-l] Thoughts on Colin Fletcher - from mile 558

[joel01 at ekit.com]

I find myself very saddened to know that Colin Fletcher has passed 
on. I first read the Thousand Mile Summer while in high school, 
having randomly picked it off the library shelf. A book really can 
change one's life.

On the numerous foot journeys I have taken I have always aspired to 
find that balance between the physical and the sublime that Fletcher 
expressed. While going through the San Jacintos I walked breifly with 
a couple doing a weekend trip, when our conversation turned to 
Fletcher. A comment from the husband brought a warm smile to my face 
when he said, "It's almost as if the entire process of selecting 
equipment, figuring out a route and then hauling all his gear around 
was so that he could find a pleasant spot to make tea in the morning".

For me it's almost as if his books were a walker's equivalent of 'Zen 
and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'; without ever connecting to 
any particular philosophy, other than his own.

Well, back on the trail and on the way to Kennedy Meadows in the 
morning.

Joel


It was then I knew I'd had enough, 
Burned my credit card for fuel 
Headed out to where the pavement turns to sand - Neil Young