[pct-l] Thru vs. Section Hike

[Bill]

Dear Journal,

Once upon a time I was a failed Thru Hiker, then I was reborn as an
accomplished section hiker!  It's all about packaging!

As for the "advantage" of picking the weather for section hikers - yes and
no.

I may get to choose to cross the Mojave this winter and in that sense I do
get to pick the weather in a broad sense.

On the other hand, for this section hiker - the reason I - and so many
others - are section hikers is that the obligations of daily life just don't
allow for the "Big Adventure".  In my case, they do not allow for more than
one attempt in any given decade (is it 2010 yet?).

Along with these obligations is the implication that getting away from the
daily schedule is not easy, nor always "right".  To take ever vacation day I
have away from my family every year for section hiking for years on end
would be incredibly selfish and I would miss all those vacations with my
growing son.  Balance - all about balance.  (I know I know... bring him with
you!  He is only getting to that age of mega-miles now and he can think of
way better things to do than walk all day :-)  teens - gotta love 'em)

With that in mind, I promise you that when I put aside the time to hike it
takes some incredible push and coordination.  Those days do NOT come easy.
Once I am committed, I tend to hike come hell-or-high-water.

Tomorrow I am leaving to hike from Islip Saddle to Agua Dulce.   This
weekend is calling for rain in that area.   I am going anyway.  It took too
much to put this time together in the middle of the Holidays ( I was
stringing lights in the middle of the night).    So, no I can NOT simply
reschedule for a better weekend.  To reschedule means - how's March?  I am
actually looking forward to the rain threat as it will allow me to practice
some of my lesser used skills.

Hence, I would not say that section hiking really gives the flexibility to
pick the weather or put off a hike.   Casual day hiking yes.  But if you
plan to ever finish these trails - a certain pressing forward is required.

pGumby