[pct-l] Don't plan, just do

[Ellen Shopes]

The learn-as-you-go strategy works for some, and can be fatal for others. 
I'm presuming that you have at least some backpacking experience before 
starting your hike, and no major health problems.

Those of us who are delayed from doing our hike in the near future :-( get 
some enjoyment from the planning process.  The other advantage to planning 
and analyzing things is the spawn of a new idea...whether it's new 
ultra-light ideas or something else that makes the trip easier or safer, we 
all benefit from the ultra-planners.

Then again, it probably depends on the focus of one's hike.  Some are 
goal-driven, and need the schedules, etc.  Others subscribe to the 
philosophy of: "It's not the destination, it's the journey."  Both are valid 
ways to experience the PCT.

Elderly Ellen


> You're contradicting yourself. You tell people not to listen to others who
> tell you how to hike, but you're giving people that exact advice you're
> against. I understand your point (and for the most part agree) but if we
> follow your advice, theoretically,  no one should listen to you.
> I, for one, can't wait to plan my maildrops.
>
> Nano
>
> P.S. just playing a little devil's advocate :)
>
>
> On Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM, RJ Lewis <karmagurl at bektel.com> wrote:
>
>>
>> Now that's an attitude I can live with!! Thank you for some of the best
>> insight of all. =)
>>
>>
>> jordan2ynp at aol.com wrote:
>> > Future hikers,
>> >
>> > I understand the desire and lure to preparing extensively for the 
>> > trail;
>> however, all one needs to know are the basics. The only information a 
>> person
>> needs is the water report and the bandanna that tells how far it is from
>> town to town. I did no mail drops, used no maps, and went and did as I 
>> felt
>> at the time. I had cold weather gear on me at all time just in case, and 
>> I
>> bought additional gear as I needed it, such as at Lone Pine when I needed 
>> a
>> bear box and ice axe.
>> >
>> > I found people who lived by their mail drops and schedules became 
>> > married
>> to them. Give yourself freedom to go where the trail takes you. For 
>> example,
>> I wound up in Reno, Portland, and Chelan and I never thought I would. I 
>> just
>> went with the flow.
>> >
>> > I should add that I did use map in the JMT section.
>> >
>> > Other than that, it is your hike, and you should do what you wish. 
>> > Nobody
>> hikes the correct way and knows what is best. However you hike is the
>> correct way. Don't listen to people attempt to tell you how to hike 
>> because
>> they are as full of "it" as anybody else. Just go out there and walk, 
>> that's
>> it, just walk.
>> >
>> > Good Times
>> >
>> > Long live the Anti-Purest Brigade!!!!
>> > _______________________________________________
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>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
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