[pct-l] Thru Hiker Status

[Hiker97]

You and I know that about 99% of NoBo PCT hikers skip the infamous 1.5 mile Warner Springs Loop and walk directly to Warner Spring via the highway.  They leave the same way following the highway north to the start of Section B.

Most outside of the hiker community might think this is because hiking the highway is a convenient shortcut both in and out of Warner Springs.  Of course, we know the truth.  The hikers are afraid of the Mutant Saber Tooth Mountain Lions that are know to inhabit this section of trail.

They know that if they do the Loop, they must pay homage to the trail gods at the Clinton C. Clarke tree at car campsite #22 ---- the largest oak tree on the PCT.  This tree area is also know as a hang out for the lions, so they can pick off unwary hikers.  It is always advisable to join up in large groups when going through this area for protection.  This is like the wagon train concept in the old west.

Yes, only each hiker can really answer the question, did they violate the thru hike oath in bypassing this dangerous section of trail?  Are they now just doing a long section hike of the PCT because of this skip?  May be they should turn around and go back and do this trail section to regain their thru hiker honor.

Your humble servants and trail observers, Switchback and Stinker the Trail Skunk