[pct-l] The PCT Golden Spike Monument

[Bill Burge]

Yeah, there is a spot where a plaque or something is missing.

I'll take a picture of that when I hike it again (which should be  
pretty soon!  ;-)

BillB



On Dec 29, 2009, at 9:49 PM, AsABat wrote:

> Last time I was there (2005) the round marker was still on top the  
> stone
> monument as shown in Bill's picture. What was (and I believe still is)
> missing is the plaque that was mounted on the front vertical surface  
> of the
> stone monument that described the significance of the monument.
>
> As to significance, I think what they were commemorating was an  
> official,
> continuous route, regardless of whether the trail was actually all  
> trail
> (versus road) and whether as fully protected as we like. As I see  
> it, worth
> commemorating, but important to keep working to keep the trail  
> preserved.
>
> AsABat
>
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 29, 2009 at 9:18 PM, dsaufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com>  
> wrote:
>
>> Hi, Bill!  Hoping all is well. It's good to know there something  
>> there. As
>> far as I can see, the picture you took matches what is on the PCTA's
>> website
>> http://www.pcta.org/copper/displayimage.php?album=14&pos=12 as the  
>> Golden
>> Spike, excepting that their image is in or on the earth, rather than
>> mounted
>> on rock as in your photo. I distinctly remember, but cannot  
>> substantiate at
>> present, that there was some sort of vandalism at the monument and
>> something
>> was reported taken. Perhaps it was replaced, or what was reported  
>> taken
>> once
>> occupied the vacant spot you mention.
>>
>> Regardless, it always seems incredibly odd to me that the monument
>> commemorating the completion of such an amazing, stupendous,  
>> gloriously
>> beautiful national scenic trail is in Soledad Canyon. It's also odd  
>> they
>> had
>> a "completion" ceremony.  The truth is that the PCT is not truly  
>> complete,
>> and is at risk. Approximately 250 miles of the trail corridor are  
>> owned by
>> landowners other than the managing partners, and have weak or no  
>> easements.
>>
>> Some people want to hike it all in one season.  I dream of seeing  
>> the PCT
>> completed and protected in my lifetime. It's time to finish what  
>> Clarke and
>> Rogers began.
>>
>> L-Rod (the Animal Magnet)
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> The first step. The last step. The most important step: protect the  
>> PCT.
>> www.pcta.org/help/donate_form.asp
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net 
>> ]
>> On Behalf Of Bill Burge
>> Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2009 9:41
>> To: PCT LIST
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] The PCT Golden Spike Monument
>>
>>
>> Here's the missing pic:
>>
>> http://www.4footed.com/images/hiking/Plaque1.jpg
>>
>> BillB
>>
>>
>>
>> On Dec 27, 2009, at 9:32 PM, Bill Burge wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I was saddened to hear this.
>>>
>>> But then I decided to go for a hike today, and since I live in the
>>> area; I hike north from Soledad Cyn.
>>>
>>> Just after crossing the railroad tracks I found a waist high
>>> monument with this on the top:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Is the missing "Golden Spike" another plaque on the side of the
>>> monument?  It looked like something was missing from the side...
>>>
>>> BTW, it was a pretty nice hike today.  I spent a lot of it thinking
>>> what it would be like with three times the weight on my back and in
>>> May instead of December!  ;-)
>>>
>>> BillB
>>>
>>>
>>> On Dec 14, 2009, at 6:26 PM, Deems wrote:
>>>
>>>> I recently read that Switchback the Pirate was seen off and on- 
>>>> trail
>>>> plundering and searching for the legendary "Treasure of the Golden
>>>> Spike." I
>>>> wish he had found it, for it would now be in good hands. A trail
>>>> friend
>>>> shared with me a photo of the PCT Golden Spike that dedicated the
>>>> final
>>>> trail piece built in 1993. Here, it shines again.
>>>> http://www.pbase.com/image/120296154 PCT Golden Spike
>>>> Anyone have more information?
>>>> Anyone know which mile point it was placed??
>>>> The PCT was shorter back then, only 2638 miles.
>>>> ~~
>>>> Sadly, the Golden Spike monument was stolen/disappeared a few years
>>>> ago.
>>>> L-Rod
>>>>
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