[pct-l] PCT with kids

[Donna Saufley]

In addition to Scrambler and Oblivious, I've seen the Boutenkos, otherwise
known as the Russian Raw Fooders, back in '98 with three kids in tow -- from
12 to 15, all raw food vegetarians and hiking barefoot. Yes, barefoot. They
were all doing great at mile 454.4.  Young people are capable of much more
than we typically allow them to accomplish because of our own fears and
reservations.  

IMHO, the thing to remember is that every long distance hike is made up of
short journeys from point-to-point until you reach the end.  It can only be
taken one day at a time, and thinking of the entire thing is daunting to
most.  Instead of thinking "can my son make it from Mexico to Canada?" try
thinking of it in much smaller, achievable sections, each one a goal and
accomplishment in itself. That way, no matter where your journey ends, you
will have a sense of having met your goals, rather than defeat in not having
made it to whatever point you consider the final destination.

L-Rod



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Joël Fisler
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 2:57 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] PCT with kids

Whats your opinion: Is it possible to do the PCT with a 12/13 year old  
boy who is experienced with hiking, outdoor camping etc. and  
"normally" trained? Is it fun or just stress? I did read the book  
"Zero Days" about "Scrambler" (11 years) and it didnt quite convince  
me to do it with my son... :-)

Have you hiked the PCT (or large parts of it) with kids or heard of  
people doing it? Impressions? Comments? Thanks in advance, still a  
year to go but I'd be curious to hear from you.
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