[pct-l] PCT with kids

[Jim Eagleton]

A better question is how do I get a mommy and daddy who get their parenting advice from a group that thinks a bath every 10 days is GOOD behaivior???

 

I only met the Troll family a couple of times on the AT in '05.  However, I would be shocked if Anchor got her parenting advice from this list.  

 

So, if you are asking questions about your son's capabilities, you are in deep trouble.  If you are asking whether a parent from Switzerland (even the wacky French side) will be seen as not having their family priorities in order, I doubt it.  

 

I'm not sure Oblivious was ready for the Continental Divide Trial when I met him in 2005.  Kids change quickly and many factors are involved.  

Good Luck.

Jim
 
> From: dsaufley at sprynet.com
> To: pct at fisler.ch; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 22:07:32 -0700
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT with kids
> 
> 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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