[pct-l] Fw: Post PCT/vs the wilderness

[Edward Anderson]

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
To: Jim Bravo <jimbravo at wildblue.net>
Sent: Sat, February 27, 2010 12:13:13 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Post PCT/vs the wilderness

It is obviously very true that everyone's experience on the trail and reaction to wilderness is different. Most hikers seem to prefer and be more comfortable moving along the trail with others and then camping in a group. I have noticed that much of the conversation is on what they did at the last town that they hitched to - and anticipation of what they would do in the next town that they would hitch to for a "0" day(s). There are motels, markets, bars, phones, restaurants, libraries, computers, etc. - - - civilization! This seemed less true the further north I rode. Those who got as far north as Washington (those who did'nt drop out) were often more independant and focused on reaching Canada. Interestingly, during the last couple of days as we neared the border, I met 7 or 8 thru-hikers. FOUR of them were from other far-off countries. All were hiking alone. They were from New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, and Finland.

My own experience on the PCT was very different since I rode one horse and went solo and virtually unsupported.. You can't hitch into town with your horse. So, I rarely visited the towns and mostly lived on the PCT. My resupplies were often well-camoflagued caches at road crossings and trailheads. I "cowboy camped" alone about 90% of the time and tried to leave no trace that I had been there. For me, that was better - a wilderness experience with fewer brushes with the civilized world. One notable exception was when we reached Cajon Pass in So. Cal. Mounted on my horse, with full packs, I went through the DRIVE-THRU at McDonalds - could not resist the junk food and the calories! There were many hikers there. 

When we reached Monument 78 at the C. border we did not go on to Manning Park as the hikers do. Too much red tape to get into Canada with a horse. I turned around and rode south over 50 miles to the town of Mazama where I had last left my rig. ( My approach was to leave Primo in good hands and move the rig forward, caching along the way. And then hitching back to my horse and riding north again - always north.)

There was a kind of magical moment in No. Cal when I was camped alone in a fairly isolated place at upper Deadfall Lake. Along came Billy Goat to say "hello". It was almost as though John Muir had walked into view. For those who know him you will understand. He also travels usually alone and independant of the hiking community.

How did I adjust to my return to the other world? With difficulty. Every time I have compleated a journey away from civilized life I have had to go through a feeling of loss upon returning - a desire to return to the trail.

MendoRider



                               



----- Original Message ----
From: Jim Bravo <jimbravo at wildblue.net>
To: rockmarkstar at aol.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 9:39:23 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Post PCT

Some would say that a wilderness experience is closer to being the real 
world, and that it provides a level of healing from the man-made world.

Stray Wolf

> I was wondering what advice the veterans of the PCT have about what to 
> expect post trail. I'm sure it's different for everybody, but what can one 
> expect as far as physical and mental recovery time? Any helpful tips as 
> far as the best ways to make a smooth transition back to the "real world?" 

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