[pct-l] Sorta OT - Reaction to Abby Sunderland's Rescue

[Rachel Dysart]

I'm new to the PCT list (hello all) and it's been interesting to read the discussion by the members of this list.
This debate about children participating in challenging situations has caused quite a bit of self-reflection about my own situation.  I became fascinated by the PCT in 2004 when I gave a ride to a thru-hiker hitching back up to the trail (hello Radar!).   Although I became interested in the idea of a thru-hike I could never imagine hiking the trail with my son and I was concerned I would be "too old" to hike it when my son was on his own.  When I was young my Dad (USFS firefighter) would take us on hikes and back then we would tie canteens to our bodies with ropes and just walk for miles.  My Mom worked for Yosemite NP so I was use to riding my bike and hiking in the park alone at a young age.  Even though I had a free and adventurous childhood I still had concerns about bringing my child out on the trail.

Then I had my second son and my perspective completely changed.  He started walking when he was 9 months old and was happily exploring mountain trails (with us) that were 2-3 miles long when he was 2 years old.  He refused strollers and being carried as well.  The first time we took him camping he experienced something that was beyond joy and since then he has asked us many times if we could live in a tent.  We walk every day together and at 3 years old he's inspired me to make major changes in my own life to get healthy.  He's also inspired his older brother to be brave and adventurous! We are now planning on taking him on extended hikes and have been researching, training and preparing as much as I can to make it safe and fun for all of us.  We don't want to break any records, we just want to enjoy doing something together as a family that makes us all very happy.

This is where the critique of Abby's case has caused me to reflect about safety and the critique I have personally received.  People are sometimes shocked to see a little guy running down a trail with us.  We have already gotten comments and concerns over having him on the trail.  I cannot speak about Abby's nature but I can hope that her parents know her and she knows herself well enough to have made a choice that was right for her.   As for her needing to be rescued, sometimes being well trained is knowing when it's the right time to ask for help.

I know that all I can do is honor my son's nature and hope that if we indulge his love for the trail he will continue to keep that love and wonder throughout his life.  We will continue to be safe and to gracefully take the critique and concerns and assure my family and friends we will do our best to not be eaten by bears and mountain lions. :)

Peace!
- Rachel in Boulder Creek