[pct-l] Things I wish someone had told me before I started my thru-hike:

[ambery-80243 at mypacks.net]

I agree with Steel-Eye on this one.  I walked the first 700 miles of trail in between the kick-off and the early starters.  I spent most of my time on the trail alone.  In fact, I only spent 4 or 5 days hiking with anyone.  The whole experience was outstanding, but if you happen to end up in a situation like I did, then there HAS to be something more than just the people.  I went for the trail itself, the outdoor experience, and to see the changes unfold as I went north.  While there are a lot of amazing hikers and angels and a certain kinship, it is so much more.

-----Original Message-----
>From: CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
>Sent: Mar 9, 2010 5:47 AM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Things I wish someone had told me before I started my	thru-hike:
>
>Good morning, all,
>
>
>
>I understand the emotion resulting from association with all the amazing
>people one encounters during a PCT hike but saying, “… it’s all about the
>people” seems to trivialize much of the effort.  The commitment and the
>successful completion mean little or nothing?  The superb physical
>conditioning is insignificant?  Experiencing how the astounding terrain
>unfolds from end to end is a low priority?  Not in my opinion.
>
>
>
>If it’s really all about hiker-people why not save lots of effort and just
>camp at some point on the PCT and meet every seasonal hiker?  Better yet, if
>it’s just about people why not spend 140 days walking the trails in a local
>park.  You’ll meet many more people and it may be only a block or two from a
>friendly pub.
>
>
>
>Steel-Eye
>

>