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

[Julian Plamann]

You're both right. I was exaggerating a bit when I said it's all about the
people. I began the trail because, more than anything, I love the
mountains/wilderness
and always have. I'm ecstatic about the idea of hiking the CDT even though I
know I'll likely see far fewer people on that trail.
I would do the PCT again in a heartbeat even if I knew there wouldn't be
anyone else out there.

Mostly, I was just trying to emphasize how completely unexpected the whole
trail camaraderie thing was for me. I think one of the most amazing aspects
of thru-hiking
is the experience of meeting a stranger and, sometimes within hours, feeling
like you've known them for years.

-julian


On Tue, Mar 9, 2010 at 9:23 AM, <ambery-80243 at mypacks.net> wrote:

> 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
> >
>
> >
>
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