[pct-l] Jim still has the best answer :)

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Mar 15, 2010, at 8:32 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> But, maybe I'm naive, I just don't see how the PCT became this big,  
> bad, beastie  where people
> want the comfort level. What changed? (Or maybe I answered my own  
> question above?)  Is it
> really the much more difficult? Is it that difficult at all?

I think that people just find a GPS easier than reading a map. You  
are never 100% sure that you're looking at the right thing with a  
map. Also, the GPS can have the map in it. It's more convenient. Then  
there's the fun of coming home and plotting your hike on TOPO! and  
seeing where you went.

I believe you can find your way just fine on the PCT even without a  
map or compass. In fact, I sent my compass home very early on. I'm  
sure the 10 essentials police will get on my case, but after all my  
years on local trails of finding my way looking for cut branches or  
places where non-native plants are growing in ancient trail beds or  
following bear tracks, the PCT seems to me like walking on the  
Interstate.