[pct-l] Paying it forward

[Devon Taig]

If I didn't have a great job that I really enjoy, I'd be joining all you
thru-hikers on the PCT this year.  I am, however, incredibly fortunate that
my job allows me to take up to six weeks of unpaid vacation - I intend to
spend half that on the PCT and half on the CDT.  I'm also fortunate that my
job allows me - from time to time - to "pay it forward".

In my youth I had a lot of people who helped enable my backpacking
addiction.  Some helped financially and others with pure love, moral
support, and spiritual guidance.  In that spirit, I'd like to offer four
thru-hikers this summer a little financial support ($250 each).  Here's the
rules:

- You need to be a thru-hiker this summer (planning on doing the whole 2650
from Mexico to Canada)
- You should be able to honestly say to yourself that you are
less financially prepared for this endeavor than most of your cohorts.
- You need to send me five (and only five) "magic words".  These words
should be the kind of words that carry some gravitas on the trail.  Maybe
they are motivational, maybe they are melodic. They should be magic to you.
 Magic words help you to walk peacefully and mindfully.
-  Lastly, you need to agree to "pay it forward" at some point in the future
(it doesn't matter when or where, or if you use currency or love to "pay it
forward", but "pay it forward you must).

Once I get several good handfuls of magic words, I'll post them here.  I'm
hopeful that many of you will take the words with you on your journey. Of
course I'll keep all of your names anonymous and notify the "fortunate four"
privately. If you don't want to be considered for the $250, but would still
like to add your magic words, please let me know that.

I'm at devon.taig at gmail.com (please respond to me instead of
pct-l at backcountry.net) as I'll compile the full list.

Peace,

River