[pct-l] Defining a 'Thru-Hike'

[Dan C. aka Thumper]

Dear List,

When defining a 'thru-hike' I heard terms like continuous and within a hiking season.  This brings up some questions, at least in my mind;

1.  Does a continuous hike mean without significant stops, say greater than a week, or two?  What if the hiker took a month off but ultimately completed the whole trail, does this qualify?

2.  Is a season within a calendar year or within any 365-day period.  In other words could a hiker start, say 1 Nov, and as long as he/she were completed by 31 Oct the next year , would it be considered within a hiking season?

3. And what about those who take several years to complete the trail by section hiking the parts until completed.  I've seen the term 'thru-hike' associated with that accomplishment.

So I'm a little confused and seeking some guidance as to what really is considered a 'thru-hike'.  Thanks

Thumper