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

[giniajim]

I'll toss my two cents in.
1.  The term "continuous hike" is not generally used to describe a 
thru-hike.  Taking time off is fine as long as the hike is completed within 
a year.
2.  A chronological year as opposed to a calendar year.
3.  No.  That would be a fine accomplishment but not a thru-hike.  On the 
AT, the term for anyone finishing the complete trail over any period of time 
is generally "2000 Miler" (because the AT is about 2000 miles long, but you 
have to finish all of it!!  Not just 2000 miles!).  Not sure if there is a 
corresponding PCT term.

As always, my every-so-humble opinion! :)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan C. aka Thumper" <dofdear at cox.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 10:51 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Defining a 'Thru-Hike'


> 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
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.