[pct-l] Help!

[Tim]

This is such a great forum.  I would appreciate feedback on the feasibility of doing a 2012 thru hike after just deciding about two days ago.  I used to backpack, rock climb, kayak, etc and guide trips for an Outdoor Education program about 20 years ago.  Then I became a dad and between fatherhood and my profession as a PhD in the mental health field, the outdoor relationship slowly waned. I hiked with my daughter atop my pack and x-country skied with her in a pack on my back, but we chose conventional school, and to my dismay, she did not evolve into a granola girl; though she is quite a Sage to me.  Anyway, I have been retired and have the time to renew my relationship with Nature (assuming She will have me back).  I have a great nephew with muscular dystrophy and feel extra inspired to do a 2012 thru hike to raise consciousness and support for md.  I have no hiking partner, and I feel it would be a little safer, supportive, lighter, etc. to have someone to hike with.  Is this true?  I am comfortable being on my own, but a lot can happen in 2600 miles.  I am in decent shape, but it is cycling shape, not hiking shape.  Any recommendations on hiking alone vs with a partner or small group? And how does one go about creating a mutually beneficial hiking experience for both parties?  Other than logistics (pace, start/completion time, etc.), what else is important? Factors like gender, age, race, (even species) make little difference to me.  I know the experience will be challenging, and although very little rattles my cage, whomever shares this kind of venture together will likely confront some deeper aspects of themselves and their hiking partner.  I am really excited and determined about the thru hike.  Is this realistic to accomplish?  ...... Any feedback is greatly appreciated.  Thanks,  Tim (considering the trail name OneStep)

Sent from my iPad

On Feb 11, 2012, at 2:03 PM, "rickandurs at juno.com" <rickandurs at juno.com> wrote:

> I loved your post as it reflects exactly how I feel and exactly how we did our thru hike.  It seems so many now a days are focused on "how light can I go and how fast can I go".  I sometimes wonder if time is taken to really enjoy and savor this once in a lifetime experience.  We did our PCT hike years ago, before the internet, cell phones, GPS, etc.  We only had the Wilderness Guide books, real paper maps and a few other resources to rely on (mainly reading the registers along the way to see what was ahead of us.  We survived and we suceeded and we are very proud of that.  Thanks for your thoughts!<->
> 
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: Timothy Boyle <stumblingwolf at gmail.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] HYOH
> Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:35:49 -0500
> 
> Thank you to everyone reading this.  I think pct-l is a great forum that
> provides access to information from all angles and expereinces.  Those new
> to the thru may be slightly intimidated by the variety of opinions all
> favoring the ultra-light backpacking experience.  I feel somewhat alienated
> because I favor a comfortable, leisurely pace with access to a comfortable
> life on the trail.  Of course comfort equals weight in most cases.  For
> those who haven't spent months out at a time, I suggest adding three weeks
> to your itinerary to provide healing time on zero days and for me, more
> importantly it is the time to truly immerse myself in the journey of a
> lifetime.  Experience is the only way to find your own comfort zone.  Start
> off carrying what you feel you need at first, and as the weeks pass,
> experience the wonder at the realization of what it is that you truly need
> to be happy, and rejoice as you shake off your shell.  It truly is all
> about Hiking Your Own Hike, and learning what works for you is kinda the
> whole point.  For me it's about carrying a 50 + lb pack with food to keep
> me from civilization for 2 weeks at a time.  Oftentimes I feel like a
> penitent on a pilgrimige, especially the last few miles of the day, but
> when I sit in my Thermarest chair-frame, comfortably seated in front of my
> fire at night's end I find comfort in my surroundings and I gain more
> through the suffering.  I may be punishing myself with a heavier load, but
> I like it.  (Armchair therapists - feel free to weigh in on this)  Anyway,
> as a life lesson I guess I try to stay behind the pack and HMOH.  This
> should be fun!
> 
> Happy Trails Everyone - wavycap -
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