[pct-l] Triple crown

[Iceaxehikes]

That's one perspective Vike and you certainly are entitled to it.

In my experience I have not met a single hiker yet that "lorded" their triple crown over me.

The fact that I myself hiked those three trails has in fact become a blessing and a curse in my life.
I have fallen completely in love with the lifestyle I found out there, under the sky each day, with a clear purpose.

Back here in the real world all I can think about are those sweet miles living for every moment.

I can't bring myself to accept a triple crown award because somehow, for me, that would mean it's over in some way and I dearly DO NOT want the trail to end.

My parents, bless their hearts, even had little buisiness cards printed up with the years I hiked and picture from Trail Crest on Mt Whitney in the background.

Talk about narcisism (spelling?)!
I still have a full box of 500 buisiness cards because I feel way to embarassed to ever hand them out.

But I also realize that by seeking the Triple Crown the accomplishment meant more to my dear old Mom and Dad, in their 70's than I had anticipated.

The payoff for me was the lifestyle; the raw experience of living under the sky and in the weaather and on the rock and dirt of the trail.
It haunts me everyday.
For my parents it was that their son did something for once in his life that did not involve making money.. did something spiritual in a way.

The real prize will undoubtedly be different for everyone.
Yet I likewise woulld never begrudge anyone seeking an award simply because I did not.

Cheers, Matthew Edwards 


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