[pct-l] Organizational drift

[Marvin and Shirley Barg]

I like to think that my background of philosophy, history, theology,
psychology, education, construction, quality improvement and yes, nursing
(RN) (long story that involves far too many years in uni and an unhealthy
tendency to change professions every 5 years.) has given me some ability to
pontificate with a high degree of accuracy about most topics and trends.
Despite all that, I know my place and it definitely is not one of influence.
On the other hand, to borrow an quote from CS Lewis, "When the whole world
is running towards a cliff, I want to be the one who is running in the
opposite direction and appears to have lost his mind."

 

My take. During the last few years, I've seen signs of organizational drift
within the PCTA. Personally, I think it's due to institutional hubris. I
believe it's condemnation of many in the hiking community who believed (and
is now confirmed-indoor aerosolized C19 virus concentrations is responsible
for infections) that it was safe to thru with common sense precautions, was
a glaring signal as to how far the PCTA has become politicized. On it's
current course, I predict the PCTA will gradually lose relevance. As the
PCTA devolves, it will become even easier to acquire permits apart from the
PCTA. Perhaps more local trail maintenance chapters will form 'to take care
of the trail'. If, in 10 years, this prediction is bollocks, then perhaps
the PCTA has found its way once again. GK