[pct-l] Everest verses PCT/"Firsts"/ Gothic Girl/ Mike Nuebig

[dude@coruscant.net (The Dude)]

Bottom line is that none of this stuff matters if you hike for your own pleasure and gratification.  On the other hand, if you hike to prove something or for the approval or gratification of others, then there will always be at least one naysayer telling you that you didn't accomplish your goal to their satisfaction.

But what does it matter?  If you hike the way that you want/enjoy and you are satisfied and proud of yourself for sticking to your own guidelines and reaching your own goals, who is anyone to challenge your satisfaction?  

As a fellowship of hikers, it is my opinion that this list is best served to provide objective facts and information to those who can benefit from our collective experience.  Any discussion of what constitutes a "real hike" is futile and and inefficient use of this list.

I agree with Gina, its sad that the commercialization of climbing has polluted the world's mountain sides and peaks with those who haven't paid the dues that traditional climbers have experienced.  In my opinion, it doesn't take away from the effort and valor of those who choose to get there on their own.

If we are smart, we can use tools like this list to help preserve the PCT and keep it uncomercialized and natural. Unfortunately, I am afraid that keeping it from getting crowded is a lost cause because our population keeps growing and the number of wild places keeps decreasing.

peace,
dude in Texas
planning Tahoe to Yosemite, Aug 2001 

>From: CMountainDave@aol.com
>SUBJECTTo: word-witch@mindspring.com, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>Date: Sun, 27 May 2001 00:36:24 EDT
>
>Yeah Gina,  I agree. It's all part of the "instant gratification" culture. 
>Why bother to work your way up. Just start at the top instead. (Got some more 
>climbing/hiking storys if you're interested)
>  Now here's a touchy subject. I won't mention any names, but if someone 
>states that they are going to do a triple thru hike and then skips a section 
>because Mother Nature throws a curve and/or they are ill prepared does it 
>count as an "official" triple thru hike? Or does it leave the door wide open 
>for some future nit picker to claim they are going to attempt a "real" triple 
>thru hike and claim previous attempts at a one year triple crown to be 
>"close, but no cigar." Betcha any money that is exactly what will happen. Now 
>I'm in no way a "purist" when it comes to thru hikes nor do I think it 
>matters much whether one actually completes a thru hike and that one should 
>"hike their own hike" with their own dreams amd guidelines but when someone 
>claims they are going to accomplish a first, they better dot all their i's 
>and cross all their "t's" or some future wanna be is going to make a case out 
>of it. Mountaineering is full of such stuff. For example, a "first" summit 
>only counts if you get back down alive. (Yeah,  Mallory might have summited 
>Everest "first" but the glory went to Hillary because he survived the 
>effort.) And I believe the "first" PCT thru hike is considered questionable 
>because it wasn't well documented. Guess I believe that if you're gonna talk 
>the talk you better walk the walk. Or am I perhaps being a little too 
>negative by bringing this up?
>  On a more positive note:
>    Gothic Girl -- more recipes, please
>   Mike Nuebig -- excellent writing style!! more please
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