[pct-l] RE: Therm-a-Rest

[reynolds@iLAN.com (Reynolds, WT)]

I have heard many stories about 70 pound packs, 30 mile days and fighting
off bears with bare hands. When I ask when was the last time that they
packed it is typically something like 1987. On this list we spend lots of
time providing long distance hikers with advice. That is as it should be.
Where else can you find this advice? 

However, most of us are not planning a thruhike next year. Many of us are
not in shape and almost none of us are in the shape we were in. In 1977
Strider was a thruhiker. Today he is a marketing executive. True courage
would be to take his wife and 5 kids on even a 20 miler. To quote Joan Baez:
"Freedom takes on a new meaning when you have a family of five." 

For the rest of us, it is all about enjoying a week here and a week there.
Get in shape? Real preparation for a backpack? Where would we find the time?
Many, if not most of us, fight to get two-three weeks out there. Tis true
but not fair. To paraphrase: "Work is the curse of the [thruhiking]
{backpacking} class"

-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Kudija [mailto:cmkudija@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2001 3:26 PM
To: Reynolds, WT
Cc: PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] RE: Therm-a-Rest


Wimps Rule, Tom!  

Christine (momentarily out of school lurking mode)