[pct-l] Goal Oriented Hiking.

[cactus_paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Paul E. Dietrich)]

I am always fascinated by discussions like Appalachian Trail vs. Pacific
Crest Trail, or Thru Hiking vs. Section Hiking.  My own approach to
backpacking is to get out as often as possible and to experience as much as
possible.  When I was about 9 or 10 years old my father took me into the
Desolation Wilderness where I learned about the PCT for the first time.
 After coming back home to the Bay Area I began to think about what it
would be like to hike from Mexico to Canada.  Today I am planning my second
attempt to achieve this goal.

For me, this goal is very important.  I like the feeling of setting a
difficult goal and striving for it.  I like a challenge that I can put on
myself that is demanding, but achievable.  I enjoy the total immersion is
planning, equipment evaluation, and training before a thru-hike.  I like
learning about the biology and geology around the trail.  I love hiking
everyday.

I would never attempt what Flyin' Brian did, but who could deny him the
respect for setting such a monumental goal and doing his best to achieve
it.  (Not to mention, he actually did it)  Does this mean that only a goal
of this size deserves respect?  I don't think so!

Even the weekend trips I take have small goals to achieve.  Like trying to
get to a favorite vista before it clouds over, or just attempting to learn
about the local biology and geology.  When I meet other people on the
trail, they sometimes tell me about something very personal to them.

If I am able to thru-hike this year (as planned) I want to make a better
attempt to learn about the biology and geology around the trail.  I would
like to get to know better other hikers and what they are about.  My plan
is to follow the trail as completely as possible and basically connect the
footsteps from Mexico to Canada.

What are your goals?
What makes you go to the outdoors?

The PEDestrian

Paul E. Dietrich
916-204-5255
cactus_paul@earthlink.net