[pct-l] Winners?

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

>>The real winners are the ones who can afford to take
>>as long as they want in reaching their destination. 

The real winners are those who enjoy their hike. No
other criteria needed. :-)

If you "only" made it 1/2 way, and had a blast. You've
won.

If hiked the PCT in 90 days, and had a blast. You've
won.

If you hiked it in 6 mos and had a blast. You've won.

It is just me...but I'd rather not judge another
person's  hike by my own criteria for having fun.

Some people enjoy setting records. I'm not one of
them...but who I am to say that by trying to set a
record, there hike was less valid than mine?
 
Using similar logic...why do bother trying to win a
marathon/triathalon? :-)

Just as some people are trying to just complete a
marathon (me!), some people are trying to push
themselves and trying to do something that is faster
than what other people are having done.  The PCT can,
for small group of hikers, bring out that same sense
of drive... I was just happy to complete the trail and
enjoy the many months and miles I spent in the
mountains. I did what felt good for me.

I waved bye-bye as people passed me on the PCT...but I
didn't think my hike was "better" because I was going
slower. (Conversely, didn't think my hiker was better
as I passed people as well...)
 

Mags (not a professional in anyway, shape or form..
who did a very average, nothing special, in a little
under 4 1/2 mos thru-hike...but I had a blast! :D)


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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau