[pct-l] Scout Merit Badge Hikes

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

> Most experienced hikers do not think about 20 miles in one day, let
> alone mountainous terrain, never mind a 12 year old.  

although I would certainly agree that the scouts need to be conditioned 
before jumping out and hiking 20 miles in one day, I disagree with the 
statement that most backpackers don't hike 20 miles per day in the 
mountains.  I know lots of people that do this, especially up here in 
Oregon.  I've found the hikers up here to be a very hearty bunch.  
Plus, the days are so long up here in the summer that there is about 16 
hrs of daylight, which means you only have to average 1.5 mph with 3 
hourrs of break-time.  Most people walk 2 mph just lolly-gaging around, 
so you should be able to hit 20 miles in about 10 hours.  Its not 
really that difficult, you just have to get up early, hike late, and 
don't take many breaks.  You don't even have to walk fast. :-)

peace,
dude

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