[pct-l] Bay Area Cresters

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@aol.com)]

Natalie,

Please allow me to also chime in with Ned's comments, agreeing that all of 
us, who hiked the PCT many, many years ago, still feel deeply and passionately 
about the experience and yearn for the freedom and self realization that it 
once burned into our lives.  I live each day contemplating another opportunity.  
I find it impossible to say "No" to those who aspire to hike the PCT and ask 
for advice or help.  I find a drive within my soul to help inspire.  The seed 
was planted long ago and the tree now flourishes within my soul, planting new 
seeds as I go.

Go,

Greg "Strider" Hummel
PCT '77

In a message dated 8/31/2004 11:11:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
Mtnned@aol.com writes:
Natalie,

Hiking the Crest is a life changing experience.... 

No one who has done it will deny it was pivotal and did not have recurrent  
effects throughout the rest of their lives. Sounds like a grand adventure and 
it  is, but its waters run very deep into our very Spirits.  Each who goes 
has  
his or her own reasons for going, and if they say it's for the "conquest," 
then  they aren't looking beyond the surface. 

I applaud your decision.  Prepare thoroughly and well.   Seek wise council 
from those who have gone before.  I hiked the Crest  back in '74 when 
logistics 
were different but the fundamentals are still  the same today.  I live in 
Sonoma and would be happy to be at your service  in any way my experience 
could 
offer. 

Mtnned