[pct-l] Fear

[losthiker at sisqtel.net (Deems)]

So, this brings up an rather interesting question for those who have hiked
the trail before and those who are aspiring to do so;

What are/were your greatest fears before taking that first step?

Strider PCT'77
^^^^^^^^^^^^^


The greatest fear and weight I've carried was "doubt". The nagging fear of
doubt I wouldn't succeed in my trek in 1976 from Seiad to Canada was
incredible. It was a nagging self defeating weight that eventually won. I
didn't die, but I lost something in myself and in time; and I still carry
that distant weight of doubt even today. Doubt can only be conquered by
experience and continued trial and error against the trail of life. I
continue to test myself against my 'doubt" even today, but it has become
only a light headwind in even the worst of wilderness situations. I now
greet doubt as my cynical trail companion along my solo hike thru life,
because it at times he makes me laugh. In time, and with experience, doubt
will become a great teacher to overcome your fears, if you let it. Hikon.