[pct-l] Fear

[kgdavis970 at earthlink.net (Ken Davis)]

After reading so many thought on this subject I had to pipe up.  This is my
first attempt at a thru-hike, but I've been preparing for over a year now
and I feel confident, if not experienced.  I don't know if I'll finish, but
I don't feel that I need to.  Finishing isn't as important to me as making
the effort.  So far, I have loved every step of the journey and I fully
expect to love every step of the trail, sore feet and all.  

My biggest fear?  Those already mentioned are definitely intimidating, but
all can be overcome when faced with a strong purpose.  While reading so
many wonderful thoughts from so many people on the subject, my biggest fear
jumped out at me.  It occurred to me that I may not get to know many of you
personally.  I'm beginning to wax poetic here, but this is a fantastic
subject.  Is it possible that we're scratching the surface of the meaning
of life?  If I were to quit on the idea of hiking the PCT now, without
getting the chance to meet some of you, will my life be made less
interesting in the process?  I feel confident that the answer is a
resounding YES!  This is my fear, and this fear establishes the foundation
of my purpose.  I'll be at the kick-off trying to meet as many of you as
possible.  Hopefully we'll see a lot of one another on the trail.  

Geese, If I had a few beers in me, I'd be declaring my love for all of you
right now.  This is the kind of conversation that needs to happen around
camp.  I hope we get the chance to continue it there.  Don't worry, I
promise not to start crying on you.  It would be unseemly.  (Oh ya.  The
public display of emotion is another fear of mine).  ; )  

Thanks Strider for throwing out such an interesting topic.

Ken Davis