[pct-l] Why I Boycotted the ADZPCTKO

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

It's funny how things get misconstrued.  We have not (yet) reached capacity at Hiker Heaven, we're not (yet) even near being overburdened, and truthfully, this is not about us or what we do.  

I believe there's a bigger picture here, and it's the consideration of all of the ramifications of an ever-increasing number of hikers starting near simultaneously from Campo.  It affects everything -- water caches/sources, hosts, small towns, the PCT thru-hiking experience, and some have said even the environment itself.  

I know of absolutely nothing to criticize about the ADZ itself.  It is a wonderful, joyous get-together, and much good comes from it.  But there is an unintended consequence, and that is the bunching of a large number of hikers at the start.  I am an observer of this phenomenon, as we are one of the few (if not the only) stops in Southern California where nearly everyone stops and gathers.  As such an observer, and as one who cares about the Trail, the hikers, and the support community, I feel compelled to raise the concern so a dialogue can begin and perhaps a solution found.

No one is a parasite that comes to Hiker Heaven.  They are our welcomed, treasured guests.  They are our friends before we ever meet them.  It is always our deepest regret when someone passes by without staying.  That said, everyone hikes their own hike, and you must hike yours.  I truly hope that your journey brings you to our door.

-=Donna Saufley=-



-----Original Message-----
From: Gustafson <jgus@sunbow.org>
Sent: Apr 25, 2005 5:20 PM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Why I Boycotted the ADZPCTKO

> Only folks from Southern California have
> any real flexibility of starting their hike at a different time than
> the kickoff (if they want to attend the kickoff).

Last week I picked up three 05 thru's (two in Idyllwild and one in 
Anza) to take them to the ADZ (and then back to the trail).  They are 
all from Virginia.  They started April 11 and 13 respectively, and had 
asked for a ride on the ride board so they could attend the kickoff.  I 
met some other thru's in Idyllwild who had gotten rides to and from the 
kickoff from someone else, one was from Michigan.  All these folks 
decided it was prudent to hike up Black Mountain Road rather than 
attempt Fuller Ridge, and I drove them this morning to the bottom of 
the road.  It is clear that at least SOME out of town hikers were able 
to start when they wanted, and also get to the ADZ and back.  I make 
this point because it wouldn't be accurate to generalize about this 
point, or about most points.  Not every thruhiker goes to the kickoff, 
for whatever reason, and not every thruhiker has to go to the Saufleys, 
either, especially now that it has become a burden on their resources.  
My thruhike is still in the future, but I cringe at the thought of 
inflicting myself on a trail angel's hospitality when I do not require 
the assistance.  To me it's like relying on the water at the caches 
instead of only using it when absolutely necessary.  I believe the 
majority of hikers will figure out when the optimum time is to travel, 
based on a variety of factors, and there may always be a pileup in Agua 
Dulce.  If I happen to be in the neighborhood when it happens, I will 
walk on by.  Sure, I would miss a neat experience but it's my own 
personal hangup, I would feel like a parasite.  HYOH.  And thanks to 
the crew for a GREAT ADZ!

Two Legs
(Did someone try to give my name away to that naughty troll??)

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