[pct-l] The Grinches Who Are Stealing PCT-List

[SnoLepard at TrekkingKats.com (SnoLepard)]

As someone who has completed a PCT thruhike (2002) and been a list subscriber since the fall of 2001, I was a bit taken back by the revelation that there are many new folks with an interest in hiking substantial sections of the PCT but are reluctant to participate in this forum because they feel that they were not really welcome. Upon further reflection I can't say I'm surprised.

For those of us who have been contributing and reading from this list for a few years it's easy to look past a lot of the banter because we may already know many of the participants from their posts if not in person. But to someone who doesn't know any of us I can easily see how it might be intimidating.

It's easy for long-time listers to be annoyed when newbies ask about dogs, bear cans, ice axes, tarps and what shoes to bring because to our perspective they've been done to death. But remember that to a new member of the list it hasn't been done to death. Telling someone to go check the archives is not very polite. If a certain subject annoys you then just skip it.

The thing is, this list is intended for discussion about all things relating to the PCT. Put into perspective with life and the universe as a whole that ends up being a pretty narrow subject. So It's pretty hard to come up with something that hasn't been aired out on this list at least a few times, other than updates about certain hikers. So we are bound to see the same old stuff over and over as new folks come seeking answers.

For myself, I am 48 years old and never in my entire life have I ever felt a greater sense of belonging with any other group than what I feel towards long distance hikers. My PCT thruhike was about the greatest experience of my life, and I have been around the block. I've trekked at least 15 or 16 hundred miles worth of trails in Nepal, I've been to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, I've trekked on Mt. Kenya, The Ruwenzoris, trekked in Thailand, Malaysia and in Indonesia to name a few of my adventures. And my PCT thruhike still towers above them all as a personal triumph.

When I went to the ALDHA West gathering at Lake Wenatchee right after my PCT hike for the first time in my life I really felt like I truly belonged in the group I was in. I would like to continue that feeling through this list and I would be gratified to know that others do as well. Especially people new to the list and new to the PCT.

So I would ask everyone who posts to this list to stop and ask yourself if what you are about to submit will add to the overall richness of the hiking community and the list specifically, or if it is more likely to cause sore feelings among some on the list. If it is going to hurt someone consider re-writing it or not posting it at all. If there is a legitimate argument then send it to the others offlist.

There is room enough for all of us to have differences of opinions about all these subjects. If I learned anything in preparing for and hiking the PCT it was that all different kinds of equipment and all different philosophies are valid. It has far more to do with what a person is carrying inside than what they are carrying on their back. Experience and good judgment lead to confidence and that in turn will help to gain success.

So why don't we all make a point of trying to make this the kind of forum that people know they can come to for encouragement, friendship and good advice. I believe that is already what most of us intend.

Thank you.