[pct-l] Getting started

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

This organizer states that the donations that we request are for the 
operation of the event, which has been widely hailed as THE best gathering of the 
trail community on the West coast.  We maintain a modest fund from the donations 
in order to pay ahead for the campsites, food, drinks, rented tables, etc., 
etc. and in order to have a modest insurance for that unlikely event when we go 
to the enormous extent and expense to put this event on and then a rare event; 
such as earthquake, huge storm or terrorist attack, just before the event 
causes few or no one to show and we must eat the expenses.  Donations from the 
excess funds generated go to the host site of the event; Lake Morena and to the 
PCTA.  

As someone stated a couple years ago, the ADZPCTKO is not necessary.  It has 
been organized and put on thru the generosity of about 20+ organizers who 
contribute a huge amount of their personal time over the coarse of a year, without 
ANY financial benefit, for the educational, inspirational and entertainment 
benefit of those who aspire to hike this incredible resource.  We do this 
because it is fun to see the camaraderie come together and . . .  as Ned Tibbits 
(PCT '73) said (with a tear in his eye) upon seeing and talking to so many who 
had hiked the trail before, "Greg, this is just, just unbelievable.  Since 1973 
when I hiked the trail I have only encountered perhaps 2 or 3 other people 
who understood what I and you understand.  You and the organizers have created 
this event where an aspiring hiker can meet 250 to 300 good people all of whom 
completely understand the passions and love." 

You may choose to see ill intent or miss-focused efforts in all of this, but 
then you would miss the true, honest intent.  The PCTA FULLY supports the 
ADZPCTKO and feels that it is such a great event that virtually all of the 
original organizers have been singled out by the organization and given awards for 
"giving back to the trail".  Not all contributions of time, effort and money to 
the trail actually go into the soil and land and maintenance, but also the 
people, the passions and community.

Perhaps you should attend just once so that you may experience this unique 
feeling and understand just what and why this event continues to grow and thrive.

Best regards,

Greg Hummel

In a message dated 1/29/2006 2:50:15 PM Central Standard Time, 
PCT@DelNorteResort.Com writes:
JoAnn, maybe we could get an answer from the organizers on this one?

Do the ADZPCTKOP organizers encourage donations for the funding of the party
or would they rather see those donations go to the PCTA for maintaining the
trail?

It seems that PCT hikers and the ADZPCTKOP are dependent on the trail for
their existence.

Scott Parks