[pct-l] Section attitudes

[corcoran at corky.cc (Corky Corcoran)]

My first experience through-hiking was the PCT Oregon NOBO last 
summer.  At the start I had no idea what a "through-hiker" 
was.  After a lengthy illness I weighed 260 pounds and was way, way 
out of shape.  I figured something drastic had to happen, so I 
planned this hike as a hike, not a section, really.  A friend dropped 
the pooch and me off near the border, we walked down to it, back up, 
and off we went.  (The pack I carried weighed, empty, 11 
pounds.  Shows what I knew.  Right now my pack for this summer's 
hike, sleeping bag, tent, pad, and poles weighs 11.5 pounds.  I know, 
but it's progress, not perfection.)

With one large exception other hikers were universally 
friendly.  Absolutely delightful people.  I met some people I'm proud 
to know and with whom I still stay in touch.  The exception was, I 
think, because it was a large group.  Near Lava Lake there were about 
10 SOBO through-hikers resting just off a road at a campsite.  I 
thought there might be water at the site, or nearby.  I walked over 
near them, obviously a through-hiker, and they stared.  I asked if 
there were water nearby.  A pregnant pause, and one of 'em managed to 
say  "the lake".  It not being clear, I asked "Where's 
that?"  Noticeable pause.  One of 'em pointed.   Nothing else.  Then, 
in all fairness, another one of them offered my hound water.  That was nice,

I can distinctly remember forgetting what they looked like in case we 
run across each other again.

I think large groups with time to coalesce tend to become 
chauvanistic, wrapped up in themselves, and a bit competitive.  About 
any damned thing.  Equipment, boots, their trip, their track, 
whatever.  It becomes important to be better than outlanders.

Folks with the time, inclination and resources to "do" the entire PCT 
in one stretch are incredibly fortunate.  The reality is that 
everyone is doing the very best they can, whether it is walking 
around the block or through-hiking.  Some people have limited 
resources in terms of time, money, whatever, and do the best they can 
with what they have or can devote.

Period.

By the way, the Big Lake Youth Camp was a delightful stop, the best 
in Oregon.  After $1, 3 minute showers with unpredictable water, $1 
washing machines, $1 dryers, they offered free showers, free washing, 
drying AND folding, a free clinic for medical needs and $5.50 
all-you-can-eat vegetarian meals which were wonderful.  The staff was 
absolutely great.  Stayed over.  I asked where I could stay for a day 
if so inclined.  The Director told me I could not stay at the 
camp.  I had a momentary "no room at the inn" feeling, and then he 
said there were several inlets to the north or south.  I walked 100 
yards south and found a spit which was the kind of place for which I backpack.