[pct-l] Who Are Our Heros and Truth

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

Wow, Switchback.  This is one of my favorite posts ever.  

A hiker once shared his theory on why he never listened to (or at least didn't take to heart) the description of others about any place on the trail, town, or otherwise.  That each person sees everything through their own filters, needs, skills, and the specific experiences such as encounters with people, the time of day, and even the weather they may have had when they go through a place.  That two people can go through the same place at the same time, but have completely different views.  

I guess it all stands to reason, but it seems to be human nature to want to tell or each other what something is like, although our own experiences may not match that at all.

L-Rod

-----Original Message-----
>From: Hiker97@aol.com
>Sent: Feb 8, 2006 5:35 PM
>To: Tortoise73@charter.net, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>Cc: laura629@hotmail.com, carolbruno@cox.net, Rattlesnake5648@Yahoo.com
>Subject: [pct-l] Who Are Our Heros and Truth
>
>The truth is such a funny  thing.  In the police department it is widely know 
>that eye witnesses are  often wrong and people are in prison for it.  The 
>same group of witnesses  to an event will remember or give accounts completely 
>different.  It is  weird.
> 
>It is not that folks want to be  wrong.  It is just that everyone will see 
>things differently or remember  things differently.  Especially under pressure.  
>What is important is  your perspective on things.  It is how things or events 
>impress you.   That is your reality.
> 
>There is no reality of the  trail.  Reality is your impression.  I guess 
>trail reality is if no  one is on the trail.  Once you add a human then all bets 
>are off.  I  would tell people if they want to get close to reality, then go 
>out high on the  trail at night and look up at a clear sky.  Bingo.  I would 
>tell  druggies and alcoholics that.  I have a cheaper way for them to feel good  
>and tune in.  It is called the trail.
> 
>That is one reason why I like 360  degree view bug netting shelters so much.  
>Laying in your shelter and warm  sleeping bag at night out on the trail and 
>staring up at the sky is  amazing.  The higher the camp, the better.  It is the 
>best show in  town and it is free.  You almost feel yourself floating into 
>the  universe.  And no I am not smoking anything.
> 
>Now see what you have done.   You got me into the metaphysics of hiking.  I 
>almost launched into the  difference between prayer and meditation on the 
>trail.  Darn  you!  :-)
> 
>Your hiking buddy,  Switchback
>Trail Hoodlum & Camp Food  Bum
>_______________________________________________
>pct-l mailing list
>pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>unsubscribe or change options:
>http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l