RE: [pct-l] Various

[Ronald Moak <ronm@fallingwater.com>]

Coming Down from a Hike
--------------------------------------

Somewhere back in some college course we discussed the issue that every trip
has three phases. The preparation and planning phase, the trip itself and
the remembering and readjustment phase. The longer and more intense the
first two phases the longer and more difficult the readjustment. 

Considering that the planning for and execution of a thru-hike can take as
much as a year of intense effort, it should come as no surprise that the
readjustment to "normal" life can take sometime. 

Right now I'm caught in the windmill of activity that occurs when one begins
the planning for a thru-hike. After coming home from the ALDHA-West
Gathering, I decide to expand my 2 month spring hike into a full PCT
thru-hike. Since then most of my non-work hours (and many of those too) are
directed to that effort. 

I've been to the Rain Shed to get materials and already made one pack and
sleeping blanket. A tarp, wind jacket & pants, poncho and possibly and
second pack made from Spectra are on the drawing boards.

I spent last weekend and will be out next weekend backpacking. At least till
the weather holds good. 

All of this to the detriment of a couple of websites in desperate need of
updating (my apologies) and a new one covering the 2000 trip that needs to
be created.

I'm looking forward to the hike if only to simplify my daily activities.
When I get back I'll probably be a wreak for a least a year after the hike.

Clear Cuts
----------------
I certainly understand the general feelings about clear cuts. For the most
part, they are an eye sore. I do look at them a bit differently than most.
Primarily because I've got a degree in Forestry. 

As a result, I do understand the underlying ecology behind the clear-cut.
I'd be glad to discuss them with anyone with specific interest (offline).
Still it would be good to have a degree of mutual respect between both the
logging interest and those of us who view the woods from a different
perspective. 

Having been on both sides of the fence I know that in the long run we have
more in common than the apparent differences would lead one to believe.
There is clearly room in the forest plan for both recreation and good forest
management to occur without being severely detrimental to either. 

Ron "Fallingwater" Moak
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fallingwater Journals - www.fallingwater.com
Pacific Crest Trail Assoc. - www.pcta.org
American Long Distance Hikers Association - West -
www.gorp.com/nonprof/aldhaw


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