[pct-l] #927

["Tom Simon" <simontom@cgocable.net>]

Ty wrote. . .
"Here is my strange situation.  I am most likely planning on doing the
entire PCT in 2001.  But a month into it I need to be back home for a
prior obligation which will only last a couple of days.  So I would
need to stop the hike for a few days and then resume afterwards.

As for my question, would my stopping for these few of days be
considered against myself as being a true thru hiker?  Does this make
sense?"

Ty, I can't see how it matters on a few days off whether you lie back at
Vermillion Valley Resort sipping cool brews or jetting off to Vegas to get
married. But I'd suggest you hold off until after the hike if doing the
latter - you'll have more time to think over the commitment. Just joking.
Good luck with the hike, and hike, walk and run to prepare. I do 40 to 50 km
per week all winter to stay in shape for summer backpacking. This makes the
trail time more enjoyable and I cover more scenery.
Just a bit more friendly advice Ty. Do not just "most likely plan". Life is
too short to miss an opportunity like you have now. I remember your posting
a few months back when you mentioned that you started to work for REI and
that you were planning the thru hike. When you get older, there are too many
obligations, too much work, and other distractions that will be even harder
to leave behind. And it will be even more difficult to hit the trail for 5
months.
DO IT NOW. Do the reading, do the training, get the proper light equipment
and get to the trailhead at Mexico. One more thing. If you have a nice comfy
abode, a love waiting at home, and the resources to lie by a pool and
contemplate investment strategy, it is that much more difficult to enjoy
trail life after a few weeks on the trail. NOW is when to make definite
plans and MAKE THE THRU HIKE HAPPEN! Have an enjoyable hike.
Tom Simon, Ontario Canada (whose mind lives somewhere between Tuolumne
Meadows and Mt. Whitney in the Sierras)

* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================