[pct-l] MY GOAL..

[MontanaEd@aol.com]

Hi my name is Ed.  I have been a member of this list for about four weeks now 
and I have really enjoyed following the threads.  Especially the thread on 
plan A and plan B.  I have been a very avid day hiker for several years now; 
I really enjoy the outdoors and just being surrounded by nature.  Usually 
where ever we live, or my job has taken me to (I have been in the military) I 
enjoy getting out hiking and exploring whatever I can.  
    As for backpacking it has been since I was a teenager that I actually did 
any overnighters, and the longest I spent out then I think was only three 
nights at one shot.  About three years ago one of the goals I have set for 
myself is to do the entire PCT, either in large sections at a time or in its 
entirety.  The reason I have limited myself to only day hikes is due to my 
busy life (i.e., work schedule, small children, my wife's health, and limited 
resources).  My kids have grown older now, my resources are about to improve 
greatly and my son (age 11) has now started to take a better interest in my 
day hikes, and I want to encourage him.  I would really enjoy spending a 
whole lot more time with him on the trail, maybe even taking him along with 
me on the PCT.  The rest of my family (my wife and two other children) takes 
no real interest much in hiking and they have health limitations.  Beside 
they would never enjoy being away from modern life's comforts for more than a 
day!  They would take the busy metropolitan city life any day compared to the 
life in a much less populated and much more beautiful area.  I am the exact 
opposite in these regards.
    As I read many of your posts I wonder how many of you do it.  What I mean 
is how do people find the time first of all (away from their responsibilities 
i.e. job, boss, family, etc.) to go out for a month or much longer? How are 
you are able to find that delicate balance between your responsibilities and 
your desires?  I know it takes x amount of dollars and time.  How do your 
families accept this?  How are you able to be away from work so long.  
Especially when (if) they do not take part in your adventures?  I am looking 
for any practical suggestions you all have that would permit me to graduate 
to some month long hikes, to involve my son (if his interest remains strong)  
and keep the home front happy at the same time.  Thanks..

Oh and by the way I am not in Montana (another goal), but rather in SCal.
Ed
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