Re: [pct-l] MY GOAL..

[Bighummel@aol.com]

MontanaEd writes:

<< 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.  >>

Ed, I have struggled with this for years.  At last I have found some 
solutions that may be useful to you.  I have found some simple cabins in some 
rather remote areas of the Sierra that can be rented.  They sometimes have 
showers and kitchens and sometimes they don't.  My family enjoys these 
tremendously and I get a little closer to the wilderness that I love.  As my 
children have grown they have, through these cabins, become more and more 
appreciative of the wilderness.  I am progressively exposing them to greater 
and greater challenges.  I started with long day hikes and now, in the past 
three years, have started taking them on several day hiking trips.  I see in 
the near future, five years or so, when I will be able to take two or three 
weeks and take two or three of them out with me.  My wife understands my love 
for backpacking (as should any of your spouses unless they are crazy for 
marrying a PCT'er) and, as long as I am involving one or more of the family, 
its okay with her.

In my work I am fortunate to have now accumulated enough vacation time to 
take these several week trips if I desire.  There has been an investment to 
get here.

And as for thru-hiking, I suggest it is best to do before you marry, before 
kids and before a career or after all three!

Greg "Strider" Hummel
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