[at-l] mental preparation

[AHuthmaker@aol.com (AHuthmaker@aol.com)]

In a message dated 3/27/02 1:17:38 PM, frombackcountry@markrebuck.com writes:

<< During my thruhike, I saw more people drop out because of mental
inflexibility than any other reason. People had studied and thought
about their hike so much that when the reality of their hike didn't
match their vision, they couldn't cope. >>

    I got so much great advice from the question I posted abot preparing to 
thru mentally, but this was particularly relevant in my case!  I have done 
very little actual backpacking, but I have the biggest library of books on 
the subject you hve ever seen.  I was quite prepared to believe that I knew 
all that I could know (from book learning, that is!).  It never even occured 
to me that I could be 'thinking myself into a box'!  So, now I gather that 
flexibility and spontanaiety are two important keys to an undertaking such as 
this.   Thank you Mark for a great lessom learned!!  Anna