[pct-l] further thoughts on attitude

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

I like to imagine, "what if".  It would be
interesting to read the journals "if" there was no
ADZPCTKO, no water caches, no accompanying
vehicular support 

Anyone who hiked the trail prior to about 1985 would have found this 
situation.  Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending upon your point of view) 
after this time it seems the foundation of supporters and inspired people 
along the trail mushroomed.  I believe there are a few journals from those 
days on the internet, if you're interested in a "virgin hike" account.  Cindy 
Ross's first book, Journey on the Crest, was written in that time period. A 
book by David Green, A Pacific Crest Odyssey, was written about his thru-hike 
in 1977 also.  Better or worse?  Harder or easier?  I won't dare to make 
those judgements.  Just a different experience.  This is not to say that 
there weren't trail angels out there.  They were, they just hadn't quite 
recognized what the trail was bringing and their response to thru-hikers was 
rather fresh.

Hike your own hike. It is your choice how you respond to the generosity of 
the trail angels. It does not offend to reject their offers.  They, of 
course, recognize that not all hikers will want to stop at their point or 
take of their generosity.

I respect those hikers who, every year, walk into Lake Morena to find the 
ADZPCTKO going on, on hike right past on up the trail.  They are embarking 
upon their own, personal pilgrimage.  

YMMV,

Greg