[pct-l] Why I Boycotted the ADZPCTKO

[jgus at sunbow.org (Gustafson)]

> Only folks from Southern California have
> any real flexibility of starting their hike at a different time than
> the kickoff (if they want to attend the kickoff).

Last week I picked up three 05 thru's (two in Idyllwild and one in 
Anza) to take them to the ADZ (and then back to the trail).  They are 
all from Virginia.  They started April 11 and 13 respectively, and had 
asked for a ride on the ride board so they could attend the kickoff.  I 
met some other thru's in Idyllwild who had gotten rides to and from the 
kickoff from someone else, one was from Michigan.  All these folks 
decided it was prudent to hike up Black Mountain Road rather than 
attempt Fuller Ridge, and I drove them this morning to the bottom of 
the road.  It is clear that at least SOME out of town hikers were able 
to start when they wanted, and also get to the ADZ and back.  I make 
this point because it wouldn't be accurate to generalize about this 
point, or about most points.  Not every thruhiker goes to the kickoff, 
for whatever reason, and not every thruhiker has to go to the Saufleys, 
either, especially now that it has become a burden on their resources.  
My thruhike is still in the future, but I cringe at the thought of 
inflicting myself on a trail angel's hospitality when I do not require 
the assistance.  To me it's like relying on the water at the caches 
instead of only using it when absolutely necessary.  I believe the 
majority of hikers will figure out when the optimum time is to travel, 
based on a variety of factors, and there may always be a pileup in Agua 
Dulce.  If I happen to be in the neighborhood when it happens, I will 
walk on by.  Sure, I would miss a neat experience but it's my own 
personal hangup, I would feel like a parasite.  HYOH.  And thanks to 
the crew for a GREAT ADZ!

Two Legs
(Did someone try to give my name away to that naughty troll??)