[pct-l] Newby concerns

[jim persson]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the info.  I am close to your age; I'm 60.  I see you're in San 
Diego, I'm in Temecula.  If you ever want a hiking partner for a day hike, 
let me know; maybe we can work something out.

Thanks again.
Jim
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Bache" <tbache at san.rr.com>
To: <capt.reinell at earthlink.net>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: Newby concerns


> Jim,
>
> I never backpacked until 27 months ago when I was 62.  Since then I've 
> hiked
> the first 940 miles of the PCT on weekends and other short trips (longest
> was 6 days).  I did most of it alone -- including all the longer and more
> remote trips.  Spending a few days alone -- seeing no one, never 
> talking --
> is an experience few people ever have.  If you do it, you will be glad you
> did.  I don't explicitly choose to go alone -- it is just that I have my
> schedule and would rather get on with it than make all sorts of 
> compromises
> to find a companion.
>
> It has never occurred to me to be afraid of animals -- the odds seem so
> impossibly small.  I've yet to see a bear, though other people do.  Almost
> no one sees a mountain lion in the wild, but we know they are out there
> somewhere -- but in much lower density than bad people in the city.
>
> My advice to anyone starting a new activity requiring some knowledge and
> skill -- find someone who is good at it and hang out with them to pick up
> the basics.  I did my first couple of overnights with a very experienced
> backpacker -- and that gave an adequate foundation to figure out the rest 
> on
> my own. It is not a high-skill activity, truth be told.  The PCT is really
> easy to navigate -- great guidebooks and maps, and mostly well-marked. 
> Most
> people (me certainly) lose the trail from time-to-time, but a map and
> minimal skills with a compass are enough to get back quickly.
>
> I'm guessing you are close to my age -- at this age it is a real treat to
> find something new where you can feel yourself improving in knowledge and
> fitness.  Have fun!!
>
> Tom Bache
> San Diego
>
>
>