[pct-l] Section hiker vs. thru

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

I did not mean to imply that one was better than the other. After  
all, as someone who did not even make it to Oregon, I am a section  
hiker, too. And actually, out on the trail I kept thinking how much  
section hiking is superior. I wouldn't have had some of the  
uncomfortable experiences I had out there and I certainly wouldn't be  
so underemployed as I am now. I tip my hat to anyone who can section  
hike the entire trail. I don't think I'd ever have that kind of  
determination.

Still, I think the experience is different to be out there months at  
a time. It seems that the difference may have something to do with  
how much concern people have over gear and the possibility that  
something "bad" might happen. Maybe even has something to do with  
some of the ardent criticisms over whether people follow all the  
rules or not or carry certain items or not. I don't know. I no longer  
worry so much about any of that anymore. In life or on the trail. I  
did not feel that way before.

Well, I guess I'm not even a PCT hiker anymore anyway. I'm now just a  
Santa Barbara backcountry hiker again. Where 16 mile days are really  
long days and sometimes you are lucky to hike 1 mile an hour clawing  
your way on your belly through brush because the trail is gone. Where  
ultralight is sort of a joke because you have to carry loppers and a  
saw. Ahh. Home again.