[pct-l] Trail Fest- To all rookies and attendees

[Jordan2ynp at aol.com]

To all 2008 Rookies, and Trail Fest Attendees:

    This past weekend I attended one of the most fantastic events I have ever 
been to in my life. It was, as most of you can guess, Trail Fest. I got the 
opportunity to meet some of the most amazing past through hikers and current 
trail angles. More importantly however, I met and got to know the wonderful 
people who dedicate their lives to maintaining and preserving our beloved (or soon 
to be) trail. 
    
       This experience changed my entire outlook towards the hike. On 
Thursday I would have told somebody, "I am going to hike the PCT." Now however my 
response has changed to, "I am going to experience the PCT." I learned this is 
not a trail one conquers or completes, but one a person becomes a part of. 
Through the sensational stories of success, sorrow, serenity, and satisfaction; I 
learned what a magnificent trail this truly is.

    The only down side was the lack presence from the rookie class. For those 
who did not attend, you all missed a quintessential part of the PCT 
experience. You missed meeting the wonderful trail crews who put their sweat into the 
construction of the trail; you missed hearing old stories that ran the gambit 
of emotions from past hikers, and most of all you missed the chance to 
understand what this trail truly means to so many wonderful people. 

    Yet, I shall not lament upon my fellow rookie brethren. All I can do is 
appreciate my experience, and the opportunity to be embraced by such a truly 
selfless and wonderful community. So, to all whom I met and were involved with 
Trail Fest I thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a truly wonderful 
weekend.

You pal and proud heard member,

Good Times
Let the Good Times roll.

PS-  I want to thank L-Rod for her passionate discussion about Trail Fest. It 
was because of her telling about what a wonderful event Trail Fest was, that 
I decided to go. L-Rod, you deserve a million thank you's! 



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