[pct-l] The PCT Golden Spike Monument

[AsABat]

Last time I was there (2005) the round marker was still on top the stone
monument as shown in Bill's picture. What was (and I believe still is)
missing is the plaque that was mounted on the front vertical surface of the
stone monument that described the significance of the monument.

As to significance, I think what they were commemorating was an official,
continuous route, regardless of whether the trail was actually all trail
(versus road) and whether as fully protected as we like. As I see it, worth
commemorating, but important to keep working to keep the trail preserved.

AsABat



On Tue, Dec 29, 2009 at 9:18 PM, dsaufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com> wrote:

> Hi, Bill!  Hoping all is well. It's good to know there something there. As
> far as I can see, the picture you took matches what is on the PCTA's
> website
> http://www.pcta.org/copper/displayimage.php?album=14&pos=12 as the Golden
> Spike, excepting that their image is in or on the earth, rather than
> mounted
> on rock as in your photo. I distinctly remember, but cannot substantiate at
> present, that there was some sort of vandalism at the monument and
> something
> was reported taken. Perhaps it was replaced, or what was reported taken
> once
> occupied the vacant spot you mention.
>
> Regardless, it always seems incredibly odd to me that the monument
> commemorating the completion of such an amazing, stupendous, gloriously
> beautiful national scenic trail is in Soledad Canyon. It's also odd they
> had
> a "completion" ceremony.  The truth is that the PCT is not truly complete,
> and is at risk. Approximately 250 miles of the trail corridor are owned by
> landowners other than the managing partners, and have weak or no easements.
>
> Some people want to hike it all in one season.  I dream of seeing the PCT
> completed and protected in my lifetime. It's time to finish what Clarke and
> Rogers began.
>
> L-Rod (the Animal Magnet)
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> The first step. The last step. The most important step: protect the PCT.
> www.pcta.org/help/donate_form.asp
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Bill Burge
> Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2009 9:41
> To: PCT LIST
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] The PCT Golden Spike Monument
>
>
> Here's the missing pic:
>
> http://www.4footed.com/images/hiking/Plaque1.jpg
>
> BillB
>
>
>
> On Dec 27, 2009, at 9:32 PM, Bill Burge wrote:
>
> >
> > I was saddened to hear this.
> >
> > But then I decided to go for a hike today, and since I live in the
> > area; I hike north from Soledad Cyn.
> >
> > Just after crossing the railroad tracks I found a waist high
> > monument with this on the top:
> >
> >
> >
> > Is the missing "Golden Spike" another plaque on the side of the
> > monument?  It looked like something was missing from the side...
> >
> > BTW, it was a pretty nice hike today.  I spent a lot of it thinking
> > what it would be like with three times the weight on my back and in
> > May instead of December!  ;-)
> >
> > BillB
> >
> >
> > On Dec 14, 2009, at 6:26 PM, Deems wrote:
> >
> >> I recently read that Switchback the Pirate was seen off and on-trail
> >> plundering and searching for the legendary "Treasure of the Golden
> >> Spike." I
> >> wish he had found it, for it would now be in good hands. A trail
> >> friend
> >> shared with me a photo of the PCT Golden Spike that dedicated the
> >> final
> >> trail piece built in 1993. Here, it shines again.
> >> http://www.pbase.com/image/120296154 PCT Golden Spike
> >> Anyone have more information?
> >> Anyone know which mile point it was placed??
> >> The PCT was shorter back then, only 2638 miles.
> >> ~~
> >> Sadly, the Golden Spike monument was stolen/disappeared a few years
> >> ago.
> >> L-Rod
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >
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