[pct-l] The parental aspect of hiking

[Kent Spring]

Hi Sasha -
 
I think your question a good one.    However, the answer is probably different for young 
men versus young women, especially the history...  One might remember that the 
first credited thru-hiker was Eric Ryback in 1970 at age 17.  At 17 (1962) I was allowed 
to do anything that I could afford.  My sister was not, although it wasn't always 
parental restrictions.  That has changed - thankfully - but there are still concerns.
  
However, it seems to me that there is nothing about being a 17 year old woman 
on the PCT than being a 22 year old woman.  There was a young woman - I wish 
I could remember her name - who was thru-hiking alone last year, I am not sure 
that she made the whole PCT - who was 17 or 18, mattering which day you asked.  
 
I guess the main concern, having 2 daughters and 3 granddaughter, I would have 
is whether you are up to the hike and have the experience to handle that amount 
of time alone.  You will definitely find friends on the trail - many college aged people 
hike the PCT.
 
Good Luck and Happy Hiking, Kent
 



>Though this may be a bit of a tangent from normal conversation on this 
>email list, I was wondering what ages did you start going off and doing 
>multiple week hiking trips? Would you let your high school child go on 
>one without adult supervision? Has the social standards for hiking ages 
>become more liberal or conservative since the time you've started?