[pct-l] unfit father

[susan]

While on my thru ride I crossed paths with a south bound mother and a young
daughter (Sky - I believe was the name of the daughter) who was being
carried by the petite mother in a back pack. I encountered her around Duk
Lake heading towards the high passes of the Sierra. She had 2 llamas in tow
and we discussed her hike with her child. She was fit and her child seemed
to be engaged and happy. This mother might be a great help to you but
unfortunately, I was too awestruck to get her contact info. I did however
take her picture. Maybe someone else or even she will see this post and get
in touch with you. She seemed to have the whole hiking thing with a small
child down! 
Grayhair

Message: 8
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:49:50 -0500
From: dnlcyclone at aol.com
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Unfit to be a father
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <8CC8ECBE39C2BCD-C5C-56A0 at webmail-d090.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"


I just want to thank all for their two cents.  I would also like to report
that I received in a ratio of nearly 10:1, personal emails that were
incredibly supportive over the self-righteous indignation filled vitriol
from those "who know what they're talking about."  If we have to change
plans, we change plans.  We do, actually, have plans and back-up plans.
It's what you do when you're a parent or a thru-hiker.  I appreciate all
advise, but please know that I am a very experienced hiker.  Being that
nobody's really done this before, I'm kind of failing to realize where all
the negativity comes from.  We're not going to be rebels without a cause,
hell-bent for the border, without regard for our child's health and
well-being.  Nowhere in any of the negative comments, did I hear support for
wanting to spend that much intensive and personal time with our child.
Again, the ratio was 10:1.  It was also brought to my attention that some of
the advise came from a trail angel (bles
 s her heart), who hasn't really hiked the PCT before, so...yeah.  If we
make it a third of the way, great.  If we mix it up, and do an alternate
route, great.  I am the luckiest man in the world.  I get to at least
attempt to spend five solid months with my amazing wife and child in some of
the most beautiful land in the world.  I don't mind advise, but rest assured
that we'll have our bases covered more than anyone out there.  We. Will. Be.
Prepared.  Please do not waste your time writing me negative emails about
how horrible a father I am.  With that said, I love this forum, and the
liberty it gives us all to express our opinions.  I do look forward to any
helpful tidbits of info out there, but if it's not trail advise, don't say
it.  As one guy said, I need a "reality check."  Ok.  Look forward to seeing
you all on the PFT (Pacific Fantasy Trail).

Cheers, and all the best (genuinely),

David and Rachel Liechty