[pct-l] Oprah and low snow provide a record year?

[Rachel Dysart]

Hello Norseman, seems like you have some fears about the PCT and the future.  Firstly, I think some fresh air and a walk out in the woods might calm your soul.  I know it's fun to "dig up" up some drama but it's more fun to hear the crunch of the dirt under your shoes and to feel the sun on your face.

The author, Cheryl Strayed, was young woman when she walked the trail and the book is her memoir about her life.  Her long walk on the PCT was her way of processing her life events.  I think she walked on the trail in the early 90's, about 17 years ago.  I'm not a fan of memoirs but I do read anything related to the PCT so I gave it a try.  She's an honest and open author, which might offend some people.  I appreciated her honestly and her lack of "rose tinted glasses" about her life and experience walking.

As for the novelty and impact this book has on the PCT, I'm sure it will ebb and flow with the movie probably having the biggest impact on interest.  I've read some statements from members of the class of 2013 that they are walking the trail this year because of both low snow level and fear of the future popularity of the trail.  I don't think there is much to fear though because the human attention span is limited and often "fancies" are soon forgotten.

As for the peddling and self-promoting, I cannot speak to that other than I have great respect for people who have the courage to incorporate their love of walking and the trail with their working life.  My father was one of those people. He was a man who loved the outdoors and so became a USFS fire fighter.  His favorite part was walking out into the forest with nothing but his pack, tools and crew to fight the fires.  If people can make a living selling us awesome stuff to make our trail life easier, good for them.

Okay enough computer time for me, time to stretch my legs.  I wish you peace and walking happiness Norseman.

Cheers,
MountainMom

> From: "vike norseman" <valhalla at greenmail.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] Oprah and low snow provide a record year?
> 
> I keep hearing of Oprah's book about some lost prostitute on the PCT.
> Is it really a good book or just because its Oprah?
> Like the PCT needs more books of self agrandizing. 
> We have enough through hikers who are annoyingly
> self promoters and peddling something. The spirit of the trail is lost when we follow.
> Will this novelty, like Bill Brysons book for the AT, coupled with a likely
> low snow year make 2013 a record year for thru-hikers attempted?
> I see the kickoff registration closed in 1 day as well. Any other indicators, like more than normal jounals?