How do you all stand the wait?

imported
#1

I’ve been planning on hiking the PCT for 3 years now (had to wait until I finished school). I’ve read everything there is to read about it, watched every documentary I can get my hands on, piled my way through trail journals, yucked it up with former and future thru-hikers, and its killing me.

I had to delay my hike another year (2007) so that I could save up enough money, and now I don’t know what I’m going to do to pass the next agonizingly slow 14 months. Its sort of a feeling that I’m merely passing time (lots of it) until I am able to undertake what I really want to be doing. Whats your story?

Novakaine

#2

I’m a college sophomore right now, with at least a 1.5 years ahead of me. I want to hike the AT desperately, but my parents said that they’ll cut me off if I take any time off of school. I’m dealing with it by getting on the internet as much as I can (checking out whiteblaze), doing shorter hikes around my neighborhood, and weekend backpacking trips. It helps me to look forward to little things instead of the big kahuna.

Mammoth

#3

Hike during the summers. Hike during spring break. When you graduate, thru hike.

It’s that simple. :nerd

Simpleton

#4

Yeah, at least 1,825 more days and counting until the next big adventure for me. Simple.:oh

Bushwhack

#5

BW, maybe you can get an early release for good conduct. :oh

Simpleton

#6

Novakaine…I’ve been waiting since 2002…my date is 25Feb.07…Read plenty of journals and hike when you can…

Unc

#7

Riiiight. I’m on my 22nd year of this jail sentence for the crime I didn’t do. Working for da man. I have just a few short years until it will all pay off. Then Bramble will be Dr. Bramble and I will be her humble brain dead man servant/arm candy. Then we hike, no more fartin’ around, crew.

BW

#8

I hiked last year and was extremely anxious. I’ll be heading out shortly for the AT, not knowing what distance I’ll reach, but I have no jitters or anxiety. Putting all that energy into preparation last year probably contributed to the anxiety; it was all I thought about. It’s different this year. I’ll buy an '06 Wingfoot, another hiking pole, pack up and head out the door.

Nimblefoot

#9

Good question. The wait is partly why I know I need to do this hike (if I’ve wanted it for 3 years, I must REALLY want it). I have to save up too. Not only save, but get out of debt first (yes other people do it different ways but HYOH right?).

I struggle with this too - but I am dealing with this by trying to be more alive in the present. It is easy to think “I will be happy when I am hiking”. But, if you still to this thinking, you may find yourself out there saying “I will be happy when I get that shower/beer/bed” and miss your own hike. My solution: try to live for NOW, while also preparing for/anticipating the future.

Not that I am successful yet at this - but it is the plan! Anyone have any strategies on this?

scampy

#10

Well you could take Cronics advice or just get yourself a girlfriend[I’am assuming your a guy]they take up lots of time and their warm and cuddly.Just stay away from that Brokeback Mountain area and you’ll be fine.:wink:

Lizard Breath

#11

Lizard Breath’s advise is alot better than Cronic’s. But since you’re going to be heading out on the trail, pick someone who you won’t get attached to. For example, I’ve hooked up with a first cousin of mine. We’re attracted as hell to each other, but we both know it’s just for kicks and will not last. It makes the months fly by.

Opie

#12

I’m anxious as hell from the minute I commit to a long trip. I can do dayhikes or overnighters on the PCT (mid - Sierras) in summer, but I get the feeling you aren’t close enough to do day trips.

I set my sights on a trans Sierra roll the third week of August 2006, from Onion Valley over Kearsarge to Road’s End. Funny thing - I have no idea if the trail’s wide enough to accomodate my chair!:lol One way to find out, though…

I couldn’t possibly schedule as far in advance as you - I commend you for that ability. I wake up on a weekend, typically, and just set off for wherever I end up. Planning? Hey, once in awhile I have a grocery list…:slight_smile:

4wheelbob

#13

…at www.walkpct.com

Squatch