[at-l] Any body want to talk thru hiking?

[Dennis Gass]

Sorry for the late response, but I got a little behind on the at-l email
and was just cleaning up the inbox.

Not that I have a strong opinion about this topic...but, I found myself
in the same predicament in 2002, only difference I got more than a
year's severance to go along with the unemployment.  I had Springer
Fever really bad since 2000 and really wanted to do a thru, or at least
a half of a thru.  I dwelled on missing out on the one job opportunity
that might come along and on the non existent job market after 9/11.  I
let my wife (now ex) convince me that it was totally selfish and I had
to stay home and find another job.  That year was a deep dark one for me
filled with regret about the trail, coming to the reality that I really
hated what I was doing with my life and getting up the courage to make
changes.  Ok, so that part was why I wanted to be on the trail in the
first place, only I could have done it with beautiful views and the
companionship of other thru hikers rather than alone in my basement
where I wound up spending most weeks, both day and night.  I wish I had
taken the opportunity to hit the trail.  Opportunities like this don't
hit you between the eyes with a 2x4 very often, so take notice and if
you really want to do a thru, this is your chance.  You may or may not
get others.  I hope you aren't in my predicament a year or two down the
road saying "I wish I did when I had the chance" if doing a thru is
really what you want.  My advice is to figure out "if" and "why" you
want to hit the trail and don't dwell on reasons not to do it since we
are programmed at a young age to work our lives away.

Dennis (Trailwind)

-----Original Message-----
From: at-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:at-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Thomas Fort
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 8:14 PM
To: at-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Any body want to talk thru hiking?


Within the next couple of months, I will be homeless, somewhat bill-less
(only scheduled minimums to credit cards), and ... god forbidit ...
Jobless.   At my age, 46, I may never get this chance again.  At least
not before I retire. How many out there would like to voice an opinion
about whether you would consider a thru, your 1st ever, next February
1st?  Like anything, there are cons.  I *may* miss out on a good job
market where I'll move to; The idea just plain scares me.    However, I
am sure there will be some superior mind growth to it.  

I'd love to listen to your opinions. 

t.
 


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