tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791795063036532254.post6673935133197295560..comments2023-03-27T06:03:42.644-07:00Comments on Mindful Trek: Hiking the PCT after 55 -- Considerations for Older HikersJKMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741065374051306388noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791795063036532254.post-18072318380801621602018-09-20T11:06:40.987-07:002018-09-20T11:06:40.987-07:00Herb, I love that comparison of section hiking wit...Herb, I love that comparison of section hiking with savoring a good meal. At the same time, thru-hiking has it's own attractions, especially if you can take the time, which obviously not everyone can. Also, you can mix the two. I started 2018 doing a section hike, but stayed on trail long enough that I ended up doing a full thru-hike. That might even be the best of both worlds. ^-^JKMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10741065374051306388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791795063036532254.post-62848357991945099002018-09-20T08:05:48.867-07:002018-09-20T08:05:48.867-07:00Good post.
As an older hiker (60) I agree with t...Good post. <br /><br />As an older hiker (60) I agree with the suggestions. I think it is important to stress that to do big miles you should anticipate hiking longer not faster. Faster--like the 20 somethings--will more likely lead to injury. As noted above, get started early in the day as it provides far more options. There is time to stop and rest as needed; to walk slower; and may allow you to stretch a day to get to a water source or better camping alternatives.<br /><br /><br />Also adjust your goals. If your perception is that nothing short of reaching Canada in a season will make your hike a success, there will be constant pressure to cover miles and short-change rest days. I spoke with several older hikers during my section hike this year, one who had completed a thru hike several years ago and was sectioning this year. He said he was enjoying his section hike far more than the thru hike because he did not feel the time constraints of the latter. There is nothing wrong with completing the PCT over multiple seasons--in fact it is similar to savoring a good meal. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18234969842431507615noreply@blogger.com