Another controversial topic in thru hiking is your pace of forward progress. Considerations include starting fitness level, foot care, physical ability, varying environments (desert, Sierras, etc.), zero/nero days, enjoying the path, time constraints, intended trail distance, personal ambitions, and so on. Progress along the trail depends on so many factors that even partners planning to move at the same speed will still have different hiking experiences. It is not my place to make soapbox arguments about what thru hiking should mean. That is something very personal to me and to every person who ever takes on this challenge. Instead of a succinct description, I will let you learn that along my journey in my upcoming blog posts. The only thing I can say is, Hike Your Own Hike. Truly and fully HYOH. In case you are not sure how to do that, give HYOH a search on your browser for many wonderful blogs entries — my favorite is by PMags: Hike My Hike, Damn It!).
Follow the link for a downloadable file: Possible PCT Agenda, of the agenda viewable below.
Elizabeth Erickson 