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Youth?
We live in a cultu
re worshiping youth.
Like the Michael York character in 1976 movie, Logans Run, anyone over 30! is terminated.
There are lots of stories about the “old” and how “they” are treated.
Of course, it’s all a lie. What is “old”? What is “young”? Why DO we humans discriminate?
When “younger” I was too busy with job, family, fashion, and friends; now, I’ve money and time. Most my age dead, sick, diseased, or obligated to others; most wishing for something.
I hike now because I want to. Seeing nature inspires me. I don’t want to explain.
Am I too old? No.
True, I don’t bounce. So I go slower.
Dress less “sexy” Who cares? Most, if not all, too consumed with own drama to care about you.
Go alone? I invite others, but folks my age horrified at the thought of being dirty, cooking outside, any form of misery. Carrying anything other than tube of chapstick? No way!
Do I have the money for pricey equipment now? Yes. Good stuff too.
Can I read: yeah a lot! I can also parse a map, compass and vote.
Most on Trails seek meaning or purpose–What a waste!
Advertisers are missing the boat: the folks shown have no money or credit. It’s my demographic they should feature.
We have the time, money and good credit.
Show us the way! I dare you!
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Comments 5
I love it! Like you, I have hit a point in my life where I have the money for whatever gear I need. I am hoping to hike the PCT in 2024, when I retire. I will be 59. I am not doing it to find (or run away from) anything. I am doing it because I think it will be cool and I can. Who wouldn’t want to duck out on complex responsibilities for a half year and just worry about where you are going to sleep that night.
I think most people try to put way too much meaning on a thru-hike. I climbed Denali in ’95. Quite honestly, it didn’t really change me. It was just a long walk in the snow. I have done a number of other things (Things that many people would consider the event of a lifetime) as well. People who try to put too much meaning on these things haven’t gotten out enough.
Keep having fun out there!
3/05/22
GOOD for you and good FOR you!! It’s a walk, not psychotherapy!!
I love your writing style! I do believe hiking for enlightenment or to help recovery from a loss or to have fun and freedom before settling down or any reason that resonates with the hiker is a great reason to hike. But I totally agree that, as a future older, retired from my job, hiker, I also look at gear…a lot. When I purchase I want light and durable and I’m willing to pay the extra. I’ll use what I have/borrow for now. I’m holding off purchasing until 2024. It seems the durability of lightweight gear improves every year and I would love to hear more about the gear and tactics older women(60+) thru hikers chose/choose.
3/30/22
At some point you have to suck it up and buy the lightest items. Not sure technology will change much in the next 10 yrs. I spend winters reading and researching “new” light items. It took me years to part with the dough to buy the lightest AND most importantly, safest, functional items. Unfortunately, most of the lightest gear is absurdly pricey. I spent about 3 years slowly acquiring stuff needed. I also rely on advice from my REI gurus, as they have treated me very well.
I put my most dough in a sleeping bag; tent, cookware, first aid, rain gear, comfy pack, hydration system, good umbrella (for rain and intense sun) bum bag, navigation; anti bear bag; good shoes and socks. The rest: the cheapest I can. Food is made by me and dehydrated. Much cheaper, You can buy a lot of good food in quantity and dehydrate. I also wear as much stuff as I can, so I have BIG pockets on everything. I like quality items by people who care about design and sustainability.
Over the years, invested in several stuff bags and dehydrator. Line my pack interior with big plastic bag and recently bought a foot print and water system. I also have pricey 100% silk underwear as they it’s really light; a hat, and neck pipe. All those things serve double or triple duty. Im also kinda a down snob and prefer the sleeping bag and my jacket to be made of down not synthetics. I find the humble safety pin useful.
You will get lots of gear advice from well-meaning people. If ya buy from REI, they tend to take black anything. So, you have to test what works for you.
I detect no lies in this post.