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What is the point of all this, I mean, why hike all the way from Mexico to Canada? This is not an uncommon question. To begin with, it's not really about beginning at the Mexican border or ending at the Canadian border, they are just convenient places to start and end due to man's need to put boundaries on land. Certainly the places along the trail beckon hikers to come see the splendor of purple mountains majesty, but there are easier ways to get to these scenic places than walking to them consecutively from South to North. You could get between these two points much faster by many other means of transportation, but you don't use one of these quicker methods, you walk. So you set off with a backpack containing your home, kitchen, wardrobe, pantry, and all else you need to get by in the world for months. Sure seems like an awful lot of trouble to go for a walk.
So what's the point? Maybe the point is, there is no point. Perhaps the point is to gain a sense of independence, or confidence, or to see the sights. I'm sure everyone hiking has their own conclusion of what the point is, but I like to think the point is simply to have as much fun as possible with the time you have. This translates to life beyond the trail as well. If there is one thing I've learned, it's that life is meant to be enjoyed and you are in control of making sure that happens for you. Just like Mary told a group of us back at mile 110 at Warner Springs, "If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong." I see that much more clearly now.
Perhaps a better question would be: what is the point of working nine-to-five from age 22 to 62? Do you work to live, or live to work?
Sent from the PCT
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