The Next Essentials Part 1
By Howard Shapiro with a lot of help from Rees Hughes
I have been thinking about what we bring and where we go when we embark on a section or the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail. We recently shared a post about how technology has crept into this semi-sacred list of the ‘Ten Essentials’. I found that the first place my head went was to the classic ‘Ten Essentials’ and then I wondered what are those things that go beyond the extra food, shelter, knife, etc. in the present time? What are the elements worth considering in this third decade of the 21st century? Some have always been there. None are all that new.
Where this thinking took me was to places not things. In no distinct order, here’s what I, along with Rees, came up with. See if you agree.
The mid point of the PCT. This is a location that drifts a bit north, south, east, and west depending on how the trail gets re-routed, land gets acquired, or fires change everything we took for granted. Getting to the mid-point is a seminal moment whether you are section hiking or thru hiking. Once you get to that spot, a feeling that is hard to describe may course through your mind and heart. For me it was a ‘Wow’ moment. A reminder of all the miles behind me and all those still to come.
The 100 mile mark. Long before the mid point there are stones laid out in the middle of the trail that represent mile numbers often in one hundred mile increments thereafter. Getting to the 100 mile mark took me back to the significance that number has. !00 is the number we strive to reach as we verbally count to in our early years of school. After leaving the southern terminus getting to mile 100 is a breakthrough. Getting to 100 miles is a hint of our accomplishment as we journey carried by our legs and feet.
The California- Oregon border. when you reach this point it is one huge terrific sigh. If you thru hiked to here you have finally finished with California. If you sectioned, getting here is no less an accomplishment and an equally profound experience. California is obviously the largest of the three states that the PCT passes through. At times, it seems like California just goes on and on and...on. Getting to the border the trail makes its way through the ‘Green Tunnel’ but it is really more than that. What awaits is exquisite scenery and not just tree after tree.
Forester Pass. The highest point on the PCT. The northbound approach does not fully prepare you for the descent on the other side. In a big snow year or early in the season it can really grab your attention. The view is the motivator here. From on top of the pass you can see clearly as to what is ahead and what you have already accomplished.
Mount Whitney. Well if Forester wasn’t enough elevation for you, taking a side trip to the highest point in the lower 48 is equally memorable. At 14,494 feet, the views will take your breath away if the altitude doesn’t. The Smithsonian hut at the top is a welcome reprieve if the weather creates any challenges. Just getting to this place can be so satisfying, knowing you have stood on the highest point in 49 states.
This is the first half of my ‘next’ essentials list. They won’t help you survive a life or death situation but they will remind you of the power and grace of nature and the fortitude of people across many decades. These essentials may inspire. They might also serve as markers for your own goals and accomplishments. All are essential in their own distinct ways. Maybe you have some to add to the list. Please share them with us.