I can really relate, Steve. When I finished the PCT in 2006 I was totally ruined, could never return to a normal life. Thankfully I didn't have to, I came back here and started my adventure business. Not great paying but great living! Vic
You and me both! I think it has something to do with the realization that we don't have an unlimited future for it. It's now or never. So Many Mountains, So Little Time!
article. You are very lucky that you are only 49 years old, you will, hopefully, have many years in the mountains before you, and will be able to gradually build your strength and skills, so that you should be able to manage most peaks in the U.S. and the Alps, and who knows maybe in the higher ranges too. Best of luck with your future climbing, and be sure to post a lot of photos here.
Cheers,
Ejnar
Couldn't have said it better myself. I think a lot of people who don't have an outdoors addiction can't fathom the desire we feel to get outdoors and explore. My girlfriend is always hounding me about researching, mapping routes, and reading trip reports, but the truth is if I didn't have that to look forward to, I'd have to be out there doing it instead of spending time with her. I guess we all have to make some sacrifices, but this is one addiction I don't want to conquer. Thanks for the insight and thank you SP'ers!!
and I found myself being able to relate to what you wrote in it. The part that first caught my attention was the MacKenzie Pass road sign. My brother and I hiked a section of the PCT from there to Little Belknap in November of 1989...Good times I remember.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this article!
Vic Hanson - Dec 2, 2008 9:09 pm - Voted 10/10
Outdoor AddictionsI can really relate, Steve. When I finished the PCT in 2006 I was totally ruined, could never return to a normal life. Thankfully I didn't have to, I came back here and started my adventure business. Not great paying but great living! Vic
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 3, 2008 10:11 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Outdoor AddictionsGreat living. I still need to visit with you about the PCT trip; I am considering it or at the very least some of it.
Thank you for your vote Vic!
Steve
MoapaPk - Dec 5, 2008 10:42 am - Voted 10/10
Keep truckin'...fellow survivor.
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 5, 2008 12:59 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Keep truckin'Thank you southern brother. May your Jumps be as high as your summits!
Rock On!
Fredd C Dobbs - Dec 5, 2008 12:34 pm - Voted 10/10
The Best PartThe older I get the stronger the addiction becomes!
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 5, 2008 1:00 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: The Best PartThank you sir! So that is what I have to look forward to... More
Addiction.
Bob Bolton - Dec 16, 2008 8:32 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: The Best PartYou and me both! I think it has something to do with the realization that we don't have an unlimited future for it. It's now or never. So Many Mountains, So Little Time!
Deltaoperator17 - Jan 4, 2009 11:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: The Best PartYes sir Bob, now or never. Hey, you and Dean pick me up on your next quest in Idaho.
Ejnar Fjerdingstad - Dec 6, 2008 12:57 pm - Voted 10/10
Very nicearticle. You are very lucky that you are only 49 years old, you will, hopefully, have many years in the mountains before you, and will be able to gradually build your strength and skills, so that you should be able to manage most peaks in the U.S. and the Alps, and who knows maybe in the higher ranges too. Best of luck with your future climbing, and be sure to post a lot of photos here.
Cheers,
Ejnar
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 6, 2008 1:10 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Very niceThank you for your kind words Ejnar! If I am anywhere close to how good you and Karen have it at your age, I will be truly blessed!
Take care of yourself Professor Fjerdingstad and your lovely bride. Keep giving us those beautiful photos!
All my best,
Steve
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 13, 2008 3:17 pm - Hasn't voted
Thank YouI wanted thank ALL of you who read and voted for this article.
Hope to get out in the mountains with some of you and get some new material.
I enjoy reading and voting for all of your stuff (well most of it)
All my best,
Steve
Luciano136 - Dec 26, 2008 2:10 am - Voted 10/10
Healthy drugs......is kind of what it is. It gives you so much endorphine release you can't wait to do it again!
Deltaoperator17 - Dec 26, 2008 10:57 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Healthy drugs...Yea, almost as fun as the 70's...and much healthier...LOL
Thank you Bruno for your vote and comment!
mstender - Jan 27, 2009 9:30 am - Voted 10/10
Great article!Hey Steve, I really enjoyed reading your article. It pretty much sums up my feelings too. Nice reference to the SP community.
Good luck for your plans,
Matt.
Deltaoperator17 - Feb 4, 2009 12:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Great article!Thanks Matt, I appreciate your kind comments. Let me know if you are going to see any more hookbill'd birds that you need identified.
All my best,
Steve
SOCALHUSKER - Jan 28, 2009 7:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Agree 100%Couldn't have said it better myself. I think a lot of people who don't have an outdoors addiction can't fathom the desire we feel to get outdoors and explore. My girlfriend is always hounding me about researching, mapping routes, and reading trip reports, but the truth is if I didn't have that to look forward to, I'd have to be out there doing it instead of spending time with her. I guess we all have to make some sacrifices, but this is one addiction I don't want to conquer. Thanks for the insight and thank you SP'ers!!
Deltaoperator17 - Jan 29, 2009 11:14 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Agree 100%Thanks Robby. Its good that you have the support of your Girl. Makes it easier to get out when you want to.
All my Best,
IDAHODUCK
Tracy - Feb 11, 2009 10:57 pm - Voted 10/10
Enjoyed this articleand I found myself being able to relate to what you wrote in it. The part that first caught my attention was the MacKenzie Pass road sign. My brother and I hiked a section of the PCT from there to Little Belknap in November of 1989...Good times I remember.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this article!
Deltaoperator17 - Feb 12, 2009 10:27 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Enjoyed this articleThank you for reading and voting for it. Belnap Springs is a very cool area. I spent a lot of time there.
Glad you enjoyed it, I am thinking I need to go back as I have some interest in hiking the PCT throught Oregon.
All my best,
Steve
gimpilator - Feb 17, 2009 9:01 pm - Voted 10/10
Thank YouI enjoyed reading your article and could relate to a few thing in there too. I'm an ex smoker and ex drug user but today I am hooking on mountains.