Hiking philosophy

[ironmike]

Group mentality in any endeavor has a high probability of trumping solo behavior (regardless of nationality), in my opinion. My experience validates both of Paul’s points, which have nothing to do with Spain in my opinion. They are statements of human interaction. When in a group, I want to go as far as the majority wishes. Generally that is somewhat more than I’d do on my own, but not always.

[paul]

I think that for both cases, it depends on the people. A couple of examples: I might go faster if I were walking with someone (or some group) highly motivated whose pace tended to be just a bit faster than mine. The same mihght be said of going farther with a person or group motivated to keep going a bit longer than I might. And of course the inverse of both situations could apply. So, it is very dependent on the particular people involved.
But I would agree with WD that group motivation can have a strong effect in the case a a truly long endeavor, primarily in averaging out each individual's waxing and waning motivation levels. I would see that as the primary basis for the idea "to go far, go with a group".

[Gogd]

Assuming the topic is limited to trail hiking with perhaps an occasional XC section here or there: I think I am the antithesis of these sayings. My solo trips are not about big daily miles, getting to camp early. Soloing for me is about absorbing the details, chatting with passersby, savoring the moment. I'll allocate 8-10 days to do a 50 mile section hike, something most people prefer to allocate only 5-7 days, due to free time constraints. Conversely I found it impossible to get more than four people interested in long mile hikes, as folks nowadays are inclined to prefer having as many zero days as trail days on their outings, and seem disinclined to shouldering a pack for a week or more.

Ed

[balzaccom]

Ed, I think you're definitely in the minority when it comes to those through--hikers. I think most of them would consider 50 miles a 2-3 day trip.

I tend to favor your approach, but I ain't no hard-care through--hiker!

[Blastomatic]

Ed, I think you're definitely in the minority when it comes to those through--hikers. I think most of them would consider 50 miles a 2-3 day trip.

I tend to favor your approach, but I ain't no hard-care through--hiker!

Thoughts on this thread:

So much of my work and home life depends on group decisions and compromise, it's a relief to just DO and GO.
I prefer to hike alone because I can stop when I want and go when I want, beholden only to my own caprices.
Being alone on a mountaintop with the wind whistling by is the only way I can hear my parents' voices these days.

Whatever you do, I hope you HYOH.
The race is long, and in the end its only with yourself - and whatever demons or angels you choose to bring along.

[Gogd]

The race is long, and in the end its only with yourself - and whatever demons or angels you choose to bring along.

..There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone.
- Lyrics from Ripple, by Robert Hunter of the Grateful Dead.

Ed