Usually rejections are accompanied by regret or demorialization, but I can honestly say this rejection comes as a welcome relief.
I had applied for a Pacific Crest Trail sponsorship, and today I got this message:
Thanks for applying to our mYAMAdventure program. This is the part of the program that I hate: I’m afraid we’re not able to extend an invitation to you this year. We received over 100 applications, and narrowing them down to just five was a true challenge. It’s a shame we can’t work with all of you.
I wish you all the best in your pursuits on the PCT! If you haven’t already, check out the following resources for a start with your planning:
Yogi’s PCT Handbook: http://www.yogisbooks.com/pacific-crest-trail/pct-yogis-pacific-crest-trail-handbook
pct-l mailing list: http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
Postholer forums: http://postholer.com/
Yay! Making the starting date for the hike would have put too much pressure in my already stressed-to-the-limit life. And it would not have brought me the simplicity I crave. As I have learned, thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is an athletic event where participants challenge themselves to complete the hike within the allotted weather window, more of an obstacle race than the transcendental walk I had envisioned!
So, where does this leave me? When I figure that out, I’ll let you know.
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Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, “an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.” Connect with Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.
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December 6, 2014 at 8:12 pm
I guess congratulations are in order.
December 7, 2014 at 8:21 am
I am glad that you were not disappointed! Maybe in the future it will work for you and you will be accepted.
December 9, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Thank you, Paula. Actually, if I ever want to do it, I can just do it. I’ve walked small parts of the trail, and can go further if I want. I’ve also met some experienced hikers who can help me with equipment and such, so I don’t really need this program. It was more a way of leaving it up to the fates, and apparently the fates have wisely decided I’m not ready for such a feat.