Leadership Lessons and the Pacific Crest Trail

When I received the invitation, I thought, “This will be the most unique Leadership Development Retreat ever!”  The opportunity involved joining 5 other ministers on a 5-day, 65-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) while packing needed gear and supplies on our backs.  My companions would bring the devotions each morning and I would teach on leadership each evening.  Through the course of the day there would be opportunities for stories and conversations as we made our way up the PCT.

I could not resist accepting the invite.

The PCT is an interesting and challenging classroom.  It spans some 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington.  Hikers experience desert expanses, glaciated stretches of the Sierra Nevada, deep forests, and the volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range.  We hiked a beautiful section in central Oregon that included lush woods, secluded lakes, high desert, lava fields, and commanding vistas.  We were continually awed by the beauty and diversity of God’s majestic creation.

Every year, hundreds of thru-hikers tackle the PCT, usually travelling south to north, attempting to complete the journey in about 5 months.  The thru-hikers we saw had already been on the trail 3-4 months.  They were tanned and toned, travelling fast and light. 

We were section-hikers.  With 6 months notice, I had plenty of time to prepare.  I gathered the right gear and trained carrying a 35-pound pack on 10-mile hikes.  Unfortunately, that didn’t prepare me to carry a 32-pound pack for 17.5 miles on one day, with sore feet, while effectively climbing the Empire State Building and then the Eiffel Tower.  It’s one thing to hike on level ground at sea level.  It’s another to start at 4,500 feet and climb 2,400 feet in a few hours.  That was the day I learned lessons in proper preparation, foot maintenance, altitude effect, endurance, and humility.  Lessons in humility are easily learned when you are consistently lagging in the rear of a group for which you are supposed to teach leadership.  The leadership my companions modeled was far more effective than any leadership I taught.

The scenery was stimulating.  The conversations were thought provoking.  The obstacles were challenging.  The relationships were motivating.   The experience was priceless.

I learned much about leadership.  I learned more about my companions.  I learned most about myself.   It was an adventure I will always cherish.

I’d write more, but I need to soak my feet.