Dude, it's all good. If you were here right now, I'd give you a beer or 3, and the tone of our conversation would be much different, probably much friendlier sounding. Just remember that kids, and people new to backpacking read this stuff. This is the best website for backpacking. (I'm in Florida now and some kids in the family were reading this website.) When people see things like that, they get it in their head that something is wrong with taking time to backpack. Backpacking is about the experience, period. It has nothing to do with the miles per hour, or day, or trip. I think it sucks that certain people have made the fast ultralight backpacking popular, because that stuff makes the hiking about them, and not about being there. I've spent close to 1500 nights, probably more, in the backcountry over the last 15 years. What I've noticed is that when I reminisce on past trips, I don't remember the hiking at all. I remember my times at camp. I remember the things I was standing still for.
I actually look at them taking 10 days to hike it as being super cool. (I didn't watch the video,, just going off your statement). In fact, I actually want to watch it now, because I'm thinking those guys are way cooler than everyone else. So FREAKING AWESOME that they took that long. How can someone insult them for that. Nature is magical. It's changed me. I would much rather go drink beer with those guys, and have fun, than hang out with someone who wants to make it a competition. I just know 100% of all those people are empty inside their soul.
How come wilderness is so cool you're willing to quit your job to hike, but it's so un cool if you take time to enjoy it?
Life is beautiful man. Why on earth anybody is ever critical of someone else enjoying it is something I can't fathom.
Happy Thanksgiving.