Seems like I'm reading all these comments and thinking - yeah, yeah, I agree, yup, same here. So when I make the point to pick out the line that gives me disaccord it is in the background of harmony.
But I must disagree w/ the conclusion that the only thing that matters is that one's soul is connected to the mts. My soul is not connected to the mts but to the Creator of the Mountains.
I won't argue that. I might suggest that perhaps soul conections are more like webs than chains and may be connected to both or that Mountains may also be a channel between the two. Of course, this is all one's personal belief and experience now.
To add something more specifically on topic, I think bushwhacking the ADK46 is a very cool idea, whether original or not. Personally, I follow the no-GPS "ruling" on my bushwhacks (which I have been on break from for a few years but am feeling the bug more and more again) but this is simply because I like the challenge of finding my way with map, compass, and some dead reckoning.
In terms of speed records (and I like to go fast too), I'm impressed with the physical stamina, strength, and mental fortitude it takes to break a speed record in the Whites or ADKs, but what I would find really compelling would be something like a three-year thru-hike without extended break or someone who, instead of doing the 46 or 48 unsupported as fast as possible, took 3 weeks.
Endurance tends to get my attention over speed.
Either way, I like reading about the ways people experience the mountains and enjoy the variety in their chosen paths.
I do find myself defending peakbagging to those who think it means you lack a certain love or connection to the mountains however. BS.
