Lovely words, Phil.
I don't really want to make this about me, but I've watched all the SCH's videos, as I can relate to them so much. That was the reason I read the article in the first place. I wasn't sure if anyone else was interested in SCH, but since the article mentioned Darwin and Dixie, I thought I share it anyway.
10 years ago I was around 400lb and been working my way down ever since. In the article he said he watched all the thru-hiking videos and read up on hiking gear, and that's been me for the last couple of years since I started hiking again. Why I returned to hiking? I thought, what is something that is 'impressive' (to myself), but doable considering my age, weight & fitness. I can't run, I don't cycle or swim, but I can walk. I don't walk fast, but I can walk long. Not to mention other benefits, getting out of the urban environment, getting away from noise and other people, seeing beautiful landscapes, absorbing vitamin D, lowering stress and at the same time getting fit.
We first started going on day walks and then graduated to supported overnighters, then unsupported overnighters. I still do more watching videos and reading up on gear, than do actual hiking, so I refer myself to as a sofa hiker. After watching the same videos as SCH, I too wanted to hike the PCT when I'm 50 in couple of years. Not sure if that's going to happen (money, logistics, etc), I started looking at UK trails now that we're back here and eventually chose SWCP, as we'll be living there next year and it's logistically easy but also a long trail. I thought if I can walk 650mi, I can walk most others.
I've had all the other gear for solo overnighters, except for a decent tent. Luckily that's been now remedied, as I just paid the customs duty for the X-mid and it should be here next week. Then I can take off anytime...