As I continue to read journals, and guidebooks it begins to sink in how real this hike really is. I am about two weeks away from flying out and still searching for solutions to a couple pieces of gear. Planning is not my strongest suit and it is especially evident in the where I am now. Every time I go through my gear I realize more and more things that would be nice to add. If weight were not an issue, I could easily take a seventy pound pack or even pull a wagon.
The family is slowly but surely accepting the fact that I am actually going to do this. I think by now they all have heard and realize I will be spending the summer in the backwoods. I just wish I could get out and on the trail sooner. The excitement is killing me. 2700 miles is a long way.
'Just Walk'
I am planning my daughter's and my hike right now and I can't barely contain my excitement. The unknown kills me... I don't want to be lost, I'm worried about snow, worried about running out of food, worried about costs... etc etc. Do you have any advice?
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you get the opportunity to hike the PCT. I would do it every year if I had the chance. To begin with, the unknown was one of the most enticing things for me on the trail. I literally decided to hike the entire trail less than a month from when my plane left, so there was little time for me to worry, just time to figure out what I would need. A good rule of thumb is that if you have a good support system (family or friend) that can mail you things or you can mail things to along the way, then you can adjust to just about every trail condition. I am sure you have done quite a bit of research and looking, so I will just tell you a few things I learned along the way; but I would love to answer any questions you have. First off, a jetboil stove served me very well, I didnt get it until I was 1000 miles in, but it was well worth it once I switched from the alcohol stove. Change your socks mid day every day. My feet got pretty beat up when I would go hours without changing socks. Once I changed them I would just air the other ones out on the back of my pack. Especiallly in the dessert you do not need much in the way of clothes. No matter what you will smell, so it is best to just cut weight here. Finally, good maps are very beneficial, halfmile is what I used and I did not have a gps and made it fine. The trail is very well marked with the exception of when there is tons of snow on it. In this case just follow the maps.
DeleteI am happy to help with any questions (jgar15@comcast.net)