[pct-l] Snow in May, and Preparation / weather from the trail / Entitlement??

[Bob Bankhead]

OK, I'll say directly what has been more polietly referred to here by many. If it offends you, too bad; I could not care less. The life you save may be your own - or that of some poor SAR person.

1. A through-hike is NOT the place to take "Backpacking 101". Yes, total novices have defied all the odds and completed the trail, but their numbers are minisqule relative to the total number who start each year. Don't let your elephant ego overload your canary rectum.

2. Help yourself first. Do your _ _ _ _  homework BEFORE asking questions on this and/or other outdoor forums. That includes reading past threads so you can at least get an idea of what to expect, what printed resources are available to purchase and read, and where to find trail journals of current or prior hikers. Use the forum SEARCH functions. Read them.  Yes, it takes a lot of time, but you'll learn SO MUCH more than you initially desired. If you still can't find the exact answers you seek, then ask specific questions. There are a lot of Trail Angels and experienced hikers here who will gladly help you.

3. BE ACCOUNTABLE. Pretend water caches and Trail Angels don't exist. In reality, they are not guarenteed and may not be there. Think of them purely as emergency back-ups, not as entitlements or folks who exist solely to rescue your butt because you got careless, stupid, tired, or the weather turned on you and you weren't prepared. Plan your hike accordingly. 

4. BE FLEXIBLE. A through-hike is a life-changing experience. Let it teach you about research, preparation, logistics, planning, and self-confidence; skills you will use the rest of your life. Military academies teach that no battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy. The same is true of your through-hiker plans.  You will need to make changes. the Trail Gods WILL extract a price from you, no matter how well you prepare. 

5. Get in shape BEFORE you start your through-hike. That can mean MONTHS of conditioning and shake-down treks. Just because you blazed through the AT when you were 18 does not mean you can do the PCT like that at 48.

6. Never doubt your ability to complete the hike; just accept that it might not be this year. Listen to your body and the little voice inside. Know when to quit and be willing to do so. If you get that "Oh-oh" feeling and conditions get too dicey for your comfort, be willing to stop or find another route around the obstacle. Just because others go on with apparent confidence does not mean you can too. An experienced mountaineer can easily go places I'd never dream of attempting. Following them could be fatal for me. Mount St. Helens not withstanding, the trail will still be there next year and you can try again from where you left off.

The sea (like high voltage electricity) is not inherently dangerous, but it is totally and completely unforgiving of the slightest mistake on your part. The same can be said for the trail.


Wandering Bob