[pct-l] Newbie to PCT

[Pea Hicks]

Jim Foster wrote:
> I am an experienced backpacker who thru-hiked the AT in 2007.
> However, I am pretty clueless about the PCT.  I am planning to start
> sectioning the PCT beginning in the spring of '09.  I'd appreciate
> any insights on the following subjects:  (1) Where in CA would you
> recommend that I do my initial two to three week section?  (2) When
> should I start in the spring?  (3) What are some differences between
> the AT and PCT that I should bear in mind while preparing?

i haven't hiked the AT, so i can't compare. but if you want to come out 
for a 2-3 week section in *early* spring, you might want to hike from 
agua dulce to kennedy meadows. seems to me that this is the only 
contiguous 2-3 week segment that will be snow-free at that time of year. 
otherwise if you start around the time of the kickoff (end of april), 
you could do campo to big bear, or more or less any other socal section. 
you'll have some snow to deal with in the higher ranges, but most years 
it's manageable by most folks. in the spring, there's more or less no 
options for a contiguous 2-3 week hike anywhere north of kennedy 
meadows, unless you're up for some serious winter mountaineering / snow 
navigation.

oh, and i suppose i'll put in the inevitable plug for yogi's guide:

http://pcthandbook.com/


cheers-
girlscout