[pct-l] Grid, Graph, Spreadsheet in Preparation and During Hike

[Scott Bryce]

E A wrote:
> When preparing for the PCT did anyone write up a spreadsheet,

I created an HTML page with a table of resupply points, expected arrival
dates, distance to the next resupply and the number of days worth of
food I planned to carry from that resupply. The HTML page was created
using a CGI script that took various variables as input, in a manner
similar to Craig's PCT Planner. That way, at any point along the trail,
I could plug in updated information and create an updated general itinerary.

The primary purpose for the itinerary was to help my resupply person
know when to mail resupply packages. I also used it to determine how
much food to put in each resupply package. I carried a copy, along with
a list of resupply point addresses.

I aborted my hike early, so I can't tell you whether carrying either of
these was a good idea. I can tell you that when I ordered new shoes in
Warner Springs and had them sent to Idyllwild, I sent them to the
Idyllwild Inn rather than the PO, even though I had the address for the
PO on my list. IIRC, the shoe site would not ship to a general delivery
address.

> something of that sort which they mailed to themselves which told
> them how far they were expected to walk that day

The distance walked each day (except for day 1 when water and desire to
avoid contact with illegals dictated that I hike to Lake Morena) was
determined by my state of exhaustion and the diminishing daylight near
the end of the day. I had no day-to-day mileage plans, only a general
idea when I planned to be at the next resupply point. Even that was
subject to change at any time.

> or outlined the section as the major water points etc?

The Water Report and Yogi's guide were consulted. I made notations on
Yogi's guide about which water sources I planned to use. I did not plan
water sources beyond the next resupply point. The only reason I planned
that far in advance is so I didn't have to think about it while hiking.

I started the hike using just Yogi's guide to determine my water
strategy. I learned the value of the Water Report when I arrived at
Boulder Oaks campground and found that the water had been turned off.
Fortunately, I only had to backtrack 1/2 mile to get water.

> If so can someone forward me a copy of how they set this up so I can
> go about making something that I could use as a quick reference...

My itinerary is here:
http://scottbryce.com/pct/pct_resupply.html

The notations at the bottom are the data that were used, along with the
date I started at Campo, to generate the itinerary.

The form used to input the information is here:
http://scottbryce.com/pct/cgi-bin/pct_resupply.pl

The form is password protected so only myself and my resupply person can
update my itinerary.

> Or is this just a complete waste of time.

Having a general plan is important. Planning daily mileages is a waste
of time. Even your general plan will change during your hike.

A few years ago someone started a PCT through hike carrying a detailed
plan outlining miles hiked each day, water sources used along the entire
trail, and camping locations for each day. He won the most useless gear
contest at the Kickoff. He beat out a girl who was carrying an eyelash
curler.