[pct-l] 2 parter: First time & Early Start

[Paul Mitchell]

Hi David

How early you can start depends on how fast you intend to hike, how many
days off you're going to take in Southern California, and then weather will
dictate whether those plans work out or not.  I and my partner will be
starting mid April, haven't picked a specific day yet.  Our reasoning for an
early start is this:

A) we'd like to start out slowly to avoid stress injuries
B) we'd like to have some flexibility with a few extra zero days down south
C) if it's shaping up to be a hot year we might be able to push through the
desert while it's still a bit cooler and avoid the worst of the heat.

The worst things that can happen as a result of starting early are
A) snow storms on Laguna roughly between mile 40 and 60 - these can come
fairly late in the season
B) snow on fuller ridge over Idyllwild
C) getting stuck at Kennedy Meadows for a week or two waiting for snow in
the Sierras to melt.
D) more rain down south - I'm not sure when the rainy season typically ends
down there.

If you start late there's really no option except to hike steady through
whatever weather comes.  If you're ok with the possibility of having to take
extra time off along the way (it's not a hard thing to do, lots of great
places to visit) then really you could start as early as you like.  Some
people start in March.

Have you tried Craig's PCT planner?  http://www.pctplanner.com/about.php

P178