[pct-l] Coming from overseas + US visa regulations

[David Ellzey]

Gideon,

Most of the answer as to where is the best place to join depends on (1) how experienced and fast of a hiker you are, (2) what your goals for this hike are and (3) what type of experience you are looking for.

If you are a strong long distance hiker with a lot of experience, then you should be able to start mid-May at Campo and finish the whole PCT. With the average snowfall this year (it's been a while since we've had that much) you will reach the Sierras a week or two after "Ray Day", the theoretical earliest entry day in to the High Country. You will have had little to no snow in Southern California and will have less snow in the Sierras which should allow you to move faster. The trade off will be an increase likelihood of higher temperatures in the desert sections. Regardless, a strong motivated hiker should have no problems catching the middle of the herd by Lake Tahoe.

Otherwise if you are not that experienced/strong a hiker then you might what to consider picking up the trail in Big Bear City (around mile 250) like Steel Eye suggests so you at least get to start in some nice mountains and still have plenty of time to condition your body before entering the High Sierras.

Sorry I cannot comment on the VISA question, doesn't it depend on which country you are coming from?

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Gideon Scher
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 6:39 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Coming from overseas + US visa regulations

Hi there

I am coming into the US from overseas and hope to do as much of the PCT as
possible starting in the south. Two questions:

I hope to be able to start hiking mid-May. Where would the best place to
join the trail be?

Does anyone know how long I can stay in the US for before I renew my tourist
visa ? And if its less than the 5-6 months it takes to do the trail, what is
the best way to get a visa renewal?

Thanks,
G.
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