[pct-l] Thoughts for your upcoming thru-hike

[mikepinkus at hotmail.com]

Words of wisdom. Thank you.

Cheers,
Mike
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Bruce \"Buck\" Nelson" <buck at bucktrack.com>
Sender: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:00:06 
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Reply-To: "Bruce \"Buck\" Nelson" <buck at bucktrack.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Thoughts for your upcoming thru-hike

Here's a few random thoughts for those who will be hiking the PCT in 2011 or beyond.

Don't push too hard during the first days. It's human nature to want to prove to yourself and others that you can do the miles, or simply to want to put in the miles so you don't fall behind schedule. But even more important is to not injure yourself early on, as that can slow you down much more than an initially slow pace. Take care of your feet. Change socks, wash your feet, adjust your laces, get different footwear if you need to, reduce your mileage, whatever it takes. It's much easier and better to prevent injuries than to recover from them.

Consider your options carefully at marginal stream crossings. Pick the safest crossing which may or may not be where the trail crosses. Cross with stronger or more experienced hikers if necessary. Consider crossing early in the morning when the water is likely to be lower. Use your hiking poles or a stick(s.) Wear shoes/boots. Make sure your sleeping bag, at least, is in a waterproof stuff-sack or plastic bag. I usually have mine in a semi-waterproof stuff sack lined with a completely water-proof plastic bag. Consider what's below your crossing point and the consequences if you fall. All things being equal a straight stretch of water, wider spots, shallower water and slower water is better. However, slow spots may be too deep, so weigh all the factors together.

Cross the steepest snowy passes when the snow has softened enough that your feet can get a purchase. Don't wait so late in the day or you'll posthole too much. Avoid stepping near rocks and logs as the snow is likely to have melted out around them, even if you can't see it. Stepping into these "wells" can result in a nasty fall.

It should all work out as long as you keep going. There will be times where you'll feel overwhelmed, it happens to almost everyone on a thru-hike. The snow will seem too deep for too long, Canada will seem too far away. But keep in mind that "this too, shall pass."

Try to finish by the end of September. Yes, some people successfully finish in October, but the later you get in the season the more rain and snow you're likely to get, until you reach the point where finishing becomes less and less likely or enjoyable.

In many years for many people Washington is a whole different game from CA and OR, with cold rain being common, especially later in the season. Adjust your gear and tactics accordingly. In Washington mice were a significant problem at several campsites for me, the most aggressive mice I've seen. I started avoiding the most-used campsites.

Remember, if you think you can finish the trail, or think you can't, you're probably right. Attitude makes all the difference. Looking back, you are likely to be most proud of the hardest times you experienced.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"
                                                                                         Ralph Waldo Emerson

Best of luck, and enjoy,

Colter

Pacific Crest Trail 2010
Alone Across Alaska: 1,000 Miles of Wilderness
www.bucktrack.com



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