[pct-l] Late May for a [58 year] ole man
Rachel M
roleigh at gmail.com
Fri Feb 10 07:48:50 CST 2012
Hi Mark and Cooper,
I'm a 57 (58 in mid-May) woman planning a solo thru hike this year. Glad to hear there are other older hikers out there!
Since I just recently decided to do the PCT, I've been reading this msg board with interest. I'd read Jardine's book on hiking the PCT some time ago, and I agree that his schedules are worth studying.
I'm planning to start off at 15 miles/ day and work up to 20, more if necessary to stay on schedule. Given my older bod, I think that will mean hiking more hours each day than younger hikers. Just have to see how it plays out.
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 9, 2012, at 12:38 PM, Mark Nienstaedt <mark.nienstaedt at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Cooper,
>
> I successfully thru hiked the PCT in this past heavy snow challenged 2011
> hiking year. I'm turning 58 years old this year and so I am your
> contemporary. I venture to say that I am one of the few older hikers to
> successfully thru hike the PCT in 2011 and one of the first of them to
> reach Canada. You are concerned with a mid to late May start. Ray Jardine
> may be old school but his book on how to hike the PCT is still relevant. I
> consulted his book's appendices for guidance on successful thru hike
> itineraries. I choose his 4 and 1/2 month schedule and started as he
> proposed on May 7th. This past year's heavy snow notwithstanding, it took
> me only a week longer than Mr. Jardine proposed to reach Canada and I
> finished on October 26th in 143 days. That was a 20 miles/day
> average despite 11 zeros which I took mainly in the High Sierra and often
> simply to wait for snow to melt.
>
> Scott Williamson and others have already noted that hiking conditions for
> 2012 seem to be headed from heavy 2011 snows to the opposite extreme. This
> apparently will be a "dry" year on the PCT. I question whether you can
> start in mid to late May, walk 12 miles/day for ten days, up your mileage
> to 15 miles/day for the rest of the hiking season, and hope to complete a
> 2012 calendar year thru hike. You mentioned being comfortable with a 35
> lb. backpack. I started with a 19 lb. base weight (heavy by the younger
> hiker's standards), and don't think I ever carried 35 lbs. If I head out
> on trail again soon, I will try to trim at least five more pounds from my
> base weight. I don't think it will be hard. Lots of stuff is non
> essential comfort gear that is dispensible.
>
> I think your age, nearly the same as mine, is by no means a limiting
> factor. My thru hike career is not over. I've sent you some stuff outside
> of this list service which I hope will be helpful.
>
> Good Luck.
>
> Buffalo Jump Sly! AT '02, PCT '11, & etc.
>
> On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 12:00 PM, <pct-l-request at backcountry.net> wrote:
>
>> Send Pct-L mailing list submissions to
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>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of Pct-L digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. women's convertable hiking pants (Mary Davison)
>> 2. Biolite Campstove? (J M)
>> 3. Re: Handshakes (Michael S)
>> 4. backcountry hygiene (Jeffrey Olson)
>> 5. Tyvek pack cover (Joe Bastian)
>> 6. Switchback's New Hiking Strategy (Greg Hummel)
>> 7. Re: Switchback's New Hiking Strategy (Yoshihiro Murakami)
>> 8. Re: Trail Maintenance (Katie Muilenburg)
>> 9. shoe shopping question (Amanda Schaffer)
>> 10. Late May for an ole man (Webmail dcooper)
>> 11. Re: Late May for an ole man (karl jorgensen)
>> 12. Re: shoe shopping question (Jim & Jane Moody)
>> 13. Re: shoe shopping question (Jackie McDonnell)
>> 14. Re: Late May for an ole man (Jim & Jane Moody)
>> 15. Re: shoe shopping question (gschenk1 at roadrunner.com)
>> 16. Re: Late May for an ole man (Scott Williams)
>> 17. trailhead break-ins (shon mcganty)
>> 18. Re: trailhead break-ins (ecpg at peoplepc.com)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 20:07:34 -0800
>> From: Mary Davison <pastormaryd at msn.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] women's convertable hiking pants
>> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID: <SNT125-DS1310F9CAF16242F98A97A2AD750 at phx.gbl>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> My suggestion is to buy small men's convertible hiking pants. I am 5'3&1/2"
>> and have found the men's smalls work well with a 1" hem which works even
>> with the side zipper on the legs. The men's usually have better pockets.
>> The
>> women's cargo pocket is usually too small for the maps I like to carry
>> there. Occassionally REI has women's models with decent pockets. Some
>> hikers
>> don't like pockets. I do.
>>
>>
>>
>> Medicare Pastor
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:09:05 -0800 (PST)
>> From: J M <evilempress2003 at yahoo.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Biolite Campstove?
>> To: PCT <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID:
>> <1328641745.17662.YahooMailNeo at web111510.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>
>> Biolite Camp Stoves - Stove and charging system - Does anyone know any
>> more about these than what is on their website?
>>
>> http://biolitestove.com/BioLite.html?
>>
>>
>> Cheers
>> ?
>> "Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning."?
>> www.explorationmonkey.blogspot.com
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:09:46 -0800
>> From: Michael S <michaels at skepticalraptor.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Handshakes
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <83397418-1FA4-40BC-9822-C38E11B0FBB8 at skepticalraptor.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>>
>> A lot of physicians and nurses in a hospital setting use the time honored
>> fist bump. Most healthcare workers are OCD about handwashing, while most
>> patients are, as you say, sketchy.
>>
>> However, I'm going to have to say that being on the trail for weeks on
>> end, passing of bacteria or viruses is not going to be much of an issue,
>> because you'll touch your clothing (especially since you're just bringing
>> one set to go light), your own skin, rocks, dirt, water, etc. Seriously, I
>> wouldn't worry about it.
>>
>>
>> Michael
>> michaels at skepticalraptor.com
>> http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php
>>
>>
>>
>> On Feb 7, 2012, at 10:00 :04PST, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>>
>> Message: 15
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:22:46 +0900
>> From: Eric Martinot <eric at martinot.info>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Top Ten Discovered Gear/Practices
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <221904A4-2F10-41F6-94B6-54B513BFCE3E at martinot.info>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>>
>> The following is my personal "top ten" list of gear and practices that
>> were learned/discovered over time during long-distance trekking. Most
>> will be obvious to readers, and are not intended as recommendations,
>> HYOH as everyone says, and also learn your own lessons (LYOL), but I
>> thought anyway to simply share my personal discoveries. Everyone has
>> favorite brands of gear, clothes, etc. and debates their merits and
>> weight, but I thought to write "beyond brands." (And besides the
>> often-seen tent vs. tarp, sleep-system, and clothing-type
>> discussions.) Anyone want to give their own?
>>
>> 1. Trekking poles. Started section hiking for a few years without
>> them, then started using them and they made such a huge difference.
>> Reduces wear on the knees going downhill, use to push yourself along
>> when really tired at day's end, frees up the feet to merely push ahead
>> and not be involved in balance and lateral stability, but mostly
>> promotes mind/body/spirit balance with the rhythm and arm involvement.
>> Poles become a part of my body; when I broke a pole once slipping on
>> wet rocks it was like breaking my arm.
>>
>> 2. Headlamp with mid-beam for night hiking. Started using a Petzl
>> basic lamp for in-camp use and emergencies, but the on-off switch was
>> junk, unreliable and intermittent (probably fixed by now, that was 15
>> years ago). So upgraded to a Princeton Tec EOS and that was one of
>> the best things I ever did. The EOS has a normal beam good for
>> 75-100 hours, but also a mid-beam good for 10 hours and a high-beam
>> good for 1 hour. Never use the 1-hour high beam, but the 10-hour mid-
>> beam is perfect for night hiking, much better than a normal 100-hour
>> LED beam, and I started night hiking and found I really enjoyed it,
>> sometimes hiking all night long, but mostly for 2-3 hours before
>> sunrise to avoid the daytime sun/heat. Not promoting the EOS
>> specifically, just the quality of that type of beam.
>>
>> 3. Good pair of polarized sun glasses. Started by using a cheap pair,
>> thought naively all sunglasses were the same. A good pair of
>> polarized sun glasses was the best $80 I ever spent. Made a huge
>> difference in being out in the sun all day on sections with no shade
>> -- no more headaches or mental feeling of "sun saturation."
>>
>> 4. Double-wrapping boot laces for downhills. When wearing high-top
>> boots (yes, I know, no thru's do that anymore), the best lesson I ever
>> got from a fellow hiker was how to double-wrap laces on the top
>> eyelets to make the top of the boot more secure against the ankle for
>> long multi-hour downhills, to reduce pressure on the front of the
>> foot. Too snug for normal walking, but for long downhills, my feet
>> never hurt after that.
>>
>> 5. Only one set of clothes. Started hiking with multiple changes of
>> clothes, even street clothes (jeans) for the end, that was back when
>> pack weight was 50 lbs! Over time, learned ultra-light, which is now
>> a given for everyone reading this of course, but was a good lesson for
>> me how only one set of clothes, layered such that everything could be
>> worn simultaneously, is sufficient. I do carry two pairs of socks
>> and undershorts, wash one set every day and dry on the back of the
>> pack. Nothing new here, but still on my list.
>>
>> 6. "Zen scan" before departing rest stops or campsites. After leaving
>> a few things behind at rest stops or campsites from hurried
>> departures, including socks drying on rocks, learned the "zen scan" of
>> an area before hiking off -- a meditative deliberate pause to stand
>> still and scan the whole area, absorbing what it looks like without me
>> or my things. Of course, most thus's have a routine that becomes
>> mechanical in precision such that anything not packed is immediately
>> known, but still, the scan gives me peace of mind, if nothing else, so
>> I don't have to dwell on whether I left something.
>>
>> 7. One titanium 900 ml pot, one lexan spoon. That's my kitchen and I
>> love the simplicity, no extras, just eat what can be cooked and eaten
>> with one small pot and one spoon. Helps that I'm gluten intolerant so
>> can't eat pasta anyway.
>>
>> 8. Pump water filter. Lots of water treatment methods discussed,
>> don't like the chemicals of tablets in my body, tastes awful, takes
>> too long. Don't want to risk illness, so filter everything, no
>> exceptions, never got sick.
>>
>> 9. Powered miso soup. Really hits the spot after long day for someone
>> who doesn't drink tea or coffee or hot chocolate, takes a second to
>> make before main course.
>>
>> 10. "Wet ones" anti-bacterial wipes with t.p. The resealable travel
>> pack size, 15 to a pack, use two per day, one for the bottom and one
>> for the hands. Used to get painful bottom rashes and sores, but when
>> I started using these, no more problems, really made a big
>> difference. Three zip-locs refreshed after each section, one for the
>> unused t.p., one for the used wipes and t.p. (LNT), and one to contain
>> the other two plus the travel pack of wipes. Also helped switching to
>> boxer style hiking briefs from normal style hiking briefs.
>>
>> (11. No handshakes. Trail hygiene can be sketchy, so to avoid
>> spreading anything one way or another, will bow or wave but not shake
>> hands. Main problem is always what to say to people to avoid seeming
>> rude to an outstretched hand.)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:16:33 -0700
>> From: Jeffrey Olson <jolson at olc.edu>
>> Subject: [pct-l] backcountry hygiene
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <4F317891.2080807 at olc.edu>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> A doctor friend said that it is important that children play in the dirt
>> because they take in microbes that their immune system has to respond
>> to. This response strengthens the immune system and is a kind of
>> vaccination against many different things that make us sick - or so I
>> understood him. He laughed at the modern suburbanites need to protect
>> his or her child from dirt. This only sets them up for colds, etc.,
>> later in life.
>>
>> While I don't go so far as to "eat dirt" when hiking, I certainly don't
>> worry about being dirty. Sweaty - yes - that's sometimes uncomfortable
>> when sleeping. I certainly have not been acosted by hikers wanting to
>> shake my hand. A casual "Hey," a raising of the eyebrows, and openness
>> to whatever the other wants to say is good enough... Hygiene is like
>> driving, it is others that I watch out for.
>>
>> Jeffrey Olson
>> Martin, SD
>>
>> On 2/7/2012 12:09 PM, Michael S wrote:
>>> A lot of physicians and nurses in a hospital setting use the time
>> honored fist bump. Most healthcare workers are OCD about handwashing,
>> while most patients are, as you say, sketchy.
>>>
>>> However, I'm going to have to say that being on the trail for weeks on
>> end, passing of bacteria or viruses is not going to be much of an issue,
>> because you'll touch your clothing (especially since you're just bringing
>> one set to go light), your own skin, rocks, dirt, water, etc. Seriously, I
>> wouldn't worry about it.
>>>
>>>
>>> Michael
>>> michaels at skepticalraptor.com
>>> http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php
>>>
>>> 2
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:07:17 -0800 (PST)
>> From: Joe Bastian <joebastian1 at yahoo.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Tyvek pack cover
>> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID:
>> <1328656037.11207.YahooMailNeo at web111301.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>
>> Anyone ever use their Tyvek ground sheet for a backpack rain cover? I've
>> always used trash compacter bags but was just curious.
>> ?
>> Thanks
>> ?
>> Joe
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 19:41:55 -0500 (EST)
>> From: Greg Hummel <bighummel at aol.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Switchback's New Hiking Strategy
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <8CEB411979862D1-CF0-5DF5 at webmail-d025.sysops.aol.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>>
>> I'm not sure whether the FS and NPS has approved of this for hiking
>> trails, but Switchback already bought one and is trying it out. Much better
>> than bringing chickens tied to a string behind. Now he can bring them in a
>> cage on the back of this;
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t2#/video/tech/2012/02/07/darpas-new-ls3-mule-bot.darpa
>>
>>
>> Greg Hummel
>>
>>
>>
>> ?Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks in the world?
>> ? Forest
>> Gump
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 7
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:21:26 +0900
>> From: Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Switchback's New Hiking Strategy
>> To: Greg Hummel <bighummel at aol.com>
>> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAMCqdRv=o8aQwThPhpDiEec3bnutWVgnPhJFB5xFQHmo_yfuGQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-2022-JP
>>
>> Dear Greg
>>
>> It is a very good idea.
>> But, I think Switchback will be more satisfied with a outdoor version
>> of this model:
>>
>> http://engt.co/yUgCjJ
>>
>> She is now working at the department store in Japan.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 2012/2/8 Greg Hummel <bighummel at aol.com>:
>>> I'm not sure whether the FS and NPS has approved of this for hiking
>> trails, but Switchback already bought one and is trying it out. Much better
>> than bringing chickens tied to a string behind. Now he can bring them in a
>> cage on the back of this;
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t2#/video/tech/2012/02/07/darpas-new-ls3-mule-bot.darpa
>>>
>>>
>>> Greg Hummel
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ?Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks in the world?
>>> ? Forest
>> Gump
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-L mailing list
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>>>
>>> List Archives:
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>>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sincerely
>> --------------- --------------------------------------
>> Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
>> facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
>> Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
>> Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
>> Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
>> JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
>> ------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 8
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 21:18:56 -0800
>> From: Katie Muilenburg <katiedm at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Trail Maintenance
>> To: 412.239 at gmail.com
>> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAO55ugAugKmhQUErmeSt4CyiEmAooMcp13zU34qZGdRfzijVcg at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> It's not SoCal, so would require an extra leg of travel before kicking off
>> your PCT hike, but Washington Trails Association has lots of trail
>> maintenance volunteer opportunities to sign up for. Some are on the PCT,
>> other projects are on various trails in Washington; all are beautiful.
>>
>> http://www.wta.org/volunteer/vacations/volunteer-vacation-ii/#Jump to the
>> Volunteer Vacation Schedule
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 9
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 07:20:44 -0800
>> From: Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CANL-pZ+5HqRSNyMpRc2zhL2eumF_xEKWUxu12MpbRKYnhHd5vQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Hi all,
>> I'm planning for a thru-hike and anxious to start testing some new shoes
>> (I've previously been doing longer trips in Asolo boots but have come to
>> realize they're way too heavy for serious mileage). I have some questions
>> about the recommendation to get shoes 1 1/2 sizes bigger than normal - how
>> can you tell that they'll fit well? Do you try on shoes at your current
>> size to see if they're comfortable, then buy them larger, or try on the
>> larger size? Do you wear extra socks the first day or two to keep your feet
>> from slipping and causing blisters?
>>
>> I always struggle with choosing shoes, so any tips are greatly appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Amanda
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 10
>> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 20:33:13 -0500
>> From: Webmail dcooper <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Late May for an ole man
>> To: pct-L at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAKLKbcf2av=HqafJFw058+VfAuTcLW_Tz8Msse7WDDARP=SOOQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> From: Webmail dcooper
>> Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
>> Subject: Late May for an ole man
>> To: pct-1 at backcountry.net
>>
>>
>> Im a former (what we used to call) long distance hiker; from 1980 thru 1985
>> we section hiked the full length of the Continental Divide from Mexico to
>> the Bering Strait (Russian border)...about 14,000 trail miles (if you want
>> to call that...). Man, has technology changed things. In place of hours of
>> hanging around the old Oregon Mountain Community store talking to fellow
>> backpackers and climbers, begging to help pack up crews headed out for
>> climbing expeditions throughout the world (learning how to do food
>> logistics, et al), I just sit on my 58yo ass with my iPad now and read how
>> it's done now. Petty cool.
>>
>> So here it is my fellow thru-hikers of the new age, I want to thru-hike the
>> PCT this year but can't start until after my Calculus final (taking
>> Calculus because smacking my nuts with a hammer got old...that and I am
>> redefining my career after selling my company). This means a start date of
>> mid to late May. I'm 58 and in decent hiking shape...10 miles a day with
>> 35 lb pack around Mt Hood trails is easy for me...BUT I need a good 2-3
>> week break in period prior to the Sierras. And for the first time in my
>> life, I will be doing this alone...at least that's the way it looks
>> now...it's not my preference and honestly I am a little skittish about it.
>> Yes, there are questions coming...
>>
>> 1. I'm assuming 60 mi in first 5 days, rest, another 60 mi in 5 days, rest,
>> and 15 mi a day after that. Assuming this and a late May start date, Is a
>> border start realistic assuming heat and water issues?
>> 2. If not a southern terminus start point, are there any suggestions on
>> time and location for a starting pont given the above parameters? I am not
>> against section hiking.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Cooper
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 11
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:08:24 -0700
>> From: karl jorgensen <twizstix at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Late May for an ole man
>> To: Webmail dcooper <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> Cc: pct-L at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAAYim0fiP-2kd94RvAREy=48+6G8A4WuAuJteuOk5rLu=tFUdQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Cooper
>>
>> I do not see that a mid to late May start is a problem at all if you are
>> willing to put in the miles. In 06 i did not start until May 8 and i
>> finished the trail on Sept 9. If you want to hike the whole trail then
>> that will be your "job" for 4 months. If you start hiking at 6am and hike
>> until 6 pm that is 12 hours. At an average of 2 miles per hour that is 24
>> miles, and that is very easy hiking. I hiked the trail and I through hiked
>> it in 06 and i turned 61 on the trail. It is very doable if that is your
>> goal. Good luck, and i may see you on the trail as I did not go last year
>> because of the snow. I am thinking of doing it this year, and i will not
>> start until May.
>>
>> jorgy 06
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 6:33 PM, Webmail dcooper <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>> From: Webmail dcooper
>>> Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
>>> Subject: Late May for an ole man
>>> To: pct-1 at backcountry.net
>>>
>>>
>>> Im a former (what we used to call) long distance hiker; from 1980 thru
>> 1985
>>> we section hiked the full length of the Continental Divide from Mexico to
>>> the Bering Strait (Russian border)...about 14,000 trail miles (if you
>> want
>>> to call that...). Man, has technology changed things. In place of hours
>> of
>>> hanging around the old Oregon Mountain Community store talking to fellow
>>> backpackers and climbers, begging to help pack up crews headed out for
>>> climbing expeditions throughout the world (learning how to do food
>>> logistics, et al), I just sit on my 58yo ass with my iPad now and read
>> how
>>> it's done now. Petty cool.
>>>
>>> So here it is my fellow thru-hikers of the new age, I want to thru-hike
>> the
>>> PCT this year but can't start until after my Calculus final (taking
>>> Calculus because smacking my nuts with a hammer got old...that and I am
>>> redefining my career after selling my company). This means a start date
>> of
>>> mid to late May. I'm 58 and in decent hiking shape...10 miles a day with
>>> 35 lb pack around Mt Hood trails is easy for me...BUT I need a good 2-3
>>> week break in period prior to the Sierras. And for the first time in my
>>> life, I will be doing this alone...at least that's the way it looks
>>> now...it's not my preference and honestly I am a little skittish about
>> it.
>>> Yes, there are questions coming...
>>>
>>> 1. I'm assuming 60 mi in first 5 days, rest, another 60 mi in 5 days,
>> rest,
>>> and 15 mi a day after that. Assuming this and a late May start date, Is a
>>> border start realistic assuming heat and water issues?
>>> 2. If not a southern terminus start point, are there any suggestions on
>>> time and location for a starting pont given the above parameters? I am
>> not
>>> against section hiking.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Cooper
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-L mailing list
>>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>>
>>> List Archives:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 12
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 14:31:26 +0000 (UTC)
>> From: Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
>> To: Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com>
>> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <
>> 1763088117.840379.1328711485028.JavaMail.root at sz0094a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net
>>>
>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>>
>>
>> Amanda,
>>
>> My suggestion is to first find a suitable shoe as to weight, toe box size,
>> air circulation (if you're starting nobo), tread, price, etc..? Buy one
>> pair at least one size larger than you normally would wear.? Wear those on
>> your training hikes a nd around town to see how they feel.? They probably
>> won't last much past 500 miles on the PCT, so the next pair you get can be
>> the same size or larger, based on how they feel after hiking a month or
>> so.?? ?
>>
>>
>>
>> You might have your home support person ready to buy and ship the next
>> pair on short notice. You might even buy a second pair before you leave,
>> with the understanding from the store that you can exchange for a larger
>> new pair with no hassle.
>>
>>
>>
>> As to socks, take an extra pair or two, so if? you feel like you need more
>> cushion, you'll have it at hand.? You didn't ask, but I'm going to suggest
>> wearing toe socks as your inner layer and a thin pair of longer socks over
>> those, to protect ankles, keep some sand and dirt out of your shoes, etc.?
>> I can't find toe socks that come up over the ankles, so I wear a second
>> pair of socks.? This combination of socks and large, roomy trail runners
>> have served my well on the PCT and on training hikes on the AT.? No
>> blisters, not even any hot spots.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good luck,
>>
>> Mango
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>>
>>
>> From: "Amanda Schaffer" <okapi.ams at gmail.com>
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 10:20:44 AM
>> Subject: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
>>
>> Hi all,
>> ??I'm planning for a thru-hike and anxious to start testing some new shoes
>> (I've previously been doing longer trips in Asolo boots but have come to
>> realize they're way too heavy for serious mileage). I have some questions
>> about the recommendation to get shoes 1 1/2 sizes bigger than normal - ?how
>> can you tell that they'll fit well? Do you try on shoes at your current
>> size to see if they're comfortable, then buy them larger, or try on the
>> larger size? Do you wear extra socks the first day or two to keep your feet
>> from slipping and causing blisters?
>>
>> I always struggle with choosing shoes, so any tips are greatly appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Amanda
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 13
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:39:10 -0600
>> From: Jackie McDonnell <yogihikes at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
>> To: Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com>
>> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <CACK6q3GShUgrUE7O54-_LW5exaZgkqhzyWkzUSDZ9cjnvusgdw at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Amanda -
>>
>> I recommend that women wear men's shoes when thru-hiking. Mango mentioned
>> the toe box in his reply. I've found that the toe box on men's shoes is
>> wider than on women's shoes. For me, this is a good thing. The larger toe
>> box prevents my toes from squishing together, which prevents those
>> oh-so-painful between-the-toes blisters. The toe socks are supposed to
>> prevent those blisters, but I find toe socks to be very uncomfortable.
>>
>> My regular shoe size is women's 10. For hiking, I wear men's size 10.
>> Yeah, they feel different when you try them on. In fact, they feel too
>> big. But they're just the right size for hiking.
>>
>> Yogi
>> www.pcthandbook.com
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 9:20 AM, Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> I'm planning for a thru-hike and anxious to start testing some new shoes
>>> (I've previously been doing longer trips in Asolo boots but have come to
>>> realize they're way too heavy for serious mileage). I have some questions
>>> about the recommendation to get shoes 1 1/2 sizes bigger than normal -
>> how
>>> can you tell that they'll fit well? Do you try on shoes at your current
>>> size to see if they're comfortable, then buy them larger, or try on the
>>> larger size? Do you wear extra socks the first day or two to keep your
>> feet
>>> from slipping and causing blisters?
>>>
>>> I always struggle with choosing shoes, so any tips are greatly
>> appreciated!
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Amanda
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-L mailing list
>>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>>
>>> List Archives:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 14
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 14:48:18 +0000 (UTC)
>> From: Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Late May for an ole man
>> To: Webmail dcooper <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> Cc: pct-L at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <
>> 40928419.841619.1328712498434.JavaMail.root at sz0094a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net
>>>
>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>>
>>
>> Just remember when you're on the trail, don't drink and derive.
>>
>>
>>
>> Mango
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>>
>>
>> From: "Webmail dcooper" <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> To: pct-L at backcountry.net
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 8:33:13 PM
>> Subject: [pct-l] Late May for an ole man
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> From: Webmail dcooper
>> Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012
>> Subject: Late May for an ole man
>> To: pct-1 at backcountry.net
>>
>>
>> Im a former (what we used to call) long distance hiker; from 1980 thru 1985
>> we section hiked the full length of the Continental Divide from Mexico to
>> the Bering Strait (Russian border)...about 14,000 trail miles (if you want
>> to call that...). Man, has technology changed things. In place of hours of
>> hanging around the old Oregon Mountain Community store talking to fellow
>> backpackers and climbers, begging to help pack up crews headed out for
>> climbing expeditions throughout the world (learning how to do food
>> logistics, et al), I just sit on my 58yo ass with my iPad now and read how
>> it's done now. ?Petty cool.
>>
>> So here it is my fellow thru-hikers of the new age, I want to thru-hike the
>> PCT this year but can't start until after my Calculus final (taking
>> Calculus because smacking my nuts with a hammer got old...that and I am
>> redefining my career after selling my company). ?This means a start date of
>> mid to late May. ?I'm 58 and in decent hiking shape...10 miles a day with
>> 35 lb pack around Mt Hood trails is easy for me...BUT I need a good 2-3
>> week break in period prior to the Sierras. And for the first time in my
>> life, I will be doing this alone...at least that's the way it looks
>> now...it's not my preference and honestly I am a little skittish about it.
>> Yes, there are questions coming...
>>
>> 1. I'm assuming 60 mi in first 5 days, rest, another 60 mi in 5 days, rest,
>> and 15 mi a day after that. Assuming this and a late May start date, Is a
>> border start realistic assuming heat and water issues?
>> 2. If not a southern terminus start point, are there any suggestions on
>> time and location for a starting pont given the above parameters? I am not
>> against section hiking.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Cooper
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
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>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 15
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 9:55:50 -0500
>> From: <gschenk1 at roadrunner.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <20120208145550.9YMIT.71824.root at hrndva-web20-z01>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>> Amanda,
>>
>> If your Asolo boots work for you, keep them, would be my advice. If it
>> ain't broke, don't fix it. I switched to a pair of Scarpa boots because
>> after a full day hiking, my feet still felt good in them. What works for
>> you is what matters. Whether it's sandals, trail runners or boots, all that
>> matters is how your feet feel at the end of the day.
>>
>> Gary
>>
>> ---- Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>> I'm planning for a thru-hike and anxious to start testing some new
>> shoes
>>> (I've previously been doing longer trips in Asolo boots but have come to
>>> realize they're way too heavy for serious mileage). I have some questions
>>> about the recommendation to get shoes 1 1/2 sizes bigger than normal -
>> how
>>> can you tell that they'll fit well? Do you try on shoes at your current
>>> size to see if they're comfortable, then buy them larger, or try on the
>>> larger size? Do you wear extra socks the first day or two to keep your
>> feet
>>> from slipping and causing blisters?
>>>
>>> I always struggle with choosing shoes, so any tips are greatly
>> appreciated!
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Amanda
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-L mailing list
>>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>>
>>> List Archives:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 16
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:03:13 -0800
>> From: Scott Williams <baidarker at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Late May for an ole man
>> To: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
>> Cc: pct-L at backcountry.net, Webmail dcooper <dcooper at bigsky.net>
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAGxcj12ws0HYWuuXPgq-uTiEqCcF+JX1kAyFM7CTSppij4i3cQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Mid to late May isn't too late, but it will be a lot hotter and there will
>> be fewer folks to hike with. Frankly the people are half the fun and
>> wonder. If sectioning isn't an issue, I'd recommend jumping to Agua Dulce
>> and hiking north from there. You'll get your legs in the Mojave (a month
>> or more earlier before the terrible heat) and the Tehachapis and then it's
>> off into the Sierra with some speed and strength.
>>
>> I had to miss a section of the deserts in 2010 in spring and actually
>> finished my hike at the Saufley's and with the beauty of the autumn desert
>> mountains, after jumping back down from Manning Park. Not a good place to
>> be in summer, but fall was gorgeous. That way, I stayed with the friends
>> I'd met all the way to Canada and had a bit of solitary time to myself at
>> the end of the summer.
>>
>> Just another option.
>>
>> Shroomer
>>
>> P.S. "Don't drink and Derive."?!?! Ya see the kind of people you may end
>> up hiking with!!!
>>
>> Have a wonderful summer.
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 17
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:53:07 -0800 (PST)
>> From: shon mcganty <smcganty at yahoo.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] trailhead break-ins
>> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID:
>> <1328723587.59492.YahooMailNeo at web112616.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>
>> I'm thinking about a hike this summer of the Tahoe Rim Trail, and while
>> researching were I can park a car, I found a trail journal of a guy who
>> said where he parked, but returned to find his car window smashed and clean
>> cloths taken.? Another reader posted a suggestion to leave the car doors
>> unlocked.
>> ?
>> At first that seams like an invitation for a thief to choose your car,
>> taking the radio, hot wire the engine or what ever.?
>> I was wondering what other opinions are out there in the hiking
>> community.? Thoughts?
>> ?
>> Or, does anyone live in the Truckee or Reno area, I could pay $$ to park
>> my car and take a bus to the trail.
>> ?
>> thanks.
>> ?
>> Shon
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 18
>> Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:58:33 -0800
>> From: <ecpg at peoplepc.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] trailhead break-ins
>> To: "shon mcganty" <smcganty at yahoo.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID: <14BB157DBF264AFD9E9977DEBDBF0EBB at userPC>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>> reply-type=original
>>
>> I can't remember the guys name but there is a storage place in Incline
>> Village where we left our car while we hiked the rim trail.
>>
>> It wasn't cheap but the car was safe. He even drove us up to the trailhead.
>>
>> Carolyn Eddy
>> "Sweet Goat Mama"
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
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>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>
>> End of Pct-L Digest, Vol 50, Issue 8
>> ************************************
>>
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