[pct-l] Late May for a [58 year] ole man
Rachel M
roleigh at gmail.com
Fri Feb 10 07:55:21 CST 2012
Hi Mark and Cooper,
Oops, last msg got sent off before finishing.
Just one add to Cooper, I think your higher pack weight would definately slow you down, lightening up should help with adding daily mileage. Jardine's book has great tips on doing that, too.
See you on the trail!
Rachel
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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>>
>> 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
>>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
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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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>> 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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>> 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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