[pct-l] (no subject)

[Bob Bankhead]

1. Since you say you're in very good shape, none whatsoever. The experience
will give your self-confidence a tremendous boost, no matter how far you do
or do not go.

2. Just be aware that - and be prepared for - sections E and F can get very
hot and dry that time of year with water sources greatly separated. Carry
enough collapsible Platypus/Camelback-style bladders to give you a total of
8 liters of capacity. You won't carry all 8 liters all the time, but you'll
have it when it's needed, or if you plan a dry camp or two along the way.  

HINT: one liter bladders are best. If one fails along the way for ANY
reason,, you won't lose large volumes of your precious water. They also take
up less space than full 2 and 3 liter bladders. Another hint: try a
hydration system (bladder, drinking tube, and bite valve) so you can drink
as needed while walking without fumbling for a water bottle. Use your 1
liter wide mouth bottle to collect and treat water as you hike, pouring it
into a bladder as soon as it's ready for use. Refill and repeat at each
water source. Bladders can be difficult to impossible to refill at shallow
water sources; fill them from your bottle. Note that there is nothing wrong
with treating water in a bladder as well, just remember which ones are ready
and which are not.

3. Depends on the weather and snow melt. Too early to say, but you should be
ok. If not, come back next year. The trail isn't going anywhere and you have
a long life ahead of you within which to finish. Besides, you have to come
back another year to get the sections you skipped south of Aqua Dulce
anyway.

You'll have a great time , meet a lot of great folks, and most important,
learn a whole lot about yourself and your abilities. Remember, no one, not
even you, knows how far you can fly until you spread your wings.



Wandering Bob