[pct-l] Bickering

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

The trail is so easy to follow that I don't think Halfmile's or  
anybody's maps are needed all the time. I think it's good to have  
maps in the High Sierra, maybe San Jacinto (seems easy to get  
confused there) and maybe the first section so you can get used to  
the trail.

Pretty much almost all the rest of the trail in my opinion can be  
done with just the WP guidebook descriptions and data book distances.  
I suppose if you are getting into the snow season as you near Canada  
it might be time for real maps again. That's just my opinion though.


On Jan 12, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Thanks Jeffrey for saying what needed to be said.  I am fairly new to
> this post (since August) and I actually find the bickering an
> entertaining way to break up my day, but not really any help for
> planning or decision making.  As far as maps go, I really am leaning
> toward just using the guidebook maps I have already purchased and be
> done with it.  I really will never know how the maps perform until I
> just pick one and use them for many miles, and then evaluate.  I may
> check out some of the free options (Halfmiles??) just to have a backup
> and another source, but I haven't decided that carrying extra maps
> would be worth it or necessary.  I mean really...who wants to know
> EVERYTHING about hiking trail before you get there?  Where's the
> adventure in that?  I don't necessarily want to know exactly what
> elevation gain I will encounter in the next several miles ahead.  I
> want to enjoy the moment, not always planning or worrying about the
> future.  There's a certain level of knowledge needed just to be safe
> but beyond that...just let it unfold and enjoy the surprises.  That's
> how I plan to hike.