[pct-l] 2013- Hiking Partner(s) Wanted/Needed

Fri Nov 2 10:09:46 CDT 2012

Clare, I would add only this to the great advice you've already received.
I started the AT by myself in 2005 and within the first day I met several
people that I would hike with at various points (and finish with) all the
way to Katahdin.  I'm starting the PCT on my own in April and am confident
of only one thing - everyone will be watching out for each other and there
will always be someone to hike with if you want.  As a female, you will
unfortunately need to be more vigilant but other hikers will also be more
vigilant on your behalf.

Some of the PCT alums may want to chime in on this, but I strongly doubt
that there are as many sketchy individuals on the PCT as there are on the
AT every year.  In the South I encountered a lot of people who live on the
Trail every summer, floating up and down the trail to various towns and
parties.  Of course, the numbers are going to be different simply because
the total number of thru-hikers starting the PCT is about 1/10 of those
starting the AT.

Though you should be as ready as possible, don't feel you need to be an
expert when you set out.  You'll learn fast enough.  I don't want you to
infer (through the lens of anxiety) from Spider Legs' spot-on post that the
people you encounter will be judging or excluding you.  You'll be fine and
everyone you meet will have some anxiety about beginning such a trek.  I'll
be out there and hope to meet you at the kickoff!

3Cats, AT'05

On Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 2:11 AM, Gayle Webb <dgwebbaux at att.net> wrote:

> Clare:
>
> Here is my recommendation on the issue of hiking partners, for what it is
> worth:
>
> Start the PCT thru-hike by yourself.  It might not seem possible at first
> but you will not be alone on the trail. You will meet many very nice and
> supportive people on the PCT you can hike with if you can do the daily
> milage with them. It is really a process of natural selection. Do not
> expect anyone to hike with you if you are not physically in shape. But make
> sure you "hike your own hike" at a speed you can sustain. You simply will
> not get many hikers to join you at the start if you do not show some
> initial competence, skill and stamina.
>
> The best advice I can give to attract hiking companions is to carry base
> gear that is very light (10 lbs or less) and is appropriate.  Most will
> agree that lightweight packs decrease fatigue and increase daily milage as
> well as nurture a cheerful attitudude. Your food and water will add about
> 15 lbs on the first day of a six day hike and diminish each day. At 15 to
> 20 miles per day it should get you to the next town or resupply point. Wear
> high quality breathable hiking shoes (such as Brooks Cascadia). And read
> books like Ray Jardine's "Trail Life" or Ryan Jordan's "Lightweght
> Backpacking and Camping" on thru-hiking tips for clothes, lightweight gear
> for comfort, food to keep you well fed, drinking water safety for
> hydration, and awareness to keep you free from from injury.  They are more
> trail oriented than camp oriented authors.
>
> The long distance hiking skills you can get from these books, (and in many
> other PCT thru-hiker's books and blogs too) added to those you already
> have, will earn you respect and competent companionship on the
> trail.  Rarely a day goes by without a PCT hiker meeting another one. You
> do not have to hike together to enjoy them at campsites and towns along the
> way. If you are not a total jerk you will always feel "watched over" by
> other PCT hikers.  They may even give you a trail name - if so, treasure
> it. Experienced hikers you meet along the way will often provide the "trail
> magic" you won't forget. But your best companion should be the PCT. Enjoy
> the solitude and chance to find yourself instead searching for the
> ideal hiking partner from the start.
>
> Spider legs
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Clare Menard <claremenard at gmail.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Sent: Thursday, November 1, 2012 2:46 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] 2013- Hiking Partner(s) Wanted/Needed
>
> Hi all,
> My name is Clare and I'm currently trying to make my dream of doing the PCT
> a reality. However, despite the fact that many of my friends like the idea
> of joining me, none of them sound too serious. I don't want to be too
> pushy; it's a big decision. I also don't want to be alone on the trail. I'm
> fairly new to this forum, so I'm not sure if this thread has already begun,
> but I couldn't find anything in the archives about hiking partners. So I'd
> like to start the conversation! Are there folks out there looking for
> hiking partners or groups willing to take on an extra hiker?
>
> A bit about myself, so you know I'm a real person: I'm 24 and spent this
> past summer hiking and backpacking in Glacier and Mt Rainier NP. I'm
> looking for people who are open and good humored (as I'm guessing most
> people who decide to do the PCT are :) ). I like to hike alone as much as I
> like hiking with friends. Mainly I'm looking for a support system, where we
> can encourage each other and look out for one another. On the other hand,
> I'm also a strong believer in radical self-reliance. I'd like to start the
> PCT in mid or late April, but because of my job I'm pretty flexible.
>
> I'm also open to advice from past hikers who had to find partners: what do
> you recommend?
>
> Thanks!
> Clare
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