[pct-l] Subject: Re: Thru-Hike, Explorer Style

[linsey]

Dear Eric,

As a mostly blackballed member of the PCT community, I don't mind telling you that your replies from this list are much too civil.   Your plan is stupid and you seem like an inflexible time suck.  A proper distance hike diet should be heavy on complex carbs, not meat.  The most elite distance hikers eat beans every day.  You might have a chance if the trail were covered in ripe huckleberries, but it's not.

Before you impose too many rule and regulations for your hike, you need to read Ray Jardine's "TrailLife" and/or "Beyond Backpacking" and/or "The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook".  My advice is to learn now from the countless mistakes of others that are well documented, rather than go out there with myriad ill-advised notions guaranteed to make every thru hikers eye's roll.

Remember that any time spent on the PCT is amazing regardless if you've achieved your goal or not.  Why not focus your energies developing good distance hiker style which will increase your chance of success.


Sincerely, Lollygag
PS  Our public library has Jardine's books for check out.  Don't miss the chapter on Hiking Enjoyment (which is a learned skill).



__________________________ ______ From: "eric at ericwichman.com" <eric at ericwichman.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net Sent: Sunday, November 4, 2012 12:35 PM Hi all, Thanks for all the variety of responses I am getting. As I  
thought there are varying opinions as to whether it is possible and  
opinions on the legalities as well. One thing that keeps coming up is the legal issue of hunting for food.  
One can forage for certain fruits, veggies, berries, etc, but when it  
comes to hunting, it seems some people are misunderstanding or  
forgetting the law. The PCT runs through 22+ National Forests and Wilderness areas. It is  
LEGAL to hunt in these areas with proper licensing from the state.  
Certain animals (wild feral pigs) are legal to take year round. While  
the wild pigs are good food, and one could probably survive on pork  
for 4-6 months, it would make for a pretty boring menu. Hunting seasons vary from area to area and the logistics of planning  
an unsupplied "survival" type thruhike like this would be daunting to  
say the least. Not to mention, how does one hunt without a firearm?  
(since firearms are illegal in the National Parks) There are a few options. Not sure if a spear is legal. One could use a  
bow (seasonal), a sling-shot, a sling, or even a large  
hunting/survival knife. Not sure about trapping. I'm still researching the laws and the hunting seasons, and which  
animals are legal to take, but it does seem possible legally IF one  
can map out which game animals can be taken, where, and in which  
sections of the trail. Again, logistically, this is very complicated. Sure! It's easier to mail yourself food, and a lot less hassle, but  
who knows, maybe this Explorer style hunt is possible after all. ~Eric