[pct-l] Beginner experience level

[Swope Christopher]

Elizabeth,

When I started my hike in 2010, I had a grand total of 40 miles under my belt as a backpacker. In some ways, I think it helped me because I very little in the way of expectations. You hear about people getting off the trail because it's not what they expected all the time. 

In other ways it was a bit of a disadvantage. I hiked too fast at first and hurt my knee, is one example. Another is I used spending money on unnecessary comforts because I was insecure about all the time alone and in a strange environment. This didn't get me off trail but if I was on a shoestring budget it certainly would have. 

IMO finding a hiking partner over the Internet/email is largely a waste of time. You won't know if they have a compatible hiking style until you have one. 


Happy trails,
Swope



On Mar 4, 2013, at 4:03 PM, Elizabeth Clements <elizabethjoyclements at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello all,
> I have a couple questions for everyone.  I am a beginner backpacker
> (I've done day hikes and a few overnight trips).  How many beginners
> hike the pct?  Would anyone thru hiking this year consider themselves
> a beginner?  I'm still trying to decide if I should go this year as
> planned or wait till next year.  Also, I'm a solo, 27 year old female
> and hear it's best to have a partner starting at the Mexican border,
> are there others that would be interested in starting out for the
> first couple days with a partner around May 1-ish?  Thanks, Elizabeth
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