[pct-l] 2014 or 2015

[Gary Minetti]

Karen,

A couple of thoughts from a guy who turned 59 on the PCT in 2012.

1.  If time and opportunity are on your side then go for it now.  Go for the journey, whether you make it to Canada or not.

2. If you are concerned about snow, then it is way too early in the year to count on a light snowpack in CA.  And, a light snowpack in CA may not translate further north as I found out in Oregon in July, 2012.  March is too early to start your journey.

3.  Consider waiting to start (from the point you mentioned 350 miles N of the Border) until sometime in Mid May - perhaps even a bit later if you would really like to avoid significant snow.  That will give you 4 months to focus on your gear, your re-suppply logistics and your conditioning.

4.  Start walking with a pack a minimum of 3x a week.  Slowly build the miles and the weight in the pack.  In 4 months, you will have established a solid foundation.

If you have the chance, get out on the trail this year.   There are no guarantees about next year.

Stay well and enjoy yourself.

Gman
Class of 2012
   




On Jan 14, 2014, at 12:36 PM, Karen Keller wrote:

> I am 60 and overweight, in excellent health but very out of shape now. I
> hiked about 350 miles three years ago and, now, I want to keep going all
> the way to Canada, or as far as my legs will take me in five months. I HATE
> snow reeeeally HATE it. (Fuller Ridge was a nightmare for me) Do I use the
> next two months to train like crazy maybe drop 15-20 lbs of the 50 that
> need to come off and leave for Canada in late March to take advantage of
> this low snow year. OR do I stay home to train for another year, drop all
> the extra weight to be better prepared physically, and take my chances with
> snow in 2015. For me the snow was a deal breaker in 2011. I have taken
> Ned's class and I would survive, I think, but I will not hike into snow by
> choice. Advice? Opinions? I do not want to be foolish or impetuious, but I
> do not want to let an opportunity that may not come again, pass me by
> either.
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