[pct-l] So, you're going on a hike...

[Peter Necarsulmer]

Deare Doug,
i
Never knew your trail name is Chipmunk.   That should be a good story since you've got to be at least 6’ 5” tall and I would guess 260 or so pounds.     

Your advice to those of us “going on a hike…" is very valuable and 100% real.  I encourage experienced hikers, and those who want to become experienced hikers, to soak up your insights and wisdom.   Please post more. 

Thanks,

Escargot
Peter Necarsulmer






> On Jan 28, 2015, at 11:26 AM, Douglas Tow <douglastow at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> For those who are going to section or thru the PCT, here are some things
> that I either did, or wished in retrospect that I had done, to increase the
> odds that you will meet your goal.
> 
> First, realize that there are some completely unprepared hikers who hike
> the entire trail, and that there are some veteran hikers who don't make
> their objective.  All in all, though, knowledge and preparation helps.  85%
> of trail drop-outs have nothing to do with their physical state.
> 
> 1.  Before you depart on your long-distance PCT hike, hike some hikes with
> the gear you think is suitable for your PCT trip.  My personal #1 advantage
> was doing a 6-day trail hike in the mountains.  It showed me that my shoes,
> rain gear, sleeping bag, water purification method, and food were wrong,
> and that my pack, tent, socks, and navigation aids were keepers.  It also
> gave me an idea of how far I was comfortable hiking each day, at least at
> first.
> 
> 2.  You will, at various times, be some combination of hot, cold, wet,
> filthy, hungry, thirsty, lonely, cranky, emotionally low, achy, blistered.
> You will seriously think that what you have done is crazy, or at least not
> worth the hassle.  If, however, you resolve to stay on the trail for 30
> days, you will a) be Ironman regardless of the shape you started in, b)
> have experienced the wonder of this community of friends and shared
> surroundings, and c) know that the world doesn't revolve around your hike,
> and that is a real feeling of freedom.
> 
> 3.  Most hikers start solo, but no one hikes along for the whole trail
> unless they choose to.  You will get to intimately know about 50 hikers,
> those who pass you and then you encounter later, and vice versa.  They will
> know you and care about you, and vice versa.  And not to worry, you won't
> get lost, and you'll get those rides into town that you're worried about.
> 
> 4.  Nothing can prepare you for the beauty, the wonder, the belonging.
> 
> Chipmunk
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