[pct-l] This will be more than you're bargaining for.

[Sabrina Harrison]

Alexandra, hi! 

I'm new to backpacking as well, and have not yet hiked any part of the PCT. My plan is to section hike for a week next summer. Because of my kiddos, a thru hike isn't realistic for another 10 years or so, but the thought of it takes the bite out of an empty nest! Until then, one week a year should tide me over. 

I've been amazed by how friendly and helpful everyone is on this forum. I'm really hoping I will get to meet some of them because they are hilarious, and totally cool. 
I really enjoy reading back through old forum posts and I'm keeping careful notes about equipment recommendations. I recommend you do the same!

I will warn you though, some of the more experienced PCTers are threatening to hike only in Speedos. Good luck to you out there.

Cheers
Sabrina

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 18, 2016, at 6:28 PM, Kaercher, Alexandra <akaercher at liberty.edu> wrote:
> 
> I think that people who are avid backpackers get a little frustrated when newbies get excited (in my experience thus far) and don't know what they're doing but jump right in.
> 
> So please don't get upset with me, but I am a newbie, but I'm trying to prepare as best as I can before embarking on the journey I hope to take this summer.
> 
> My hope is to hike for a month (35 days allotted since I don't have experience with this) from June 5 to July 10, last stop being Portland (I know I'd have to hitchhike to get there) where I'll meet up with friends who are there. I live in Lynchburg, VA. I've never done this, I hope to cover 560 miles in the time that I'm on the PCT (eventually averaging 18 miles a day).
> I'm in the beginning planning stages so I'm researching gear, comparing reviews and costs as best as I can in my blank slate of hiking knowledge other than a handful of hikes I've done for sunrises and whatnot. I think I'll need a long distance permit, since I hope to go more than 500 miles. I can't quite determine where I should start yet (presumably 560 miles south from the last stop I'd make before getting a ride to Portland), but I don't know where that is.
> 
> Basically, I'm trying to do this in an educated manner as best as I can so as not to frustrate people who know about doing section thru-hikes and also to be wise, but I'm a little uninformed about a lot. So if anyone is willing to help me in a way I can understand, I would be very grateful. I've got about a month and a half to plan this. I know, that's not a lot of time. But hey, that's okay.
> 
> Anyway I have reached out to people I know directly, I just thought people actually doing the PCT would be a good place to seek out as well for advice and guidance.
> 
> 
> Thanks homies!
> 
> 
> Alexandra
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