[pct-l] Intro. post, 2nd ADZPCTKO, and PCTA Annual Meeting

[Kate99ld@aol.com]

This is my introductory post - I have been reading and learning for the past 
several months.  I've committed to a 2000 thru-hike and am busy 
training/planning/dreaming/worrying/being excited, etc.!  It was great 
meeting many of you at the ALDHA-West gathering last October, lots of good 
energy and ideas shared in that beautiful location.  Thanks to all who made 
it happen!  

In prep. for my hike, I've been re-reading Jardine's "PCT Hiker's Handbook" 
and know to take it with a grain of salt, as it were.  Tentatively I plan on 
about a 5 - 5 1/2 month itinerary (depending on this winter & next) and will 
be at the 2nd ADZPCTKO party.  What a great idea that is!  Will be great to 
meet other hikers and share the enthusiasm.  One specific area I'd love 
feedback on is with BOOTS.  I took Henry Shires advice and acquired a pair of 
New Balance trail shoes for the major part of the hike and am training with 
them to get my ankles strengthened.  However, for the Sierras, plan to 
acquire lightweight boots (with -per Jardine: "good toe bumper for kicking 
steps, sturdy edges, etc." ).  I'm looking strongly at the LaSportiva Storm 
GTX (3# 3 oz. in my size- about the lightest real boot I can find).  One 
caveat - I have long, narrow feet so have to buy a man's boot.  Another 
reason to go light - for my weight - those can get pretty heavy.  Any one 
have any experience to offer?

PCTA Annual Meeting in Portland Jan. 22- I'll be there.  If you're there, 
also come introduce yourself.  I'll be assisting with PCT Store sales in 
afternoon.

And, to the organizers of ADZPCTKO - my husband, Paul, will be driving me to 
Campo to get started and he is available to assist (with ferrying hikers, 
with cooking/set-up, whatever).  He'll be there for the weekend so put him to 
work!

Thanks to everyone for the idea sharing on this list.

Laraine Kate Downer ("Uphill Wanderer")
Member board PCTA
Member Aldha-West
kate99ld@aol.com
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