RE: [pct-l] A PCT Calling

[Ronald Moak <ronm@fallingwater.com>]

Shawna,

In the end, only you can tell if you're ready to tackle the PCT this year or
next. Is 3 months enough time to plan a hike? For some yes and others no. At
least one of last years thru-hikers left Campo with barely a weeks
backpacking experience and a new 1 pound pack he'd just received. He made
all the usual mistakes of getting lost, loosing equipment, etc. Still he
made it all the way.

I'm equally sure that in the Class of 1999 there were a number of hikers
that had spent months preparing only to drop out somewhere along the way. 

Mental:
Just remember that the hike is 90% mental and 10% physical. For me, the best
mental prep is reading journals, thinking about different problems that are
likely to come up and how to overcome them. As others have mentioned there
are plenty of books and websites available. However, Jardine's PCT Handbook
is currently out of print. Although you maybe able to find it at
www.powells.com.

Gear:
Granted a lot of the conversation here is over gear. However, many of us
(self included) are down right anal about the topic. Spending months fussing
over equipment, catalogs and sewing machines. Weighing,  trimming, modifying
it to the nth degree. Fact is you can pretty much outfit with gear at any
large sporting goods store and make it the whole way.

Training:
There are several camps on training. Some prefer to let the trail beat them
into shape. Go slowly at first then build up a comfortable pace as you get
conditioned or shed the pounds. Other missing skills can be learned as you
hike along the trail. 

Re-supply: 
If you don't mind long hitches you can re-supply from the trail. Check out
the Re-Supply page on the PCTA website under planning. Or you can ship some
or all of you meals. 

Whatever you decide, good luck.

Ron "Fallingwater" Moak
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PCT 2000 Journey - http://www.fallingwater.com/pct2000


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