Re: [pct-l] PCT thru-hike styles

[Bighummel@aol.com]

Katt,

I have also sensed this at the ADZPCTKO gatherings the last two years.  It 
seems as though the Jardine influence to go ultra light has had a side effect 
of pushing mileages up to his strategy also.  

My recommendation is as follows:  In most years, barring heavy or out of 
schedule winters, you can average just 18 miles per day and complete the 
trail in 144 days.  This means that if you start on April 20th you can finish 
around September 10th.  I started April 2nd on an exceptionally dry year and 
finished September 11th, averaging 16 miles per day (according to the mileage 
estimate of the trail at the time in 1977 and considering an I-5 shortcut), 
however, I only walked on average 6 days out of 7.  In the Sierras you will 
get behind your schedule and north of them you will catch back up quickly, 
being able to average 25+ miles per day.  Following this schedule you have to 
be capable and willing to deal with snow in the mountains of southern 
California and in the southern Sierra, most likely.  You also must anticipate 
some possible long stretches of rain in the north Cascades in late August, 
early September.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO AVERAGE 30 MILES PER DAY JUST BECAUSE RAY SAYS SO!

Hike your own hike.  Average your own average.  Your average will vary with 
altitude gain/loss, weather, your physical and/or mental condition, etc.  
Yes, you can average 30 miles per day in the High Sierras, but what is the 
point?  Walking 30 miles per day, 7 days per week is the fastest road to burn 
out, IMHO.  Give yourself a physical and mental break and set your pace 
accordingly.

IMHO, Your Experiences May Vary, DTAWD (death to all who disagree)

Greg "Strider" Hummel
* From the PCT-L |  Need help? http://www.backcountry.net/faq.html  *

==============================================================================