[pct-l] RE: PCT '03 & Lonely Trail in OR, WA

[m.karon@attbi.com (Marshall Karon)]

I'll reply again from both a 2000 through hike and one of the northern
section about 6 years earlier.

The number of hikers you see further north definitely diminishes because of
the different pace of hikers. And yet, if you meet up with a group and are
going the same pace, well ... there they are at the same place you are. As I
said earlier, at every resupply point I saw at least 5-10 other hikers. In
2000, we had about 8 in a condo at White Pass; Snoqualmie, 6. At the
beginning of October, I only saw a few people. Again, it depends on when you
hike.  But, it definitely isn't like in Southern California where 40+ people
may be at the resupply points at the same time.

In Oregon you also will meet many week-end hikers; and around Washington's
Goat Rocks, many more.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@attbi.com
(503) 232-5271
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen Borski" <kborski@yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2002 6:40 PM
Subject: [pct-l] RE: PCT '03 & Lonely Trail in OR, WA


> It's good to hear from some others planning in 2003 -
> thanks for all the replies.  I got quite a few replies
> about hiking partners -- I do have a hiking partner,
> but if he cannot go, I will still follow my dream and
> head out solo.  I love hiking solo.  Hiking with a
> partner is not worse or better, just different, but I
> definately have heightened senses when alone.  The
> trail experience is richer, but extended loneliness
> can be taxing.
>
> I started a PCT thru-hike in '00 and was forced off
> the trail due to health reasons, and I've thru-ed the
> AT.  I've also been to hiker gatherings of all sorts,
> including ADZ at Lake Morena in '00.
>
> I guess my question was not worded clearly.  I've
> hiked the PCT up through the Sierras, and I was very
> pleased with the dispersal of other hikers.  If you
> wanted company, it was there to be enjoyed, but if you
> wanted to be alone for most of the time, that was not
> difficult to accomplish.
>
> My question is for those who have thru-hiked
> northbound solo: did the dispersal of hikers change
> much, or did it pretty much stay the same all the way
> up to Washington?  When I hiked the AT, I had lots of
> others all around until I hit New Jersey.  From there
> on out, it was pretty lonely out there, believe it or
> not.  I loved it, but then there were plenty of
> distractions - towns and southbounders and the typical
> AT "stuff."  But I wonder what it will be like in the
> vastness of the northern PCT after the thru-hikers
> thin out?  I'm looking for quantitative answers, more
> than philosphy, though both types of answers are cool.
>
> Nocona
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
> http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
> _______________________________________________
> PCT-L mailing list
> PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>