[pct-l] re: AT vs. PCT

[pmags@yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

(funny how PCT-L and AT-L will have mirror
discussions..)


>>	What footwear did you use in the Sierra's to >>
 deal with snow?

Nike sneakers. My favorite trail shoe I have ever
used.

>>	What was your average length of time between >>
 resupply?

5-7 days.

>>	Did you resupply by shopping or mail drop?
Shopping with a few select mail drops mailed from a
larger town to smaller towns up the trail


Basically, the main difference was an adoption of a
lighter system. Alcohol stove vs. whisper light. Shoes
vs. boots.  1 lb mesh pack vs. 6+ lbs 5500 CI pack,
etc.

The light weight strategy evolved over time. My first
big test of the light weight system was on the Long
Trail (VT) hike in '99.  By last year, I was hiking in
the Colorado Rockies with the gear I used on the PCT
this past year.  My overall base pack weight was 13-14
lbs.  I figure if I can survive in October on the
divide camped at 13000 feet in a snow squall, then I
should be able to use the same gear on the PCT fine.
:D

I did mail drops on the AT. My Dad really got into my
hike by mailing out my food packages. The basement of
my parents' house would do an Army quartermaster
proud. Both my parents also dehydrated some meals for
me from time to time. Dehydrated 'franks and beans'
was an awesome on trail meal.  I was also blessed with
dried sauce from Magnanti family dinners. A bit better
than the Prego jarred stuff to say the least.

This past year, did a shopping strategy mixed in with
buying supplies to send ahead in certain towns. This
was detailed in an e-mail I posted earlier.  My main
reason for doing this strategy was that I did not have
a support crew back in Boulder willing to mail out
packages. I have great friends. But I do not think
they would would want their apts/homes full of 4+ mos
of Mac n' cheese!  This strategy allowed me to get my
food as needed and mix it up a bit. Not to mention the
cost of postage from Colorado to points further west
would have been expensive. Finally, even if my
friend's did not mind, I would not want them to have
to worry about sending out packages.

Plan on using the same re-supply strategy in 2004 on
the CDT. The biggest diffrence will be when I am in
Colorado and in my 'back yard'. Several friends have
already talked about meeting me at places along the
route and not too far from Boulder. Hot meals here we
come!



Mags

PS. While I did miss the dehydrated meals from the
folks, in the three weeks of visiting my family and
friend's in Rhode Island after the PCT , had more than
my share of Magnanti dinners...not dehydrated. ;-)



=====
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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau

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