[pct-l] Old Guide Book verses New Guide book

[Montedodge@xxxxxxx (Montedodge@xxxxxxx)]

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[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
 If you want low cost cheap entertainment, get a First Edition guide book and
compare routes to todays PCT. The maze of " Follow this dirt road 2.8 miles
and take third jeep trail after barking dog tied to old fence"  Look for the
Yellow Calif. Riding and Hiking trail blaze along rock formation on your
right while hiking up this waterless , shadeless section. ( Note the Andesite
rocks the blaze is painted on with a hint of diorite blended in the left
seam)
   Yes, only a fifth year Geology Student and maybe Greg could appreciate Tom
Winnett's decription of each set of rocks along the early PCT. ( As you sweat
like a dog going up some dirt bike trail you mistook for the " Offical Route"
     Actually there are several places the old guide book took you through
that are better in many ways than todays route is. Today's route often takes
the PCT of today away from many lakes and camp areas  that the old route
used. ( Trinity Alps is a good example)
    Today , I know of several hikers who have hiked the PCT North , South and
Sideways! My advice is to get an older guide book  and mix todays route with
that of the 70's for the best of both worlds. Now that light gear can get the
average hiker up the trail in under 5 months, it may be time to do some
rethinking and and take 6 months to do a more interesting trip. It is a shame
to just " Blow" through the Trinity Alps on todays route!!! Also the Sierra's
offer so much more if you are a little " Creative" with your planning of
route.
    If this is your first PCT thru-hike, by all meaning , take the offical
route, but if your looking for something new and want alittle spice, pick an
old guide book and mix up your route!!