[pct-l] Introduction

[ojcri at brawleyonline.com (Jody and Olga Criman)]

This is my first time posting anything here so let me introduce myself.
My name is Jody Criman and I plan on hiking the 1st. 200 miles or so
this October and continuing it in April 2004.  I have been doing a lot
of reading and research in trying to prepare for my trip.  I have
received good information from the other e-mail's and have enjoyed the
journals.  

I do have a few questions.  I was wondering if I could expect any water
caches still being around in October, or should I drop off my own water
instead?  I live reasonably close to Campo and so I could do it myself.
2nd, I was wondering what was everyone's opinion on Maps.  I have
Topographic Maps on CD-ROM, but I am not yet confident in the
reliability of it.  Do the other PCT thru hikers use the maps that are
in the PCT trail guides or do most of you just get the typical Topo
Trail Maps at the store?

Just a comment on the cat nip as mosquito repellent.  I have seen how my
wife's cat love's cat nip and just hope it doesn't have the same
reaction with Mountain Lions.

Thanks for the help.
Jody