[pct-l] Early April PCT Starts

[calliger at infolane.com (Richard)]

 I started April 1 also back then...my pack was only 45 lbs!


Richard


At 01:41 PM 6/1/03 EDT, Montedodge@aol.com wrote:
> Before Ray Jadine did the PCT in late 80's thru early 90,s, most thru-hikers 
>did in fact start their trip in early April. ( April 1st. was a rule of thumb 
>in early years) Reason was the " Average" thru-hike took longer because of 
>the heavy boots and heavy gear used a few years ago. A thru-hike took almost a 
>month longer than now even though the trail in the 70's and early 80's was up 
>to 150 miles shorter. ( 15 to 17 miles a day were averages with few hikers 
>breaking the 25 a day barrier with the 60 pound packs.
>    Early April is still a good a time to start on low snow years or if you 
>plan to hike relaxed milage days the first 2 months of your hike. 
>  You should expect some snow in the Laguna Mts. about 40 miles into your 
>hike at that time of year and be prepared to have at least an ice axe in
the San 
>Jacinto Area area of the trail 2 to 3 weeks from border . ( May also need to 
>do some light route finding after a heavy snow year in San Jacinto Area) 
>    Things that are good about the early start is that the water sources 
>along the trail should be in good shape as many dry up even before late
April. ( 
>Ala.- Hauser Creek near border) Being at a 10 to 15 mile pace allows you to 
>pick wonderful camp sites along the way  and gives you time to enjoy some very 
>nice trail towns ( like Julian) to take a layover day. For an older hiker
in not 
>yet prime hiking shape , this is the way to go and allows the body to break 
>in slowly.  ( Of course younger hikers and folks in top shape may be able
to up 
>off a plane to hit the 20 plus mile days off the get go)
>    I have high hopes of doing a thru-hike at retire at 60 and plan to do 
>this method myself. ( I will need all the help I can get !!) Good Luck!!
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