[pct-l] good starting date?

[johnryan at fastmail.ca (John Ryan)]

Generally, I think late March is the earliest time for departure. If 
you go too early (i.e. February), you'll have snow, sleet, wind, and 
cold to contend with around all the major mountainous areas of 
southern CA, especially around Mt. San Jacinto (late winter/early 
spring storms in addition to any snow pack under foot). In 2001, I 
left on March 26th with the intention of maxing out the season 
(finished October 19th). I should have carried a snow axe through the 
San Jacintos. Nevertheless, being the first one out there can be fun! 
In terms of walking across the border to the PCT, I'd advise that 
only if you intend to walk from Tijuana, cross the border at the 
gated crossing on Rt. 5, then walk state-side east to the PCT. At the 
PCT itself, there's a massive iron fence and the region is under 
heavy border patrol surveillance. I wouldn't toy with any kind of 
renegade crossing, though the idea sounds exciting enough!
Cheers,
Sassafras, '01 

> I hear different recommendations for when to start a south-north
> thru-hike.  When should I arrive in Campo?  Mid-April?  I'm
> looking to start as early as possible, and plan to finish in
> between 5 and 6 months.
> 
> Also, I'm debating a short stint in the area around Tijuana before
> getting to the trail, crossing the border and beginning.  Anyone
> have any suggestions, or perhaps, warnings as to whether or not
> crossing the border on foot is or isn't such a hot idea?  This
> list rules.  Bill, pct-l greenhorn.
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