[pct-l] Training

[jas8313 at adelphia.net (JAMES)]

My thoughts on getting started in hiking and back packing for a complete
novice would to do 1 or all of the following

TAKE A CLASS
such as the wilderness travel course -- http://angeles.sierraclub.org/wtc/
or classes that are given by your local backpacking supplies such as REI,
Sports Chalet, Adventure 16 in
the los angeles area...I took the BMTC in the late 60's when they still did
the rope climbing and ice axe training. 

JOIN A GROUP OR FIND A MENTOR
get involved and go on the outings.  make friendships and ask questions on
equipment and gear they use 
and why.  

LOCAL YOUTH ORGAINZATIONS
boy and girl scouth.. they now have a venturing program for older youths 14
to 21 hiking being one of them
one of the activities for the local group is an Alaska adventure -several
options including backpacking

ELISTS
join and sit on the sidelines or jump in and ask questions.  
digest version makes it easier to keep a email folder of the discussion
that you can go back an review later

DATA BASE
keep track of the info that you find.. equipment that you buy including
price, where, when etc.. 
i'm building on based on PCT journals

TIME LINE
create a calendar of the activities that you need to do ... training,
planning, equipment purchases and when
you need to have that completed and which item you need to do first.. ie
shoes/boots before a pack before tent etc..
training hikes before a overnite hike

READ
check out the library, used book stores for material on hiking and
backpacking, birds, animals, trees etc
subscribe to BACKPACKER magazine

the book used for the WTC can be found online...
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills .. list 37.95 but on sale for 26.57

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index%3Dstripbooks%26fie
ld-keywords%3DMOUNTAINEERING%25253A%252520THE%252520FREEDOM%252520OF%252520T
HE%252520HILLS%26store-name%3Dbooks/102-6202365-5725707

amazon has good prices on PCT books also

GET OUT DOORS
walk around the block, take a day hike, climb a peak, run, bike, swim 
the more training you do -- the better prepared you will be when you thru
hike the PCT

James from Southern California