[pct-l] A Few Questions from an early starter...

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

The early starter said MARCH - that is early. May 17th is later than the
normal end of April start, but others have left at that time and have little
problem - and even catch up to many others.  Depends on your pace. Water is
the big issue - I would make sure trail angels know you are on the way.

Others have started at a later point and then gone back to finish in
September/October.

If you are trying to catch up with the thru-hikers, then you want to get to
where they probably will be. You are planning to leave about 21 days after
the kickoff - if you hike 20 days at 16-20 miles per day, that is about
320-400 miles. Big Bear City is at 276, Cajon Pass (I15)  is at 345, and
Wrightwood is at 366. I would choose Big Bear City or Wrightwood. Very long,
hot, waterless climb out of Cajon Pass - heck of a way to start. Of course,
there are other options as well.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph Niemiec" <whitethunder10@hotmail.com>
To: <viveka1111@yahoo.com>; <jbmaterick@stanfordalumni.org>;
<pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] A Few Questions from an early starter...


> Hello,
>
> I noticed that many of you thought May 8th was an early start date.  I
> thought most people started in late april?
>
> I plan on starting my trip May 17th.  Anyone recommend a good starting
point
> - I think that is a little late to start at the boarder- right?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joe -- Madison, Wisconsin
>
> >From: vivek <viveka1111@yahoo.com>
> >To: "J. Bradley Materick"
> ><jbmaterick@stanfordalumni.org>,pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> >Subject: Re: [pct-l] A Few Questions from an early starter...
> >Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 05:27:10 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >Wow, March 7th, you could be the first thru hiker on the trail this year.
> >As for your questions,
> >1. Donna's email is dsaufley@sprynet.com.  You'll be happy to see them
when
> >you get to Agua Dulce.
> >2. The "Pink Motel" is about a mile after the I-10 under pass.  You'll
know
> >it when you get to a small road with log book and sign pointing (NW) to
the
> >Pink Motel.  The trail veers NE and starts going up.  In the evening its
> >hard to see to the house, but if by chance you pass the road, you'll see
> >the house/trailer on your left from the trail a few hundred yards further
> >up.
> >3. Water shouldn't be as big a deal if you start in March.  Most of the
> >springs and creeks should be running and the climate should be much
cooler.
> >Cold actually in the mountains.  Just think of the caches as a bonus,
don't
> >rely on them.
> >
> >good luck
> >by the way, I noticed your from Oak Brook, I'm in Chicagoland too.  If
you
> >need any last minute help contact me.  Not too many PCTers around here.
> >
> >Vivek
> >
> >"J. Bradley Materick" <jbmaterick@stanfordalumni.org> wrote:
> >Hello Folks,
> >
> >As I get ready to start my thru-hike (early, on March 7!), I have a few
> >questions that I have been unable to answer so far... I was hoping that
> >some of you can help me out. Here they are:
> >
> >1) Does anyone know how to contact trail angel Donna Shauffley, who (as I
> >understand) is in Agua Dulce?
> >
> >2) I have been told there is an empty trailer home just north of the I-10
> >crossing at San Gorgonio Pass in S. California that is open for hikers'
> >use, but I would feel better if someone could explain to me exactly how
to
> >find this trailer...
> >
> >3) As I mentioned, I will be starting from Campo on March 7 and hope to
> >reach Tehachapi Pass by April 10 (see my web
site--www.pctforpets.org--for
> >a complete itinerary). I was wondering if it's possible that any of the
S.
> >California water caches will be in place that early. OR, if there are any
> >trail angels out there listening who normally place these caches, perhaps
> >you'd be willing to take a look at the itinerary on my web site and
> >consider stashing some water out there for a man and his dog? THANKS!
> >
> >That's it for now. I may have more last minute detail questions in the
next
> >few weeks, so you may hear from me again. And also, I wanted to say
thanks
> >to ALL the folks on this list. I have been passively gaining a great deal
> >of knowledge and tips over the past few months just from reading the
daily
> >posts. Sorry I won't be there for the Kick Off...
> >
> >Take care,
> >J. Bradley Materick
> >
> >--------------------------------
> >J. Bradley Materick & Banner
> >PCT for Pets -- www.pctforpets.org
> >
> >16 Lochinvar Lane
> >Oak Brook, IL 60523
> >jbmaterick@stanfordalumni.org
> >(802) 578-3050
> >_______________________________________________
> >pct-l mailing list
> >pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> >unsubscribe or change options:
> >http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >_______________________________________________
> >pct-l mailing list
> >pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> >unsubscribe or change options:
> >http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Plan your next US getaway to one of the super destinations here.
> http://special.msn.com/local/hotdestinations.armx
>
> _______________________________________________
> pct-l mailing list
> pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> unsubscribe or change options:
> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l