[pct-l] Timing of Oregon Section Hike - attn: Leila Snow

[laraine at sbcglobal.net (Laraine Downer)]

Hi, I can share my experience of last year. "Pell Mell" & I began hiking from Callahan's (very hiker-friendly - good place to stay) 7/14 and finished up at CascadeLocks 8/13.  We averaged 17 mpd and took several layover days.  We met up with a few VERY fast hikers blasting thru, also a few hikers coming from Tahoe or No. Calif. area headed for Manning Park, and a few southbounders. We definitely felt a kinship with thru-hikers and made several friends.  You'd probably find more of the main group if you started about 7/21. As already mentioned, thru-hikers will be going FAST by the time they get to Oregon.
 
And, I just have to reiterate how BEAUTIFUL Oregon is - all those wonderful crater/mountains.
 
Pell Mell & I are planning on hiking Washington this summer - again starting 7/12 which is REALLY early.  If snow proves impassable, we might just hike south & do Oregon again.
 
If I can be of any more help, go ahead & contact me.
 
Good hiking!
Ladeda