[pct-l] PCT First Timer

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

Start at Kennedy Meadows and go North as far as you can go (not sure if you 
have 1 or 2 months). The main pack of thru hikers leave Kennedy Meadows 
around June 15th, +/- several days. You will still have mosquitoes, but 
probably less snow over the passes and less high stream water in the High 
Sierras. Getting to Lake Tahoe is about 3-4 weeks (presuming you are in 
somewhat OK shape).

Join the PCTA (www.pcta.org) and get your permits through them (also the 
guide books). Climb Mt. Whitney for sure. Some folks detour to do Mt. 
Shasta. In Oregon, you can summit South and Middle Sister. In Washington, 
Mt. Adams. However, by the time you reach northern California, you may no 
longer be interested in any peak bagging. Hiking to a restaurant may be as 
much extra walking you want to do.

I don't think bears nor lions are dangers; park rangers, maybe. It is bear 
box or canister use in the Sierras. But, chances are, you will not have any 
encounters with bears (if you stealth camp).

Get Yogi's PCT Handbook (www.pcthandbook.com) for lots of useful tips.

This list and archives are full of info on gear and other matters: running 
shoes, light weight packs, tents/tarps, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, 
etc. Just pick a topic and read. The gear used 20 years ago is definitely 
outdated. But, every person is different and you need to find out what works 
for you. And, as you know, physically train before you start. Enjoy! And ask 
more specific questions as needed.

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

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bluce Ree" <bluceree_superstar@yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 10:43 PM
Subject: [pct-l] PCT First Timer


> HI PCTer's,
> I'm currently planning a hike for the end of June til
> August and was wondering if anyone has any
> suggestions.  I'm returning to the mountains after
> being away for nearly 20 years (graduate of NOLS).
>
> Any new gear I should know about? Laws? Dangers other
> than bears and lions? I'd like to do some climbs. Any
> advice on what to carry?
>
> aloha, Bluce
>
>
>
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