[pct-l] planning first pct hike!

[shaundeller at hotmail.com (Shaun Deller)]

hello pct hikers,
  I am planning my first PCT thru hike for this summer and feeling pretty 
excited about the opportunity to walk across such a vast and beautiful land. 
I have some questions though and maybe some veterans could help. First, what 
is the ideal time to start out (April, May, I'm not quite sure as opinions 
differ). Second, I read something about a PCT hiker gathering that happens 
in April. It sounds like a fun opportunity to meet some others. Is this in 
Campo, CA at the start of the trail? What is the date? Third, I have made 
all my own gear and plan to travel lightweight but I would like to hear some 
rough estimates of food and shipping cost totals experienced by seasoned 
thru hikers. This is the big expense for me and I am hoping that hearing 
some estimates from others will give me an idea  of how much I need to 
spend. Fourth, I am thinking about going solo (all my friends are too tied 
down by jobs or girlfriends). Who else out there has done the PCT solo and 
what are their thoughts on it? I am pretty happy being by myself for long 
periods of time. I am wondering how others feel about safety concerns of 
going solo. Have any thru hikers formed friendships just by meeting other 
thru hikers while on a solo journey. I would appreciate hearing some advice 
and stories.
thanks,
shaun

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