[pct-l] pct

[bharve at dslextreme.com (Bruce Harvey)]

Kraig,

Your plan for getting out and gradually increasing time and distance is an 
excellent and commendable way to start the healthy hiking habit !

You asked about getting from Palm Springs to the aerial tram.  I haven't 
first hand knowledge regarding that, but imagine there might be bus service 
between Palm Springs and the tram that could be part of a package that 
includes tram fare.  There may also be taxi service, although that could be 
a bit pricey (along with the tram).

If you can get to the tram and ride it, the mountain (upper station) is 
within Mt. San Jacinto State Park.  The park has many hiking rails in 
beautiful alpine country.  The Park has a free map that shows the trails. 
You can get a copy by writing to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, P.O. Box 308, 
Idyllwild, CA 92549,
or by phoning (760) 767-5311.  You can view info on the park (and others) by 
scrolling on the web page http://www.parks.ca.gov/park_gis_maps.asp

Many people who hike the trail also post their trail journals.  Reading a 
few journals is a good way to answer many questions you may have, like 
layover rest stops in towns.  An extensive collection of journals and links 
to journals can be accessed from the web page 
http://www.trailjournals.com/journals.cfm
To read PCT journals from last year, click 2004 in the upper part of the 
page, then scroll through the alphabetically listed trails to get down to 
the Pacific Crest Trail (about 80% of the way down the page.)  Then pick one 
or another of the colorful hiker 'trail names' start reading their 2004 
journal.

Very few people who hike long trails like the PCT in bits and pieces post 
journals.  However, Many more people do hike in bits and pieces than people 
who hike semi-continuously, so you're in lots of company.

Regards,
Bruce