[pct-l] Oregon and Beyond State hike and rambling thoughts

[shutterbugg313 at yahoo.com (Shutterbug steiner)]

Just completed almost 600 miles in 29 days.  1700 miles in 2 years hoping in finish next year.  Starting in Cascade Lockes August 10th and returned yesterday after hiking to Rt 3 close to Castle Crags.  Had a wonderful time but glad to be back in my own bed.
These are some of my rambling thoughts or observations.
 
ABOUT PCT THRUERS
 
Crossed paths with probably 150 PCT enthusiasts.
of these 150 approximately 100 were potential thuers.
of these 100 there were less than 20 who I can remember in my informal interview that were "PURE" --- did not FLIP FLOP, SKIP SECTIONS or take significant time off.
Of these 20 only 6 started on or before the Kickoff.
 
THERE were very FEW HERDS - I saw a bunch of singles a few pairs and the largest "group" was three until I got close to Crater Lakes.  This was IMO the first herd with a group of about 15.
 
There were significantly more people NOT using trail names.
 
The Last of the "planning on finishing"  I met around Siede this past week and many of them were planning on Fliipping up to Manning from Ashland to avoid the NCascades Snow.
 
LAST year when I hiked 210 miles of Washington I met more PCT hikers, More herds, and more using trail names.
 
RAMBLING THOUGHTS ON THE TRAIL and SCENERY
 
Oregon was VERY scenic and VERY well maintained.  Going around HOOD, JEFFERSON, and the SISTERS was awesome.  Crater Lake was nice and the flatter less exciting areas were still nice.
Absolutely NO rain in 29 days out.
Only two areas were in DIRE need of maintenance --- SECTION B's most southern 18 miles (actually met IAN NELSON on the trail and he is working on getting volunteers for this area) and the last 20 miles of Section A north of Siede.  Everything else was either above PCT par or close enough to not be a memorable incident.
I would love to spend about two weeks around Jefferson or the Sisters == I shall return.
 
PERSONAL RAMBLINGS
About a month going SOLO is my MAX
I love hiking SOLO and going AGAINST the flow but I have limits on my alone time - I loved running into people and chatting for a a few minutes.
In order for me to do more TIME I would love to hike with people hopefully with a lover- those couples I met were very cool.
28 miles was my longest day but I was content with just over 20.  Only one Zero day in Ashland and I would have wanted a few more.
I struggled with that "I HAVE TO" mentally that I try to avoid in my civilian life.  I have to do X amount of miles/days/speed instead of letting go of that western mentality of time - deadlines, schedules, and pressure.
 
GEAR
I could lower my base weight of 17 to 13 with a little bit of compromise and money
MY GVP G5 rides OK but only when LIGHT and FULL and I did need to figure out the proper weight distribution.
My 6 Moon Designs Lunar only used my 6 nights and never saw rain but seemed to be easy to set up and sturdy enough to take some weather.  Did not RAIN at all in 29 days- last year I hiked Washington during the MONSOON.
My 15 degree Big Agnes Bag I could have gone with a 40 degree bag because never got cold and rarely had on any of my sleeping layers.
 
CELEBRITY STATUS
6 people recognized me before I recognized them from when I hiked A&B from the KO
Another 6, I recognized.
2 people recognized my name but I am NOT a woman nor did I thru hike in 03
About 20 people recognized my name from either this list or the Trail Angel NOTE I left in the Cajon Pass about Baden Powell earlier this spring.
 
THE PCT is a LIFE CHANGING experience for ME.
 
Thank You - PCT enthusiasts and trail angels that helped me on the way.
 
Shutterbugg
 



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