Re: [pct-l] Re: PCT

[Stephen Stoddard <stoddars@ucs.orst.edu>]

I say No because of harder logistical problems. For example 30+ mile
stretches of trail with NO water, less opportunities for resupply,
different types of hiking (snow, desert, higher elevations with more
exposure to the elements), more TRUE wilderness, miles and miles away
from civilization, and the overall longer trail distance. If you are only
referring to the steepness of the trail (grade) is some areas I might
agree.

On Tue, 5 Jan 1999, The Weathercarrot wrote:

> Hi - you wrote:
> 
> >I keep reading on some of the hiking sites that the PCT is actually 
> easier
> >than the AT to thru-hike. What is your opinion?
> 
> Yes - what makes it easier is the consistency of it's grade. Usually 10 
> percent and less, with smooth tread and generally free of the New 
> England-type rocks and roots. Yes, there are very long ascents and 
> descents, many in excess of 3,000 vertical feet (as much as 8,000 
> vertical) but it winds around, switchbacking. The southern AT is much 
> like the PCT, especially the Nantahalas from Standing Indian to Wesser, 
> the Smokies from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap, the Mount Rogers area, 
> and especially the Shenandoahs. However, when the PCT is buried under 
> snowpack, all bets are off. There simply is no trail, and you are forced 
> to wing it with map and compass navigation, ice axe, etc. This is 
> actually a good thing because it adds variety to the kind of walking you 
> are doing. "Easy" may not be the best term to describe the pct because 
> there are factors to be considered out there that you don't really have 
> to worry about on the AT, but it IS smoother and thus faster, something 
> really noticeable, especially for people used to New England hiking. All 
> of these descriptive terms are very relative. Hope that helps.
> 
> wc
> 
> 
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