[pct-l] Introduction

[HShires@aol.com]

Hi all,

My name is Henry Shires and I'm a '99 PCT thuhiker hopeful.  I know there was
a big round of introductions a few months ago but I'm finally getting around
to checking in after lurking on this list for over a year. I'm 38 (I'll turn
39 on the trail), an educational software product manager/producer, a recent
re-transplant to the Bay Area after 5 soggy years in Seattle, and have known
about this trail since I read "The High Adventures of Eric Ryback" in about
1972.  I've been hiking and backpacking ever since I read that book but never
seriously thought about attempting the trail until I met a group of PCT
thruhikers near Siskyou Summit a year ago August.  That day (about August
14th?, '97) really changed the course of my life and I've been planning for
this trip ever since. If any of that group (5 or 6, one female, headed north
after catching a play in Ashland, took a taxi from Ashland back up to the
summit, met me, my wife and a male friend) subscribes to this list I'd love to
hear how it all turned out.

Thanks for all the great tips and techniques.  They've really helped me
prepare for this trip and I look forward to meeting some of the authors along
the way. I've been doing my best to trim weight by examining my gear list,
buying lightweight equipment and making some of my own. One piece of equipment
I'd like to share with the group is a hybrid tarp/tent I made. It weighs 18
oz. complete and will serve as my shelter for the trip.  If anyone's
interested in taking a look, there are some pictures posted at:

         http://www.backpacking.net/maketent1.html

I have lots of questions for the list but I'll limit them to one this time
around: 
Peanut butter- what's the best way to carry and resupply the stuff?  I don't
want to carry too much (i.e. a whole jar for 4 days between food drops) but
want to send myself regular resupplies. Ziplocs?

I'm planning to leave Campo April 20th and follow a 4-4.5 month schedule.
Given the snowpack on the second half of the trail who knows how those plans
will all work out but I guess that's part of the adventure.  6 weeks to go!

Henry
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