[pct-l] hiker safety

[Andrea Dinsmore]

If you go to the Kick Off (don't beat me Donna.......:) )........you will
see who most of the hikers are and figure out that you won't be by yourself
unless you purposely make it that way. It's hard to hike the trail
completely alone  when there's 400-500 other hikers starting within a couple
weeks of each other. You will find a lot of others who are also on their
first PCT venture. Unless you choose.....you probably won't end up in a town
by yourself. Trail towns expect the on slot of stinky, dirty, tired and
hungry hikers each year. If you wish to be by yourself most of the time try
North to South. You will find that 99% of the hikers are in the same mind
set as you. If you are out there for the same reason as most of the others
you will have a great time and learn more than you ever imagined. Listen to
the old timers and take advice from the locals (including the trail angels).
They know the lay of the land. Have a good time and HIKE YOUR OWN
HIKE.....YOU ONLY HAVE YOU TO IMPRESS.

PCT MOM
Skykomish, WA