[pct-l] Thru-Hiking On A Budget

[patti kulesz]

I totally agree with Joseph (sorry I can't remember if u had a trail name) as 
far as the angels are concerned and I have emphasized loudly on taking care of 
ur angels and also have noted it in my notes for the book I am writing and one 
day will complete. As for those two guys I know that did the hike for 500 
bucks...no outside help. One of them had plenty of money to spend, he just 
wanted to see if he could do it...and he did! I hiked with him I know! I 
personally don't think I could do it for that little but 1000...easy! As far as 
either of them taking advantage of the angels and the caches...guess again. They 
are both great guys! One of them even returned to the Dinsmores just before last 
years season b/c he was biking across america. As for the hiker boxes...I can 
tell u right now alot of that food gets tossed at the end of season...if u get 
to it first and ur not greedy about taking it all, everyone will have a chance 
to have fun! It's there for hikers to have...why waste it!

As for the best hiker boxes:

let me just add that Crater Lake was my all time score! as was Fish Lake...just 
sayin

Happy hiking y'all and don't forget to help out the angels!
 
Sugar Moma  

 




________________________________
From: joseph kisner <lostonthecrest at hotmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Mon, March 7, 2011 12:32:04 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Thru-Hiking On A Budget


Over the years I have met several people attempt a Thru-hike on $500. It seems 
to be the # that being cheap seems to put together. I also have never seen 
success. In fact, I can personally remember some sad failures. I could 
understand if they had all their gear, or maybe they got lucky finding shoes 
that fit and other lucky scores, but really folks, I would only believe it when 
I saw the hard facts. I am sure somebody has completed the PCT on less than 
$500, but guarantee, they had outside help. For that one person, there are many, 
many more who made it only half way up the trail if that. 

But, If you want to hike the PCT for as cheap as you possibly can, without 
relying on a lucky score in a hiker box, or degrading oneself with begging, and 
worse yet, crapping out by eating shitty food, then I suggest doing what ever it 
takes to put more money together.
Also, these are USUALLY the same people who empty trail angel caches, hiker 
boxes, and stay at angels houses for free and not put in their share, I have 
seen it first hand. We should not encourage this, nor should anyone attempt 
putting the well being of their personal hike, in the hands of giving people who 
feel sorry for them. By no means, give up on your dreams, just have a plan, a 
plan that includes paying your own way. The same unsaid rules apply to us cheap 
people as well, do not be greedy with magic. Allow the person behind you enjoy 
some Magic as well. Some of the Angels on the PCT are on fixed incomes, and are 
the most wonderful people you find anywhere. They will not say anything to you 
because, they are here because they love us all. Do not take advantage of them 
along the way, your reputation will follow you. 

In all honesty, if you have your gear, and start in campo with $1000 and do 
everything possible not to spend a buck, you can pull it off. I suggest leaving 
right behind the pack, to score on hiker box food and gear. Try and stretch 
every mile out of your shoes. And most important, sleep on the trail every 
night, avoiding town and hotel expenses.  Unless you are 100% sure of your food 
issues, do not send boxes. You will not save much and probably buy too much and 
not eat it all anyways. Avoid bounce boxes as well, the cost can get expensive. 
Maybe this can help.

I am no way encouraging this, but here are the best hiker boxes, that seem to be 
consistently reliable:

Warner Springs 
Big Bear PO  
Kennedy Meadows  
VVR
Sierra City
Shelter Cove [more than not]
  
I will not mention the Trail Angel's Hiker Boxes, because it is not my place, 
but as you can see, their is a lot of miles between. You can pretty much ALMOST 
count on these spots, but everywhere else is luck. If you stay behind the main 
heard, it is your best bet. But realize a late finish, is risky, ask the 07' 
crowd. It sorta sucks to be broke, I might not hike this year because of it, so 
good luck.                           

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