[pct-l] snowed out of my shakedown ...

[Mike Schaeffer]

I just got back from a two week training hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail.  The 
only gear change from the PCT hike was a Whisperlite stove on the BMT rather 
than the alcohol stove I will carry on the PCT.  With five of us old cronies 
hiking together, I thought the gas stove made more sense.

Otherwise, I used the gear I plan on taking on the PCT.  It gave me a good 
chance to practice pitching the new tent, learning that I need to tie the liner 
into the sleeping bag, figuring out where to carry stuff in my new pack (finally 
went internal frame after carrying a Tioga since 1975), and getting experience 
hiking in trail runners rather than boots.  


I highly recommend a training camp prior to a thru hike.  I had a great chance 
to get in shape,  familiarize myself with my new gear and have ten days at home 
to finish getting everything ready for the Big Hike.

Mike Schaeffer
AT '78
PCT '11  




________________________________
From: Paul Robison <paulrobisonhome at yahoo.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 9:45:59 PM
Subject: [pct-l] snowed out of my shakedown ...

kind of a crappy day,

was going to start a nice shakedown trip today at the local provincial park... 
... was cold but tolerable this morning... but it just got colder, and colder. 
and started to snow...
... and snow ...

... and snow...

so we decided to postpone until monday.

had a good training day 15 miles w/ 37 lbs (5 liters water, 6 days food);  but 
there's no way i could have tarped in that weather.  few hot spots, no blisters.

perhaps it's for the better,  came home and i have a horrible sore throat.

if it snows all day again Monday i'm going to be really worried about how to 
test my gear before the trail;  and ideas or help is appreciated.

have anyone else done or planned a sizable shakedown trip with ONLY your pct 
gear?  was climate an issue?

~Paul
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