[pct-l] From India? Re: Doing the Oregon PCT: 8/5 to 9/15 - 42 days

[CJ & Cristy Miller]

Hello Madhu.  Your trip sounds like a great adventure, have a great time.
Since you're in Beaverton your probably aware of the easy access to great resources:  Next Adventure, REI, Outdoor, all within downtown with 
a few staff members between them that have at least section-hiked the PCT.  Go hang out there and ask some questions and pick a few weekend, 
or long weekend hikes in the area to test out your fitness and gear.
Speaking of gear, Next Adventure has a used-gear section downstairs but often it is hit or m iss on finding what you need, when you need it. But, 
definitely worth checking it out. And, you don't need the most expensive, lightest weight-everthing.  Get out for some long weekends and find some 
gear that you can manage carrying for 10+hrs a day on your back.  Hmmm, it sounds so easy just typing it out - but after 10+hrs with a pack on 
you want to be sure your shoulders and hips and back aren't getting 'hurt'.
 
Also, about prep.hikes I would recommend staying away from the 'directly east PCT sections, F/G' - don't use those for your prep.hikes if you're 
doing all of OR.  It is my own opinion that those sections are likely some of the more moderate/easy sections, with regard to elevation gain/loss 
ratio.  To get a better sense of what you'll encounter, either stay south of Ollalie or, for your area you might want to load a backpack and day hike 
around some of the Forest Park trails.  
Other options that might be good for a weekend or long weekend hikes are down in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness (Battle Axe Green 
Trails Map - 524).  That has some decent terrain, it will give you a taste of some elevation changes - just check with the Ranger Station
before heading out because as of last year some of the trails on the East/NE side of the shelter was still a burn-wasteland.  Great views, 
great lakes.
 
HYOH - be prepared, enjoy!
 
.cj