[pct-l] 2013- Hiking Partner(s) Wanted/Needed

[Scott Bryce]

On 11/1/2012 3:46 PM, Clare Menard wrote:
> I like to hike alone as much as I like hiking with friends. Mainly
> I'm looking for a support system, where we can encourage each other
> and look out for one another. On the other hand, I'm also a strong
> believer in radical self-reliance. I'd like to start the PCT in mid
> or late April, but because of my job I'm pretty flexible.
>
> I'm also open to advice from past hikers who had to find partners:
> what do you recommend?

The small window of opportunity to hike the PCT means that there are
several hundred people starting the PCT within about a 3-week window.
Most of them will start the last weekend of April. That means that at
any time on the trail you will be surrounded by hikers. Most of the time
you will not be aware of them, since you are all moving in the same
direction at about the same speed. At water sources and resupply points,
you will be surprised how many of them you will meet. Some of them will
match your hiking speed and style. Others won't. You will partner with
some of them for a while, and hike alone when you prefer.

As for people looking out for each other, that is just what the PCT
community does. Any time you find yourself needing encouragement or
help, someone is bound to come along with plenty of each to share.

So just start hiking from the border, plan to be alone for a while, and
take advantage of whatever partnerships naturally form along the way.