[pct-l] Interested in Hiking the the PCT one day, where to begin?

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

If you can get some day hikes and some overnights before you go,  
you'll be in better shape than if what you've been doing is running  
or going to the gym. Not that there aren't plenty of people who make  
a long distance hike their very first backpack trip. Many do and they  
get all the way to Canada, too. But it helps if you can get some of  
the trial and error crap out of the way as far as shoes and gear and  
stuff like that. At least know how to set up your tent and cook on  
your stove. You can practice that in a park or your back yard. Attend  
the ADZPCTKO, also known as "the kickoff", and purchase Yogi's PCT  
Guide. Get Halfmile's maps and when it's time to go, get the Water  
Report, which I guess Halfmile is in charge of now. You can find all  
these with google.

On Nov 7, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: Jazmine Igo <jazminepct at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Interested in Hiking the the PCT one day, where to
> 	begin?
>
> Hi!
>  I have been interested in hiking the PCT for a couple of years now  
> and am
> finally ready to start preparing! I am a beginner when it comes to  
> hiking
> and have been spending the last couple of years getting into great  
> physical
> shape so I will be able to complete the trail one day! I am looking  
> for any
> advice, pointers, groups to join ect...I want to learn as much as I  
> can and
> make my dream of hiking the pct come true! I would appreciate any  
> advice!
>
> thank you!!!!
>
> Jazmine