[pct-l] PCT Plan in Excel or Google spreadsheets

[Mary Kwart]

I ditto the sentiment that the more you hike the less you plan. I make
one simple spreadsheet with columns for resupply towns, mileage in
between and cumulative mileage. I have a comment section to put info
on motels, trail angels, usually phone numbers. I also put permit
needs in the comments. I divide the mileage between towns by my
average hiking speed (which I know from experience) and then plan out
food accordingly. I used to buy most of my food along the way, but am
doing less of that to reduce zero day impingement of packaging
food--so food packaging is the biggest time consuming thing. 

Since I am not a picky eater, I have a few favorite backpacking meals
that I make up all year round in ziplocs, so I can just grab the
appropriate amount when the time comes. I try to make 1-2 a week when
I am home. I use a stove but do have at least one meal between every
town that is cookless for more flexible camping options. This was
important hiking in the desert, so I wouldn't have to always camp at
water sources.

I like to quote General Dwight D. Eisenhower who said: "Plans are
useless but Planning is essential." That has become my mantra for hike
planning. I tried to use the PCT hike planner that determines where
you will camp every night, but that was thrown out within a few days
of hiking. I needed flexibilty to account for being tired, seeing a
cool place that I wanted to camp at, or for hiking with others if I
chose to do so. I think the biggest benefit of planning is the
psychological engagement with actually doing the trail-- and not the
products that are produced.

--Fireweed

www.postholer.com/fireweed