[pct-l] Solo girl June-July

Mon Feb 24 17:49:10 CST 2014

Hi Carly,

I've been section hiking the PCT since last August as a solo female hiker & haven't had ANY problems.  I do plan on taking a first aid course, basic self defense, and a snow skills course later this Spring, but I haven't needed any of those skills as of yet.  Honestly, I don't think I'll need those skills at all this year, but it makes my loved ones feel better.  :)

I think the most important thing is to make smart choices while you're on the trail.  Examples: Don't hang around drunk assholes that might give you a hard time, or if a stream crossing looks too dangerous, then explore a different crossing or wait for the water level to go down.  Even though you might be behind the herd, you'll still meet SO many people out there.  The Sierra's are really a giant playground these days.

The first night will be the most uncomfortable, emotionally.  Once you're used to your surroundings and feeling more self-reliant, you'll really enjoy it!  If you're interested, you can check out my journals at www.askirtinthedirt.com, which is just one, as I'm sure you know, of hundreds of solo lady journals out there.

Have fun!
Katie

________________________________________________________________________
Kathryn Mendenhall, cellist
Teaching Artist and Mentor Program Coordinator - Incredible Children's Art Network (iCAN), Music Program
Music Specialist, Waldorf School of Santa Barbara
Adjunct Professor - Westmont College

T:  714.474.3691
kmendenhall at icansbc.org
kate51982 at yahoo.com

On Monday, February 24, 2014 9:57 AM, Jackie McDonnell <yogihikes at gmail.com> wrote:

Carly -

I completely disagree with Shephed.
Starting from Walker Pass on June 20, you will encounter very little snow
in the Sierra this year.
You DO NOT need Ned's snow course.
Do not worry.  You will not be hurt and all alone.
You will make life-long friends.

Because of the low snow pack, you will be behind the main thru-hiker pack
if you start from Walker Pass on June 20.  However, you will still meet
people -- GREAT people!  Hikers are amazing, and we all look out for each
other.

You will be fine.  Just go for it!

Yogi
www.yogisbooks.com

On Mon, Feb 24, 2014 at 11:34 AM, <aslive at charter.net> wrote:

> With beginner backpacking skills, this would be difficult.  How many
> days have you been out by yourself up to now?  How old are you and what
> kind of shape are you in?  The highest mountains are in these sections,
> most years there would be a lot of snow and ice.  I recommend taking
> Ted's snow course.  There are also a lot of stream crossing that may be
> lower this year due to the low snow fall, but that could change with a
> late season storm or two, making them swift and powerful.  These would
> be better crossed with a group.  You can pick up a group by sitting by
> the stream bank until a group comes by.  How are your first aid skills?
> You don't want to be hurt and all alone.  That said, it can be done.
> Joining up with a group that you may met along the way would be safer
> and more fun, you would also feed off the enthusiasm of the other group
> members and be less likely to quit.
>
> Shephed
>
> On Sun, Feb 23, 2014 at 11:10 AM, Anon wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> > I'm looking for any thoughts or advice on a solo female with beginner
> > backpacking skills hiking from Walker Pass to South Tahoe (or just
> > beyond) from about June 20 - July 28th. I'd prefer to hike with the
> > main stream of people to maybe make a few friends along the way. Any
> > thoughts or suggestions for a fun, safe, and rewarding walk?
> > Thanks!
> > Carly _______________________________________________
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