[pct-l] This will be more than you're bargaining for.

[Drew Smith]

Hi Alexandra, no need to apologize, especially for an excess of
enthusiasm.  The more hikers the better, I say.
I section hiked Idyllwild to Walker Pass in 2014, did the Colorado Trail
last year, and am doing Walker Pass to Mt Lassen this year.  You can read
about my CT hike here at Trail Groove magazine
http://www.trailgroove.com/issue27.html?autoflip=19

Others will have different opinions of course but I would recommend Yogi's
PCT guide as an all-in-one planning resource
http://www.yogisbooks.com/pacific-crest-trail/pct-yogis-pacific-crest-trail-handbook
I think she does a good job of covering all the relevant issues, and
presents a range of opinions and options, rather than claiming any one
particular way is the only right way.

As for trail permits - you don't have to get one.  They are mostly a
convenience for going through the National Parks, especially
Sequoia/Kings/Yosemite.  On the other hand, they cost nothing and it takes
about 5 minutes to fill out the form, so you might as well do it.

But feel free to ask away, both here and on the PCT Facebook page.  You
will find no shortage of people willing to share their opinions.

Drew/Happy Hour

>
>
> > On Apr 18, 2016, at 6:28 PM, Kaercher, Alexandra <akaercher at liberty.edu>
> wrote:
> >
> > I think that people who are avid backpackers get a little frustrated
> when newbies get excited (in my experience thus far) and don't know what
> they're doing but jump right in.
> >
> > So please don't get upset with me, but I am a newbie, but I'm trying to
> prepare as best as I can before embarking on the journey I hope to take
> this summer.
> >
> > My hope is to hike for a month (35 days allotted since I don't have
> experience with this) from June 5 to July 10, last stop being Portland (I
> know I'd have to hitchhike to get there) where I'll meet up with friends
> who are there. I live in Lynchburg, VA. I've never done this, I hope to
> cover 560 miles in the time that I'm on the PCT (eventually averaging 18
> miles a day).
> > I'm in the beginning planning stages so I'm researching gear, comparing
> reviews and costs as best as I can in my blank slate of hiking knowledge
> other than a handful of hikes I've done for sunrises and whatnot. I think
> I'll need a long distance permit, since I hope to go more than 500 miles. I
> can't quite determine where I should start yet (presumably 560 miles south
> from the last stop I'd make before getting a ride to Portland), but I don't
> know where that is.
> >
> > Basically, I'm trying to do this in an educated manner as best as I can
> so as not to frustrate people who know about doing section thru-hikes and
> also to be wise, but I'm a little uninformed about a lot. So if anyone is
> willing to help me in a way I can understand, I would be very grateful.
> I've got about a month and a half to plan this. I know, that's not a lot of
> time. But hey, that's okay.
> >
> > Anyway I have reached out to people I know directly, I just thought
> people actually doing the PCT would be a good place to seek out as well for
> advice and guidance.
> >
> >
> > Thanks homies!
> >
> >
> > Alexandra
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