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

Wed Apr 20 12:20:03 CDT 2016

Hello Alexandra - 

As a relative newbie, too, I think what people get frustrated with are when newbies endanger themselves (and potentially others) by jumping in with no preparation. You *are* preparing - there's a big difference! :-)

I'm assuming that you're planning on heading northbound through Oregon, then? I haven't done that section (well, state), but one thing that I have heard from others who have is that there's a longish dry stretch (~20 miles, I think?) near Crater Lake, where you'll need to make sure you have adequate water.

I did my first-ever backpacking trip last summer, a solo hike in Washington from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass, and I relied heavily on Halfmile's PCT maps: [ https://www.pctmap.net/maps/ ]( https://www.pctmap.net/maps/ ) . I'd highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already. 

Depending on what day of the week you finish, there's also public transit in the Gorge (on the north side) on the weekends, which stops at the PCT trailhead and heads into Vancouver, WA, from where you can catch a bus into Portland to meet up with your friends. [ http://www.gorgetranslink.com/ ]( http://www.gorgetranslink.com/ ) . So you might not have to hitchhike if you don't want to.

Good luck with your preparation, and your journey!

-Julia

----------------------------------
Nice Summary Drew,

I agree with everything you said!

Coastal
On Apr 19, 2016 4:51 PM, "Drew Smith" <jdrewsmith at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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 ]( 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 ]( 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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