As I get closer and closer to my start date, the questions about this trip come non-stop. I assume it is because most people do not understand why anyone would want to do this or the logistics that go along with a trip like this. I almost can't answer the first question before they have another! How do you shower? How do you get food? Are you bringing a gun? How do you do laundry? How many changes of clothes do you bring? What if you have to go to the bathroom? Do you bring mountain house meals? How can you do it alone? A multitude of questions that I have been asked over and over again. Maybe this will clear a few things up.
I'll be more worried about getting drinking water than bathing myself. I have gone 67 days without showering while backpacking in Utah and it will not kill you. There are trail towns along the way that have coin showers.
I will be buying most of my food as I go and mailing myself a few packages along the way. I will be in a town generally every 5-7 days.
No, anyone that brings a gun along the PCT clearly has not read guidebooks about the docile nature of black bears and the rare occurrence of bear and mountain lion attacks.
Laundry can be done along the trail in plastic bags, hot water and biodegradable soap. Also laundry mats in trail towns.
I don't plan on having a change of clothes. Once my clothes wear out, I'll have new ones sent to me.
If you've never shit in the woods, its seems a little weird but follow Leave No Trace rules and you will be fine.
No, but others might take those.
I will not be alone if i do not want to be. in safe areas I plan on taking solo time and hiking alone but I will not hitchhike, ford creeks, or enter icy passes alone.
This all being said, I am happy to answer any other questions people may have, but it seems to be the same ones recurring.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Outdoor People
One of the many reasons I love the outdoor world is the people you meet throughout your adventures. Most of the people I have met previously or have helped me out in my planning have been some of the most helpful, kind hearted people I've ever met. Their help has been incredibly invaluable to me and their experiences have eased my nervousness. A few people I want to mention specifically:
My very good friend Trevor, who hiked the PCT a few years ago, has not only helped me with gear decisions, random tidbits of information and sat down with me for hours talking trail; He is also making my maps for the entire trip while planning his own through hike on the Continental Divide Trail this year. I appreciate everything you have done so much!
Another person who has been an absolute world of help is my friend Sterling. When he first learned of my interest in the PCT, he brought me a sticker for my water bottle so I would be reminded that I want to through hike the PCT someday. He may not know it, but in the next few months it made me believe that this was a realistic thing I could accomplish. Sterling has also spent hours messaging back and forth with me answering every question I can think of, and then some. I would be completely lost without his priceless information.
And last but definitely not least, my parents. Though they may be completely terrified that i'm embarking on this journey, they have been nothing but supportive. Letting me take over the game room with all my gear and half the kitchen with all my dehydrated food (In advance, mom and dad, it will only get worse from here!). When your daughter tells you she wants to backpack by herself for 5 months, most parents would have an adverse reaction than the ones I received from my parents. They have always believed that I can do it and will be supporting me the entire way. But Mom, you cannot come visit me once a week!
I can say over and over, and I probably will, but thank you, thank you, thank you!
My very good friend Trevor, who hiked the PCT a few years ago, has not only helped me with gear decisions, random tidbits of information and sat down with me for hours talking trail; He is also making my maps for the entire trip while planning his own through hike on the Continental Divide Trail this year. I appreciate everything you have done so much!
Another person who has been an absolute world of help is my friend Sterling. When he first learned of my interest in the PCT, he brought me a sticker for my water bottle so I would be reminded that I want to through hike the PCT someday. He may not know it, but in the next few months it made me believe that this was a realistic thing I could accomplish. Sterling has also spent hours messaging back and forth with me answering every question I can think of, and then some. I would be completely lost without his priceless information.
And last but definitely not least, my parents. Though they may be completely terrified that i'm embarking on this journey, they have been nothing but supportive. Letting me take over the game room with all my gear and half the kitchen with all my dehydrated food (In advance, mom and dad, it will only get worse from here!). When your daughter tells you she wants to backpack by herself for 5 months, most parents would have an adverse reaction than the ones I received from my parents. They have always believed that I can do it and will be supporting me the entire way. But Mom, you cannot come visit me once a week!
I can say over and over, and I probably will, but thank you, thank you, thank you!
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