I am planning to hike the PCT northbound in April 2010. Are there any other solo hikers who are looking for a hiking partner? Me: born and raised in Honolulu, gratuated from University of La Verne,CA, and currently living in Hermosa Beach, CA. Nature Lover. Finished the JMT 2006. Summited Mt Whitney 3 times. High Sierra Trial 2008. Male Hawaiian 50 yrs in great shape.
Hawaii “5-0”
It’s become a reliable grand tradition on the PCT to show up and find your hiking partners on the trail. Most everyone leaves within the same 2 or 3 weeks, so every day you could start there will be others starting. I think it’s much much more likely you’ll find a hiking partner you like “on the fly” than trying to find one online in advance. I know that might seem weird, since it really only works that way usually on the PCT and Appalachian Trail.
Anyway, i’m headed to Oahu in a couple of days. Has it been raining a lot lately? I’d like to go back and do Ka’au Crater and maybe Maunawili Demonstration trail, but i know those can both be muddy messes if it’s been wet lately.
:cheers
markv
Yeah, I second markv’s recommendation. Wait until you’re on the trail. There’s tons of people out there, you’ll end up hiking with people you get along with. Way more reliable than trying to find someone beforehand (who you may actually find out you don’t even like).
Joker
Thanks, Joker. Got your vibe in regards to the possibility of hiking with others on the PCT. It makes much more sense to do so as suggeted. Be well.
hawaii 5-0
Go to the PCT kick-off at Lake Morena. It is the last weekend in April. You will have no trouble finding someone, (some group), to hike with. There will be somewhere between 100-200 thru-hikers at the kick-off. Enjoy your hike, the PCT is a class act.
Robocop (Class 0f 2007) Look for me there!
Robocop
Hey Hawaii 5-0,
I’ve lived in Hawaii for the past 20 years (Oahu, Maui & Kauai) & will be hiking the PCT NOBO this year as well. I’m a solo hiker & not looking for a hiking partner - just wanted to wish you well on your hike next year & hope to meet you on the trail at some point.
Markv - it’s been extremely dry here on Kauai for the past few weeks, so I would guess that Oahu is fairly dry as well.
aloha, freebird
freebird
Thanks for the good trail news, Freebird. After Oahu, we’re getting married on Maui and then going to Kauai for the Kalalau Trail. Do you have any secret tips for finding kewl things in the valley? The other time in went there, i didn’t have much time to explore.
:cheers
markv
Hey Markv -
I find new & amazing things in Kalalau every time I visit. My advice is to head right for the “Sanctuary” on the Bluff as you hike in & talk to Ron (“the Mayor”) or Mike about where to go. I personally love “Outlaw pools” and Ginger pool. Also, if there’s enough beach to get there, head for “Puff’s” cave which in a side cave in the big lagoon in the first deep cave down the beach towards Hanakoa (bring a headlamp). The walls are all naturally glazed in various colors - pretty amazing. The side cavern is on the left side as you enter the lagoon in the main cave (heading for the beach at the back of the main cave) Rumor has it that Peter, Paul & Mary named it while visiting Kalalau in the early 70’s
There almost always a fun New Year’s Eve bonfire on the beach & this year its a full moon. I’ll almost definitely be in Kalalau for New Year’s (unless its really wet). Hope to see you in the Valley!
Happy Trails
freebird