Overly ambitious?

imported
#1

I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Dominican Republic. Post-Peace Corps, pre-next-job seems like the perfect time to attempt a thru-hike of the PCT during the 2014 season. I’ll have time on my hands, and the Peace Corps gives a $7000 readjustment allowance, so I’ll have the funds. My trouble is this: I’m a long-distance hiking n00b. I feel that some of the life skills I’ve picked up in Peace Corps (and the hydration and dietary standards I’ve lowered) give me some trail-cred, but I don’t know that that’s enough to make a bid for the PCT realistic.

If I could get experience here, I would, but my gender and a lack of actual trails in this country make such a venture virtually impossible. I want to set myself up for PCT success, but I don’t want to miss this window opening up in front of me. Should I do smaller hikes when I get back to America until I have more experience, thereby forcing myself to have to create a new opportunity later down the road? Or should I go for it?

PCV Ellen

#2

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

freebird

#3

Plenty of long-distance hiking newbies do fine. You’re probably in the same boat with most hikers, i.e. 50/50 maybe you’ll do the whole thing maybe you won’t. I would say you don’t need to do a TON of hikes for experience, but it’s very helpful to do 2 hikes:

  • 1 ~3-day hike to get a feel for being out there.
  • 1 ~10-day hike to get a feel for a resupply and really getting in the groove.

Can you get those in before a 2014 PCT hike? If not, your chances are lower, but you still might do great. If you can get those 2 hikes in though, you’ll have a much better idea.

markv

#4

Getting some shorter hikes under my belt all depends on when I get back from Peace Corps and when I leave for the trail. I might be able to wrangle it without missing ADZPCTKO. We’ll see what the future holds! Thanks for the votes of confidence.

PCV Ellen

#5

Go for it! You’ll never know if you don’t try. If you start and quit after a few weeks, who cares?!? You’ll still have a great experience in a great place.

Gusty

#6

FFWIW - works for me.

I’m 70 years old and have been doing unsupported 17+ day Sierra loops for 25 years. As I’ve gotten older one big lesson learned was the gradual decline of physical capabilities. When I first realized I was getting slower, I overcompensated by pushing harder and ended up still slower, but more depressed because I couldn’t achieve my new unrealistic goals. The key to success - for me anyway - was to admit to my limitations and react accordingly.

Plan to start slow, reduced daily mileage goals, allow more time to find and set up camp, and accomplish camp chores. Assume you will initially have difficulty sleeping. Don’t tie yourself to other hiker’s schedules.

You will slowly get into shape, develop a greater understanding of physical and mental requirements, and become part of the trail. Don’t let fear of preparation deficiencies make you miss the opportunity. Your body and mind will quickly adjust - father time may not.

booger

#7

Just do it. I started the AT in 1994 never having hiked and with all new equipment (way too heavy),. I made it to ME. You can do the PCT if you just assume you can. Have a blast.

Marti /Swannee

#8

Ellen - I’m filled with admiration! You deserve to give yourself a nice present after your time in the Peace Corps and if the PCT is something you really want to do, no-one on this TJ website will discourage you! But … we are all mad!:slight_smile:

Great