PCT comletion versus AT

imported
#1

I’ve been following PCT journals this year, preparing for my own hike in the somewhat near future and noticed that this crop of PCT hikers are almost all towards the end (Washington). Besides major injuries, there hardly seems to be anyone dropping out because it wasn’t what they expected, or because they simply got tired of the daily monotony. Of course with the AT you see this all the time, where people lose interest. Are PCT hikers more commited, more serious, better prepared and realistic about waht they’re getting themselves into? What is the general completion rate among PCT hikers? Does this say something about the PCT based on terrain and weather? I’d love to hear peoples thoughts, from PCT hikers, AT and PCT completors or anyone else.

A-Train

#2

sometimes i feel like people want a trail journal before they want to hike the AT. so many have 48 great entries before they leave, then you dont hear from them, then… well they are writing about why they quit from where they are most comfortable, their computers. for some reason, these people dont start PCT journals. in other words i think your perception has more to do with this site than the two trails. anyone feel me there?

cuz at, no problem. beer, parties, towns, lax schedule, shade, springs.

pct, desert, no water, few towns, less people, etc. the pct handed my ass to me. i made it like 80 miles. its frikkin mad hard dude. but im gonna git you sucka in 05!

know what i mean?

milo

#3

Many PCT hikers are prior AT thru-hikers, and they are partially aware of what is ahead of them on the PCT. The PCT is a different animal than the AT, but most AT thru-hikers adjust to the difference and are successful with their PCT hike.

Hey Milo, you must have gotten off at the same place I did—Scissors Crossing! Had a foot injury and got off the trail. Hope to return in '05.

Pancho