PCT hike sponsored by Discover

imported
#1

In addition to doing the PCT hike in April, I will also be moving all of my stuff out to Portland. This will be my new residence when the hike is complete. The math is saying big $$$ and I am looking at my options.

I have plenty of credit. In fact, to use credit cards when possible would be prefered. That way I could still have money in my bank account at the end of the hike so I could eat and stuff like that. I have a couple of Visa cards, but my real buying power would be with my discover card. Can you do much shopping with this while in trail towns?

Thanks.

Ganj

#2

That’s how I hike. I carry very little cash.

Two places I can think of that do not accept credit cards are the store and lodge at Mt Laguna, and Grumpy Bear Restaurant at Kennedy Meadows.

I’ve always used Visa/Mastercard. There may be places along the trail that won’t accept Discover. I work at a major restaurant in Kansas City, and we don’t take Discover. You might also carry a Visa or Mastercard just in case.

I’ve got some PCT 2003 friends who live in Portland. If you want to get together with them for a pre-hike thing, email me privately and I can give you their email addresses.

yogi

#3

There are quite a few restaurants and grocery stores along the trail that won’t take credit cards. I used only cash, and traveled w/ people who mainly only used credit, and I remember there being quite a few stops to where we would bail out our credit card users.

It’s a good idea to always have some cash on you.

bearbait

#4

Bearbeat has it closer to my experience. I would definitely not depend on a discover card. I would not suggest going into debt on the trail, unless its for the last leg or something. You’ll get home, and realize that they own you! For me the trail is all about freedom, but hey, that’s me. I would prepare right, make the cash (doesn’t take much), and not have to worry about “owning up” to my experience later. Even if it took an extra year of prep., it’s worth getting it right. Do you aggree?

Also, remember all PO’s can give cash back up to 40 bones. Peace

Tha Wookie

#5

I believe you guys already discussed here that most hikes run about $5,000. However, it was also mentioned it could be done for cheaper. I plan to do it cheaper but will budget $5,000 to be safe.

I’ll have money but will be inclined to use credit cards to absorb some of the cost. Being in debt and having cash when I get off the trail is not a big deal. Not having any money is a big deal. I’m doing this move at the same time so it seems to be the safer thing to do. I’ll rely more on VISA and won’t even take the discover card with me.

I can’t wait an extra year. This is my window of opportunity before grad school so must get it done now. Besides, there are no guarantees on how long you get to stick around.

Ganj

#6

dont ever draw cash from a visa, you get charged interest immediatly!

best thing to do, open a new visa, 99% of em these days have an 6 months interest free transfer. use that on your hike, when you get to the end of the PCT (usually what 5 months?)… transfer it to another NEW visa with the same 6 months interest free + transfer.

this way, you dont pay any interest for a year. should be long enough to get back into work and start paying it off without paying interest.

Bloody Cactus

#7

No plans to use the credit cards for cash advances. Just to pay for groceries or hotel stays. I can pay for most of the hike myself, but believe that some of the cost will have to come from credit cards. Thats a good idea on the balance transfers and taking advantage of zero interest. Will likely do that.

Thanks.

Ganj

#8

If the town doesn’t take credit, but has a post-office, you can get $50.00 at the post-office on your ATM and there are no ATM Charges.

Have a great hike.

Team Black Cat