I have to do the PCT. There is no ifs ands or buts about it.
However, I’m a little lost as to how to begin planning for a undertaking of this size. At most, I’ve only ever planned over nighteres. How do I make that leap?
I would like to see your process of planning for a long distance hike…It would help me a lot, thanks.
LostSole
Start by going to www.pctplanner.com
This will give you an idea of the distances, resupply points, time, and general layout of the PCT. Keep in mind that most people, when they finish the PCT, will tell you that much planning isn’t really necessary.
Suge
I started by following other people’s journals. Pick three or four who use different strategies and see how they work. Then use Yogi’s handbook to help! I tried to write down all my decision making processes in my journal, if you read it. I’ll be finding out how it works in about 50 days…
Sharon
Definitely get Yogi’s guidebook. Then just think of something that needs to be done, and get started. Go to pcta.org for ideas, too.
One strategy: plan just the first week or so. It will be tough and lead to all kinds of questions (what will I eat, how much water will I need to carry, etc).
Then plan for the second week, which will lead to more tough questions (what if my toilet paper ran out, do I need a bounce box for toilet paper, so I don’t have to buy 16 rolls, maybe I can steal a roll from the gas station, what about batteries, how will I get fuel here, can you mail fuel, do I want to maildrop in this town or resupply, will I hitch to town, how far is it from the trail, wait - how do I find that out - I need to order the guidebooks with the maps - which guidebooks - check trailforums.com to find out which guidebooks - order the guidebooks - go back to ‘what do I eat’ etc).
Sure, it’s overwhelming. Just make the decision to go. Whatever NEEDS to get done, will get done. Whatever doesn’t get done, you will adapt to the consequences along the way.
Sharon - I’ll be getting to find out if it works in THIRTY-FOUR (34) days… yeah!! Right on… you’re probably faster than me, my training consists of preparing bannock as an experiment and then eating it. :eek: See you out there!
Sophie