June 20, 2005
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I've been looking at a lot of web sites about the Pacific Crest Trail. I've decided that it's my goal to hike it next summer.
The trail stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border (and 30 miles beyond, to a BC provincial park). It travels through some of the toughest terrain on the continent, most notably the arid desert near Mexico, the Muir wilderness in California, and the north Cascades up into Canada. On average, it takes 20 weeks to do the whole thing, at an average of something like 20 miles of hiking a day.
I thought about splitting it up. One state per summer, perhaps. But if one has hiked the entire length of California (and not just the length of California, but through the high Sierras), one might be of a mind to keep going beyond the view of Mt. Shasta. There are people who do it in segments, but that sort of thing seems wholly arbitrary. And really, it's a test. What are you testing if you go in segments?
I can't help but think big. I used to want to hike the Appalachian Trail, until I learned about the PCT, which is longer, hairier, and more remote. Plus the AT doesn't really have any alpine sections.
So: Next summer, it'll be all about packing 30% of my body weight across the western states, eating too much dried fruit, and ending up looking like Conan the Barbarian. And maybe taking some good pictures, too. Unless something stupendously better comes along, of course. If you think you might need my professional services during next summer, now's the time to schedule.
Comments (8)
so, would you start at the north end or the south end?
Most folks are going south to north. The summer comes late to the North Cascades, so the trail is covered with snow until July or August in some parts.
I did about 100 miles of the Muir trail many eons ago and it was fabulous. 5 mountain ranges 15,000 feet or more we crossed. The air gets pretty thin up there.
That's pretty ambitous.
so you won't have internet connection for this trip? how sad!
/jk!! i'm sure you can do it! 
You'll be lucky if they let you into Canada. We like immigrants who are employable up here (or at least those who can lie their way to employability.)
Who is this imposter duchess? Clearly an idiot who has not read the post, because who said anything about immigrating? And why would a person say that, anyway? WTH does hiking have to do with working? *scratches head*
Someone I haven't deleted, that's who.
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