Tbh…. My wife and I are 275 miles into our Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru attempt. We started April 9 and we are currently doing a resupply in Big Bear, CA. I wanted to wait until we got underway to start this thread. It’s going to be very semi-live as we already have gone thru a few long stretches with zero reception. So far we have been in some serious extreme weather. Blazing sun in low desert and freezing nights (especially high up in mountains). Wind can be ferocious and we even had to hike thru snow in the San Jacinto mountains. I am finding the hiking maybe a bit easier than the Appalachian Trail, but the extreme climates, remoteness and lack of water (big water carries) make up for that.
Social dynamics are way different than that Appalachian Trail. Lots of international hikers on trail this year (our guess is 65%). Many waited a few years for Covid restrictions to end. It’s been cool meeting and hiking with people from all over the world. Seems like less partying.
We started in Campo, CA at the border. The first 700 miles is desert. However, some of this desert climbs to 10,000 feet. So far we have seen lots of lizards, rabbits, squirrel-like critters and more lizards. Our first encounter with a desert rattler was at mile 5 and the second one at mile 6 (and this one was big and angry). The only big game spotted so far has been Big-Horn sheep. After 700 miles we will get into the Sierras which are good to go (low snow year). Trail concerns are the summer fires which will happen. We have already walked though many scarred sections. Really sad.
I am going to try to update this thread when I get into towns with receptions. I am also doing Instagram - Anvilheadtexas and my wife is - Kjlistenz. Pics are easier on Instagram so there will be more pics there.
I know many many hikers who have done this trail. They all say the hiking is easier than the Appalachian Trail. So far, I am finding it equal, but the knees and body are 6 years older than when I did the AT.
Social dynamics are way different than that Appalachian Trail. Lots of international hikers on trail this year (our guess is 65%). Many waited a few years for Covid restrictions to end. It’s been cool meeting and hiking with people from all over the world. Seems like less partying.
We started in Campo, CA at the border. The first 700 miles is desert. However, some of this desert climbs to 10,000 feet. So far we have seen lots of lizards, rabbits, squirrel-like critters and more lizards. Our first encounter with a desert rattler was at mile 5 and the second one at mile 6 (and this one was big and angry). The only big game spotted so far has been Big-Horn sheep. After 700 miles we will get into the Sierras which are good to go (low snow year). Trail concerns are the summer fires which will happen. We have already walked though many scarred sections. Really sad.
I am going to try to update this thread when I get into towns with receptions. I am also doing Instagram - Anvilheadtexas and my wife is - Kjlistenz. Pics are easier on Instagram so there will be more pics there.
I know many many hikers who have done this trail. They all say the hiking is easier than the Appalachian Trail. So far, I am finding it equal, but the knees and body are 6 years older than when I did the AT.
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