FB posts - Dec 31, 2011

Have a great New Year class of 2012 tomorrow (Aussie time) it will be the year of PCT for us time is going slowly but also going very fast, so much to do. Mainly get fit get fit and get fit.

- Tanya Gipcgirl Bajor

 

Former thrus and desert folk - what are you favorite snacks that survive the hot weather?

- Jason Phelps

 

Last night it was just me and another guy workin' at the shop. I have the PCT map up in one of the storage rooms, so we got to talkin about the hike during our break... Actually seeing the map left him SHOCKED at the distance I would be traveling, I don't think the numbers translated until he had a visual... This of course led to me daydreaming and havin' a little fun while I blasted a dam gate... After an entire year of research, reading, and $ raising, it's almost here... I know you guys all feel the same..

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 29, 2011

Now that I have my 26 mail points picked out, something funny occurred to me. I have to pick out which gown I want to wear while standing on the highest point in the continental U.S. - something dramatic for a photo, yet unrestraining... haha... I'm guessing I'll be the first man ever to have this problem... It left me laughing, so i thought i'd share this bit of stupid decision making with my 2012 pals....

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 28, 2011

PCT Hikers, Mark your calendars for the ADZPCTKO 2012...
...will be held April 27-29, 2012.
ADZPCTKO Home

- Greg Poirier

 

How do you carry and pack your produce?

- John McKinney

 

For this year im doing a music project with my family and friends, im sending out 8gig sd cards that fit into my mp3 player and asking friends and family to fill them with photos, videos, movies, music and anything else that will help me with my hike. Good idea ay?

- Richard Sharp

 

hello hello!! i am thinking about switching from a sleeping bag to a quilt... any suggestions?

- Margaux Donell

 

So whats everyones take on bear mace, better safe than sorry or dead weight?.

- Collin Weiner

 

haha i love coming across little gems like this on vimeo....
Jack and Barb hike the Pacific Crest Trail, 2011

- Kris Hammonds

 

"The voyage of discovery is not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

- Kolby Kirk

FB posts - Dec 26, 2011

some good info for those of you carrying a smart phone. it's not all about iPhones
GEAR » Is the Iphone 4s the perfect GPS for the JMT now? -- BackpackingLight.com Forums

- John McKinney

 

Is anyone bringing a town shirt?

- John McKinney

FB posts - Dec 25, 2011

A new hiker hostel....
Whitewater Trail House on the PCT: Welcome to the Whitewater Trail House Blog!

- Greg Poirier

 

Word from the experienced. As you all search for gear for your upcoming hike remember that you have to use these products every single day of your life. Dont look at just getting the lightest things possible but look for comfort and reliability in the gear you purchase, look for reviews and really examine something before you purchase a piece. For example i went with a small foam sleeping pad last season and was miserable when it got three months in sleeing on something so thin...this year its a neo air. So just realize that its not all about weight. That is all

- Richard Sharp

 

It's free. It comes in multiple lengths. And its free online.
Cookie & Paul's documentary/video of our Continental Divide Trail hike in 2008

- Nathan Frank

 

Watched Wizards of the PCT today for the first time. Really enjoyable and am thoroughly impressed with how quickly Jester sent it out. Had it in under a week. Of all the thru-hiker made trail docs I've seen, this is by far the best IMO.

- Nathan Frank

 

Merry Christmas PCT Class of 2012!! I suspect their were lots of REI gift cards under the tree this morning.

- Mike Tarman

 

So did anyone get anything special 4 Christmas they'd like 2 share, trail related or not?. come on let's hear it share the Christmas joy!

- Collin Weiner

 

Merry Christmas Class!!!

- Scott Sprenger

 

I now have a spot!

- Scott Sprenger

FB posts - Dec 24, 2011

For those of you who have a membership at REI, but don't pay close attention to it, you may want to check your account as those dividends earned in 2009 will expire at the end of this year. You have a few options - buy something, get store credit or cash them out. Just wanted to pass this info along as it was pointed out to me by a friend. Happy Holiday's T.J.

- T.J. Pain

FB posts - Dec 23, 2011

convertible Pants or running shorts? Long sleeve shirt or short sleeve?

- John McKinney

 

VW CAMPER VAN TENTS I know it looks like an old VW Bus like they used in the 60's, but it is really a four person adult tent big enough for standing room. I had to put this up tonight, other sites have it also, but it is too good to miss. You can buy this from the distributor in the UK and yes they ship internationally.

“If you love music, mud and Mother Nature you're probably heading to a camp site at some point this summer. But why take shelter in some dull, conventional tent when you can recreate the Summer of Love in the hippie-tastic VW Camper Van Tent. Officially licensed, this stunning four-man (or lady, natch) tent is a luxe, full-size replica of the iconic 1965 VW Camper Van synonymous with 60s counterculture. It's so evocative you can almost hear the Mamas and the Papas singi...

- T.J. Pain

FB posts - Dec 22, 2011

When is everyone thinking of starting? I'm wondering how this year will shape up as compared to others. It seems to me that the start dates are pretty constant. I was originally aiming for May 5thish but I want to help out trail angels shuttle and cook during the kickoff so I'll be down earlier. Anyone else?

- Patrick Beggan

 

I don't think this subject has popped up - Stove choices. I have a Snow Peak Gigapower Auto, love it, but the canister shipping seems a hassle. Not sure i have patience for the Pepsi Can Alcohol Stove, but like the simplicity of fuel. I didn't see much on the resupply points when it comes to canister fuel - Thoughts?

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 21, 2011

Received my solar charger (a Suntactics sCharger5) in yesterday's mail. Wouldn't you know it - we have 2 days of rain in the forecast.

- Mike Tarman

 

Hey gang, I need some help. I'm trying to scan the three WP guide books into my DROID phone. Does anyone have any tips. Either the file is to big in RTF or PDF. It looks like crap in txt. Or better yet, Does anyone have a copy of the books in digital format? Thanks, Mark Trail.

- Mark Perschel

 

Came across this, http://www.bearvault.com/bearvault_pct.php
BearVault: PCT thru Hiker

- T.J. Pain

 

Sweet. It's crazy how light these are. But will I keep them? Glued in tips w/o an easy way to remove them may cause a return. Oh the many options we have for gear. It's tough...

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 20, 2011

Dog walking is proving to be a great way to fund and train my thru-hike--simultaneously! If you live in an urban area, I highly recommend it as a means of self-employment!

- Nathan Frank

 

Here's a 42 minute video compilation from my 2009 thru-hike. Clips are chronological northbound from the border. There's lots of cursing, beware! http://www.viddler.com/explore/meta474/videos/1/

- Patrick Beggan

 

So I gotta ask... Shave or no shave? This is for the men. Women, I don't wanna know!

- Kolby Kirk

 

Got my Tarptent Notch in the mail today....just awesome.

- Dan Findley

FB posts - Dec 19, 2011

Just want to keep people updated on who's leaving when and who has a journal started. Lots of great links and info on Postholer.
http://postholer.com/hikerRegistry.php

- T.J. Pain

 

Morning Class......I wanted to know what kind of camera you were thinking about bringing out on the trail? I know some are serious photographers in this group so let's not get too out of hand for what it's worth. I have a Sony Cyber Shot 7.2 Small light digital camera. It has served me well for many years, but yesterday the lens door and motor started sticking and won't open without help. I am now looking for something new....or heck even used if the price is right. I want to take decent shots......so what is everyone else bringing?

- T.J. Pain

 

Ok I'm on another binge. I'm getting toward the end of Yogi's guide book and she talks about Mosquitos. We all hate them and we know we have to deal with them while hiking. But, in her book all the hikers she interviewed including herself talk like deet is very bad for you. Like cause cancer bad. I didn't use it much on the CT but when I did I caked it on and did not have a skeeter problem. For all you chemical engineers or biologists, what is the scoop on DEET?

- Scott Sprenger

 

Ok I am trying to finish part 2 of my colorado trail video. I used to use Kazaa and then limewire to find music. Can't use them anymore. Anyone know another place to get music? I tried frostwire but don't like it.

- Scott Sprenger

FB posts - Dec 18, 2011

Well, I am going to go with the Hennessy Ultra Lite Hammock. My put together hammock and nylon tarp worked will on the CT but I have decided to shave some wight by going with this 1.5 lb sleep system.

- Scott Sprenger

 

be sure to watch the videos!
Sunshine in the Sierra @ Backpacking Light

- Janet Renfro Ake

 

Hey class of 2012 is any one planning to hike in my age group? You all sound so young, fit, and full of zest. I'm turning 63 on the PCT. Interested to see how many others.

- Tanya Gipcgirl Bajor

 

I want to say how incredibly helpful Scott at postholer.com has been in helping me embed my journal into my web site. Postholer rocks!

- Jason Phelps

 

Hey, does anyone know what kind of North Face bivy this is? I have the opportunity to borrow it, but would like to know its weight (the guy who owns it says "about the weight of a full can of beer - that doesn't help!). I haven't been able to find it online.

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

 

I'd like to note we're nearing 100 members - how cool is that?

- Jason Phelps

 

I pretty much steer clear of politics and protests and such, but when I opened my Christmas present today, I found that my Ice Axe came equipped for dual purpose.
So I'm joining the Occupy Movement...

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 17, 2011

Bought & shipped Wizards of the PCT to my folks place while I'm in town. Haven't seen it yet. It came today. Can't wait to see it! Jus' sayin' =-D

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 16, 2011

anyone use a Deuter backpack???

- Kris Hammonds

 

Dear Yogi, You're making an otherwise mundane trip back to Missouri (pronounced misery), & long layover in Vegas a wonderful fun filled adventurous experience, as I peruse the pages of your handbook planning my 26 (solid) resupply points.

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 15, 2011

What about food safety in the National Parks? I could not find any information on the PCTA site so looked at the individual Park sites near or through which the PCT goes. One fun fact is that the majority of the bear problems are in established campgrounds with animals habituated to humans. I will be making six comments to this thread so as to provide links to all of the Parks for your researching pleasure.

- Glen Hubbell

 

I just passed up an oppurtunity to buy a solio lite solar charger at steep and cheap for $40. This charger is normally $99.

- Scott Sprenger

 

?"...you are always in the present on the trail and there are little to no distractions to take you away from the important things in life." ~Buckeye (yogi handbook)

BOOM!

- Kris Hammonds

FB posts - Dec 13, 2011

I didn't want to just start friend requesting everyone because I know some people take their Facebook privacy more seriously than others and I don't want anyone to feel obligated to accept requests either but I figured I'd start a post for those of us who wouldn't mind being friends with the others that are here.
Anyone who feels up to it can add me as a FB friend.
Others who share that mentality can also post below so others may add you as well.

- John McKinney

 

Do I really need to spend $$$ on guidebooks? those that have walked the trail before, what maps were needed and not? Anyone walk it with just a data book?

- John McKinney

 

How much do you anticipate spending on trail food per week? Town food?

- Nathan Frank

 

Is a 30 degree bag sufficient or is it recommended to bring a warmer one?

- Andrew Wade Berger

 

alright-i pretty much cant wait to meet all you guys, or as many as i can. i am sure you are all going through the same things as me, with most of my Facebook feed being dominated by PCT updates now, which i love, but it is still sort of weird seeing all your faces everyday but still having never met you, and maybe never actually getting the chance too meet because the spread of the pack....

i have never been to the adzpctko but i am hoping there is a booth or area set up where the facebook groupers can all meet up and congregate a bit... as many people as there are on this forum, i am sure the we are still in the minority when it comes to all the people who will actually be hiking this year....

i still feel like sort of an outsider, because this is my first thru. like this hike is my initiation hike into an existence i have so desperately wished i was part of for so long now but so many things have kept me from making it a reality.

there is so much i am looking forward to due to the actuality of this hike...

- Kris Hammonds

FB post - Dec 12, 2011

Morning.....today's questions is: Crampons, Micro Spikes, Trax, just to name a few.....or are you just going to wing it and take a chance? I hike in the snow covered mountain....but never used any traction devices. I have never hiked in running shoes in the snow. Is this going to be a whole new experience?

- T.J. Pain

FB post - Dec 11, 2011

Anyone thinking about buying a Mont Bell bag- I haven't seen them marked down much- but this sale on Mont bell gear goes through tomorrow night. If I like it I'll probably be selling my Western Mountaineering Ultralite
Montbell Clothing & Gear - GearZone.com

- Dayla Austin

FB posts - Dec 10, 2011

I never should have taken my SmartWool Midweight longjohns/shirt out of the box. It's become my new loungewear.... So comfy. If this is what expensive feels like, I'm all for it.

- Ron Ulrich

 

So I suppose it's time to let you all in on my crazy 2012 PCT plan. Back in Jan, when I said I wanted to hike the PCT in '12 yet have no money to do so, one friend said "you should incorporate your creativity, and photography into the hike, then write a book", the other said "get a sponsor" - I said "who's gonna sponsor me, hundreds of people every year start this hike. I'm just some guy. 'Man with Mustache Hikes Trail' isn't very sponsor worthy..."

That's all it took. I looked back on a silly photo I took in Hells Canyon, with something i found in a dumpster.... And, well, the rest is all my kinda crazy.

Ron Ulrich-Hiking 26

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 9, 2011

Having fun at the Mexican border!
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvvee57M4S1r68trvo1_500.png

- Glen Hubbell

 

Any other non- Americans here? How are you planning to re-supply? My current plan is to use a bounce box and maybe using a re-supply service to supplement the less outfitted points on the trail.

- Warren Heise

 

Top Five PCT Necessities - Items that every thru hiker should pack.
http://www.thehikeguy.com/2011/12/09/top-five-pct-necessities/

- Kolby Kirk

 

I've been looking for a down or synthetic vest for extra warmth and a pillow. problem is I wanted it cheap, ultra-light and ORANGE! After weeks of searching, I ordered some fibrous insulation and ultralight fabric in both blue and orange from the Ray Way website. Take that, limited-choice-over-priced-manufacturers, I'll just make my own! Anybody else has been down that road and can share tips?

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

 

Anyone planning an early morning hike to see the rare lunar eclipse on Saturday?
http://www.blippitt.com/lunar-eclipse-december-2011-selenelion/

- Kolby Kirk

FB posts - Dec 8, 2011

Do food stamps work nationally? How best to go about getting them?

- John McKinney

 

I think I'll go old school and break out my Granite Gear Virga for this trail... it will save me enough weight to add my WM down pants and stay under 11 lbs. what is everyone else carrying?

- John McKinney

 

Can I get a witness that paying todays bills while saving for on-trail as well as post-trail bills is not a little daunting? I've yet to see a "how to hike a long distance trail" book that covers this topic.

- Nathan Frank

 

Let's talk journals! Are you keeping an online journal? What tools, websites will you use to keep it updated. I have an iPhone and basic web design skills. I'd like the ability to upload pictures and text, and hopefully allow folks to leave comments..maybe Facebook integration?? Any thoughts?

- Warren Heise

 

I learned today that I will be carrying a carbon fiber guitar on the trail thanks to some amazing friends!

- Jason Phelps

FB posts - Dec 7, 2011

Anybody interested in buying a blue ULA Circuit pack, small torso, S-straps? The belt is XS, but you can get it replaced with one your size if that's not your size. It's brand new, never used. ULA is willing to let me return it, even though it's a special order (the blue is the special bit, otherwise it's the same pack), but if somebody here would like it, I figured I'd give you first pick. Selling it for what I paid $200. I'll even pick up shipping just for the pleasure of the possibility of seeing it on the trail next year.

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

 

Ok yogis guide book mentions that there are registries in certain businesses. Are we supposed to sign them all?

- Scott Sprenger

FB post - Dec 6, 2011

http://www.thehikeguy.com/2011/11/10/pct-moleskine
My Pacific Crest Trail Moleskine Journals

- Jason Phelps

FB posts - Dec 5, 2011

Did well at the REI used gear sale today. Got a few things, including $130 Salomon trail runners for $19. Worn once. My gf got the same deal on a pair she found too. Im gonna go to the next one and see if i can stock up on a few more pairs for cheap.

- Dan Findley

 

Get over it, and get it done.
PCT 2012 Baby!

- Brian TheMichiganwolverine Wybrecht

FB posts - Dec 3, 2011

So I figure I should inform everyone since I've been posting here that I am not 100% committed yet... I have some $ and dog sitting issues that need to be solved first but I truly hope I get to hike the PCT next year. Nice to meet all of you!

- John McKinney

 

I just won an ebay auction- got my dream tent for half price! I They are out of production right now too- but I found another one for sale online if anyone is interested let me know. Can't wait to go hiking!
Big Sky Evolution 2P - Big Sky International - Light weight & Comfortable Outdoor Gear for Backpacki

- Dayla Austin

 

Please to note the Stehekin Post Office has been taken off the USPS closure list.

- Mike Tarman

 

Crazy hikers? I think so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqDoNHFYrlY&lr=1&feature=g-all

- Scott Sprenger

 

In the "who cares?" category, I'd like to share that I got my WM 20 degree bag in the mail today, have napped in it this afternoon, am spending the night in it now and think it is blissful. Lots of room in here too. I can stash all sorts of gear with me if it's cold out.

- Melissa TheBobcat Park

 

I ordered 10 PCT maps from the PCTA to give out so friends can follow the journey, but was rather disappointed that they don't offer shipping via the USPS. Considering PCT thru-hikers rely on the Post Offices, it seems to me the PCTA should be supporting the Postal Service.

- Ron Ulrich

FB posts - Dec 1, 2011

Before I started my thru hike, a few alumni took time to tell me that what I was about to do was crazy, amazing, and life changing. I wanted to believe them, but wasn't sold on the idea. "It's just a long hike!" i thought. Now, here I am, still fresh from my hike, seeing a new group of people about to hit the PCT. I know you won't all believe it, but what you're about to do will change you in ways you cannot comprehend. I am totally envious of your ignorance.

- Kolby Kirk

 

Best advice I heard while on the trail? Stay on it as long as possible. You'll regret it the moment you leave it. It is very true. I know of a thru hiker that camped in their back yard recently they missed the PCT so much.

- Kolby Kirk