Why didn’t I pay better attention in Geosciences when we studied topographical maps? I found a really cool site that has downloadable maps that lay out EVERYTHING on the PCT including safe drinking water stops, post offices, stores, elevations, abandoned forest roads, camp sights, etc. After staring at it for hours, I am just starting to figure out my journey and how to fucking plot it. These maps are intense!!!! Not only is the writing horrendously small but for only the first 200 miles of the “hike from hell” I’ve printed off over 50 sheets of maps, resources and elevation logs. Perhaps turning my nose at a $30.00 map purchase online was rather ridiculous. Although I have to admit planning this over the past couple of days has been exhilarating. Going through page by page of my printouts makes me feel as if I’m building my journey and customizing it. I have the first week rough planned including potential camping areas, re-supply locations and have mapped out approximate hiking distances. I’m shooting for a minimum of 20 miles per day. I don’t think this is unreasonable and I’m bound to cover more ground daily the more I hike. Not only will my body be conditioned to the conditions and elevation changes, I’ll be in rocking shape!
I also downloaded a PCT planner where I inputted potential dates and with my goal of 20 miles per day, I’m looking at 6 months to do the whole thing. Yikes! I’d rather not be on my own for that length of time, so I may have to consider lightening the load by using the “bounce box” strategy. This is where hikers ship a package to post offices along the trail for themselves and it contains things you definitely need in between re-supply boxes but not necessarily right this minute. If you need something, the box will greet you at the next stop, which is usually no more than 50 miles away and you can restock the next time you resupply in town. If you don’t need anything you simply re-seal it and forward to yourself at the next pick up location on the trail. For thru-hiking this idea is pure fucking genious. Not only are you not carrying extra weight, you can simplify the whole experience. I am NOTORIOUS for over-packing, just ask my husband.
These are my bounce box ideas, if you can think of any other ideas let me know:
- Laundry detergent pads
- feminine products <—–(sorry, guys!)
- Ziploc Slider 1 gal bags
- Cell charger
- Mophie charger
- Fitbit charger
- Batteries
- Camp fuel x2
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor
- Sewing kit
- Waterproof matches
- Mailing labels, stamps, envelopes, pens, paper
- Packing and duct tape
- Water treatment drops
- Toilet paper
- Butane
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Individually sealed medications
- Floss
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Dish soap
- Moleskin
- Journals
- Clean underwear and socks
- Garbage bags
I’ll scan my first week into my blog over the next day or so. It’s rough draft, but a good start. Especially for a hike that is at least a few years away.
Have I mentioned I’m jazzed?