Tag: planning

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Topographical maps and their effect on my sanity

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?

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A Fleeting Thought,Turns into Action

When I lived in the States, especially in the Wilderness, I always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail; a grueling, unforgiving, wild hike of over 2,600 miles.  I met one guy who was on the trail and detoured to see Mount St. Helens and he said the PCT quest was the most exhilarating yet stupid thing he’s ever done.  He and I had a lot in common because at that time I too was on the path of stupidity and exhileration while working on a J1-visa at an active volcano. Don’t ask me why I wanted to do the same hike he was battling, I just did.  Something about it sounded so regal, so adventurous, so…….insane. The idea was/is flat out looney tunes, knowing that really out of 5 billion people on this planet, only 4,000 have actually completed the full hike…all bitching 2,600 miles of it.  Half of that in the last year since the movie Wild came out.  The though of being on your own for months, mile after mile becoming your best friend but also your worst enemy.  No companionship, unless you can con some poor sucker into doing it with you.  Nothing but your thoughts and a really fucking heavy backpack  Yep, not sure why I wanted to, but I did.

I still do.

So I am.

WTF????

I’ve decided to hike the full PCT before I turn 40 years old.  It’s going to take years of training, of preparation, of psyching myself up to take the challenge.  I’ll probably quit a hundred times before I even step foot in Campo, on the California/Mexico border.  But here I am, planning for it.  Writing about it makes it official, right?

I mean really? Why the hell would I subject myself to a hike where I literally have to mail myself shit to ensure my survival at random outposts along the trail.  Relying on pure instinct, great maps and open stores to make my journey less grueling?  Hoping like hell my Solomon’s are as good a hiker as they are up Terrace Mountain?  What the hell am I thinking?

I am so fucking jazzed!

This blog will follow my beginning through to the end.  From tonight when I printed off a few trail maps to many years down the road when I step foot back into British Columbia after months in the rugged wilderness.  Follow the fun here.  Please comment, give me tips, well wishes, etc.  I want you to be there with me.  Through it all!

Let’s fucking do this!

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