Solid advice Arielle!! As someone who is a planner my heart (and fault - I tried planning every aspect of my PCT thru-hike because I was scared), one of the first lessons I learned when thru-hiking the PCT was to be okay with letting the plan go out the window and to be flexible, go with the flow with whatever the trail would bring my way. I swear, some of my most memorable experiences out on the PCT were not planned and I couldn't have planned them even if I wanted to. Your PCT Q&A video series is really going to help a lot of future PCT thru-hikers plan their hikes. I wish I had your video series when I was planning my first thru-hike. :)
I love the quality and depth of your vlogs and Q & A! Thank you so much! I’m going to start section hiking the PCT at 53! Did section K in 2020 with lazy pack goats and learned I didn’t need them😂 I’m the healthiest I’ve been in a least 20 years! Overcoming black mold exposure, PTSD, food sensitivities and embracing 10 years of sobriety. My kids are big and I’m chasing my dreams again! You’ve been truly inspiring! I really appreciate your healthy attitude and emotional maturity! Congrats on going for your masters in holistic nutrition, or something of that nature!!! We need more of you! I only really started healing when I stopped poisoning myself. Anyway have fun in New Zealand!! I lived on a dairy goat farm for room and board north of Auckland when I was 21 because I ran out of money coming home from conservation work in Australia and had a blast!
Great comprehensive information ! There's so much to pack in ! Just a few questions : > Is there special insurance you can buy in case you need to be airlifted ? > As a driver and you come across who appears to be a PCT hiker , how do you safely ensure that the backpacker is safe to give a lift ? > Are there "local chapters" where one can be a part of the trail angels ? > Besides water , what food items and non-food items are sought after when coming across Trail Magic ? > How crucial is it to know how to use a compass and a topographic map ?
Really excellent advice. Particularly taking it easy for the first weeks are super important IMO. It's so easy to do too much unless you're extremely well prepared.
Five months seems like a long, uh, time. What would you say best describes trail practice when it comes to sex: (1) You're too smelly, dirty, and tired to worry about it; (2) If you're on a zero and have your own room, go for it; (3) People do it on the trail and aren't as discreet as they think they are; (4) all of the above; (5) none of the above.
AHHH yes!! I have been so busy this last week that I wasn't able to give this the final once over view I usually do. Thank you for catching that!! I just edited out the extra 10 seconds on the back end so hopeful RU-vid sorts that out in the next couple hours.
Only speaking for myself. Been backpacking the High Sierras for 50 years now and never got a permit and never been stopped by a ranger asking me to show a permit.
