Just a few days to go …

In a few days, I will start my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

The PCT starts at the Mexican border east of San Diego and stretches to the Canadian border east of Seattle. It is 2,650 miles long and follows the mountain ranges of the West Coast, in particular the Sierra in California and the Cascades in Oregon and Washington.

Those who plan to hike the entire trail do it one of two ways. They either hike the entire trail in one year, usually taking four to six months, or they hike the trail in sections over many years. Those in the first group are called “thru-hikers.” Those in the second group are called “section hikers.”

Most thru-hikers start at the Mexican border in April or May and hike north to Canada. They are called “NOBOs,” for northbounders. There are also thru-hikers who start at the Canadian border, usually in July, and hike south to Mexico. They are called “SOBO’s,” for southbounders.

Then there are thru-hikers who, for various reasons, choose to hike the trail in sections in one year, instead of in one continuous direction. They are called “flip-floppers.” That’s what I am.

I plan to hike the PCT in three sections. I will start the first section on April 3rd at Walker Pass, which is east of Bakersfield and Lake Isabella. I will hike south to the Mexican border. That’s about 650 miles. It will take me two months — April and May.

Then I will flip north to Sierra City, which is a small town in the Sierra north of Lake Tahoe and Donner Pass. I will hike north from Sierra City to the Canadian border, starting around June 1st That’s about 1,450 miles. It will take me three months — June, July, and August.

Finally, I will close the gap between Sierra City and Walker Pass, hiking south. That’s about 550 miles. I will take me a month and a half, I will start around September 1st and finish around October 15th.

That’s the plan at least. We’ll see if I can do it. My greatest worry is my 64-year-old body, in particular my left knee and right foot. Both have been operated on in the last five years. I have completed week-long hikes since those operations, but a six-month hike is very different than a one-week hike in terms of wear and tear on the body.

Because of this, I’ve built in week-long breaks during my hike. Beside taking a break between each of the three sections, I also plan to take week-long breaks in the middle of the first two sections. Another benefit of this will be the opportunity to see my wife. Let’s hear it for marital bliss.

I’ll tell you more in future posts.