Cool trip, I have only done the Washington parts of the PCT, but I have always thought about someday doing the whole thing. Great story and great trip.
Thanks Jordan, Just looked at your foot picture, definitely PCT feet! Footcare was a major issue on the hike. After the first month I figured the blisters were past, but then got them again later, I think it was in Oregon, when we tried doing too many miles a day, too fast. You are still young, do a thru-hike while it is "easy". Although a bunch of us older guys put in a good showing. We finished with a 65 year old man.
Vic, Why ever did you worry about this TR being too long? I for one would love to have read more details about your trip. Great job and, anytime you want to add anything, I'd love to read it.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I have my original journal posted on my yahoo360 blog, but it is cumbersome to access the earlier entries. It is HERE
I have just published an updated and expanded version of the journal, it is available for download as an e-book here, as is a free copy of the appendix, which has lots of information for anyone interested in hiking the PCT - gear list, recommendations and resource links, as well as a free sample of the book. Available HERE
Thanks. I cheated, I didn't go back to a normal life. I started an adventure travel business and even though it is starting off slowly, I go hiking and climbing as much as possible, to research new routes. What a great excuse to do what I love to do! Some fellow PCT hikers just finished the CDT and I read their journals. Too much road walking and "find your own route" for me, hopefully it will be easier to hike before I get too old. I'm leaning towards a re-do of the PCT or maybe a southbound AT hike first (less crowded, less party scene).
Sorry to be so slow, Augie, I'll try to do better next time.
;-) Thanks for all your comments and votes. Hey, I expect to be back in L.A. sometime the first half of next year, maybe we can have an SP reunion in the San Gabriels.
Thanks! Yes, it was a great trip. Watch out for the "stuff", don't let it get in the way forever!
Hiked for about a month with a woman from Canada. Unfortunately she had to take about a month off for a stress fracture, so didn't get to finish with her. She was going to start up again at Sonora Pass about a week before we got there, and then hike slow till we caught up to her. She must have been anxious to get home, she speeded up and we never caught her.
That's a wicked looking glacier on your profile photo. Where is that?
I know what you mean about the "other stuff". The glacier is in Glacier national Park BC near Rogers Pass. It is an incredible place for skiing, mountaineering and hiking. You'ld love it.
Thanks. The JMT was covered in snow when we went through, would love to see it later in the year. I'm sure you will love it, the scenery is the best! Vic
jordansahls - Oct 5, 2007 3:22 pm - Voted 10/10
Long journey.Cool trip, I have only done the Washington parts of the PCT, but I have always thought about someday doing the whole thing. Great story and great trip.
Cheers,
Jordan
Vic Hanson - Oct 5, 2007 4:38 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Long journey.Thanks Jordan, Just looked at your foot picture, definitely PCT feet! Footcare was a major issue on the hike. After the first month I figured the blisters were past, but then got them again later, I think it was in Oregon, when we tried doing too many miles a day, too fast. You are still young, do a thru-hike while it is "easy". Although a bunch of us older guys put in a good showing. We finished with a 65 year old man.
Vic
vancouver islander - Oct 5, 2007 4:07 pm - Voted 10/10
Give us more....Vic, Why ever did you worry about this TR being too long? I for one would love to have read more details about your trip. Great job and, anytime you want to add anything, I'd love to read it.
Vic Hanson - Oct 5, 2007 5:05 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Give us more....Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I have my original journal posted on my yahoo360 blog, but it is cumbersome to access the earlier entries. It is HERE
I have just published an updated and expanded version of the journal, it is available for download as an e-book here, as is a free copy of the appendix, which has lots of information for anyone interested in hiking the PCT - gear list, recommendations and resource links, as well as a free sample of the book. Available HERE
Vic
rpc - Oct 5, 2007 5:11 pm - Voted 10/10
great read."hike ended on an emotional high, with nowhere to go"
so how did you readjust back to norm? is CDT next in your plans?
Vic Hanson - Oct 5, 2007 6:30 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: great read.Thanks. I cheated, I didn't go back to a normal life. I started an adventure travel business and even though it is starting off slowly, I go hiking and climbing as much as possible, to research new routes. What a great excuse to do what I love to do! Some fellow PCT hikers just finished the CDT and I read their journals. Too much road walking and "find your own route" for me, hopefully it will be easier to hike before I get too old. I'm leaning towards a re-do of the PCT or maybe a southbound AT hike first (less crowded, less party scene).
Vic
Augie Medina - Oct 5, 2007 5:54 pm - Voted 10/10
About Time You Shared ThisVery enjoyable Vic.
Augie
Vic Hanson - Oct 5, 2007 6:55 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: About Time You Shared ThisSorry to be so slow, Augie, I'll try to do better next time.
;-) Thanks for all your comments and votes. Hey, I expect to be back in L.A. sometime the first half of next year, maybe we can have an SP reunion in the San Gabriels.
Vic
Augie Medina - Oct 5, 2007 7:35 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: About Time You Shared ThisKeep me posted on your return to L.A. Vic. It would be great to get together.
Augie
klwagar - Oct 6, 2007 10:25 pm - Hasn't voted
cool tripOne I've always wanted to do but other stuff keeps getting in the way. Congratulations.
Vic Hanson - Oct 7, 2007 12:07 am - Hasn't voted
Re: cool tripThanks! Yes, it was a great trip. Watch out for the "stuff", don't let it get in the way forever!
Hiked for about a month with a woman from Canada. Unfortunately she had to take about a month off for a stress fracture, so didn't get to finish with her. She was going to start up again at Sonora Pass about a week before we got there, and then hike slow till we caught up to her. She must have been anxious to get home, she speeded up and we never caught her.
That's a wicked looking glacier on your profile photo. Where is that?
Vic
klwagar - Oct 7, 2007 2:14 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: cool tripI know what you mean about the "other stuff". The glacier is in Glacier national Park BC near Rogers Pass. It is an incredible place for skiing, mountaineering and hiking. You'ld love it.
WalksWithBlackflies - Oct 8, 2007 8:58 am - Voted 10/10
Most Excellent!Thanx for sharing.
Vic Hanson - Oct 8, 2007 6:04 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Most Excellent!You're welcome, appreciate the comment.
Vic
mishywishy - Dec 22, 2007 2:23 am - Hasn't voted
awesome!Cool Trip! I'm doing the John Muir Trail this summer/fall. I can't wait!
Vic Hanson - Dec 22, 2007 2:35 am - Hasn't voted
Re: awesome!Thanks. The JMT was covered in snow when we went through, would love to see it later in the year. I'm sure you will love it, the scenery is the best! Vic
Deltaoperator17 - Oct 1, 2008 1:59 pm - Voted 10/10
Very NiceNicely done Vic. I am intrested in the PCT as I am origianly from Oregon now living in Idaho.
Sr. Adventurer de recuerdos
Steve
Vic Hanson - Oct 1, 2008 10:45 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Very NiceHi Steve, It was a great hike, got me hooked on long distance hiking. I hope to do it again someday. Give it a go if you get the chance. Vic