Another long trail beckons, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), extending 2,659 miles from the Mexico border to the Canada border, through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. (Some people confound Pacific Crest with Pacific Coast, but the trail is over 100 miles inland, and comes close to the Nevada border.)
Because the trail has become so popular (thanks, Wild), a permit system was recently imposed, limiting the number of thru-hikers starting at the southern terminus near San Diego to a maximum of 50 per day. My start date is April 23.
According to the latest annual survey, less than 50% of hikers attempting to complete the entire trail in one calendar year actually realize their goal . This will be the longest continuous hike I ever attempted. One prepares for the entire trip, but with my age beyond the 90th percentile of PCT thru-hikers, an early termination is quite possible. I will do my best to enjoy the trail for as long as my body can cope. Stay tuned…