Practice snow hike at Echo Lake

Today had a beautiful snow hike to Echo Lake which the PCT passes by. (section J/K split) We did not hike on the actual PCT for much of the time, it has not been broken. The adjacent rec. trail is hard packed. Used my Topos (trail tennis shoes), No snow shoes needed. Did hike a little bit of unbroken trail above the lake hard packed minimal post-holing. 

looking at the PCT signs indicates the volume of snow. The sign on the tree is typically 6-7 feet off the ground.

This section of trail is where my PCT plan began. I hiked a lot as a kid in scouts, but then life... 30 years later, in March 2022, I started back up with a hiking group some friends invited me to. I first learned about the PCT when I encountered hikers on a summer hike at this same Echo lake in July. I usually jump all in, this is no exception. I went home and looked up the PCT,  a month later decided I was going to do it and started buying gear. I start in Campo on March 17th and if I am blessed (as I have been) I will finish at the Northern terminus 4-5 months later. 

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Steve’s question, how do you prevent blisters and injuries?

 I will start off by thanking Steve C. For today’s topic…. What is my plan for preventing blisters and other foot injuries? 

The simplest answer is I will learn as I go; however, there are a few things that I will take into consideration from research I have done. Probably the most important is acting early. The minute I feel a hot spot or something from the trail in my shoe I will need to stop and treat it early. Luko tape is the favorite preventive. It sticks for days even when the foot is wet from snow or stream crossings. Placing the tape directly over an area subjected to friction, known as a hotspot, protects the skin from the friction; hopefully preventing the blister. To help keep sand, leaves, or small rocks out of my shoes I will be wearing Trail gators. They fit snugly around the ankles and go over the tops of your shoes they have a small clip on the front which attaches to the laces, and a piece of Velcro on the back to secure it to the shoe. This covers the opening of the shoe preventing the rocks and sand from getting in there. Not only does that help prevent blisters, but also increases the lifespan of your socks as sand and grit is the number one thing that will cause holes. 

Shoe size and condition is also an important factor. It is recommended to change out shoes ever 300-500 miles. That means Six pairs for the trip. It is said I can expect my foot to grow 1-2 sizes over the 3260 miles!

Trail awareness is vital for preventing injury. After all, if you don’t watch where you step your risk of a twisted ankle, falling stubbing a toe, or stepping on a snake is higher. Trekking poles also can help keep you upright if you do stumble or step on a slippery surface. Trekking poles also help take some of the weight off of your knees, hips, and feet. Some experts say poles reduce up to 20% of your body weight per side. 

As stated with blister prevention, awareness is the most important aspect to over use injury as well. It is important to listen to the body. Starting slow and limiting myself to 10 to 15 miles per day is going to be key for reducing overuse injuries early on. On my prep hikes 15 miles is easy, but I’m only doing that once or twice a week. Once my body has gotten used to 15 miles every single day, not just once a week I will be able to increase my miles.

Thanks again Steve for the topic I welcome all readers  comments and suggestions of what else you would like to hear about.

Until next time I will keep preparing and waiting thanks for joining me on this adventure.

It’s official I have my date

Received a permit for March 17! I will be traveling to San Diego on the 15th, spend the night and the next morning join other PCT hikers (thru hikers) on a shuttle ride to the town of Campo. There I will spend my first of many nights in my tent at the facility called CLEEF, Camp Lockett event and equestrian facility. CLEEF is a popular staging location for those getting ready to start the hike.

The Pacific crest Trail is part of the national scenic trail system. It is a continuous foot path from the Mexican border in Southern California’s San Diego County through both southern and northern California, Oregon, and Washington state. The trail terminates at the northern terminus just outside of Manning park Canada again on the border. 

I will be attempting to hike 2650 miles through deserts valleys rivers and mountains. I anticipate a time of approximately 4 1/2 months and a daily mileage starting at 10 to 15 hopefully averaging 20 to 25 by the end of the trip.

While as of this writing it is only January 14 I am full of anticipation and wish it was already time to head to the airport!

Thanks for taking the time to read I hope to be able to document each days sights and adventures stay tuned….