This week I’ve been reading up on how to hitchhike safely on the PCT. All PCT hikers will need to hitch into town (often 10-15 miles from the trail) so that they can do tasks such as buying food for the next section (known as resupply), laundry, showering, eating a proper meal rather than dehydrated food, charge batteries and sleep in a real bed!
MY LEARNINGS WERE BENEFICIAL:-
🚗 Try not to hitchhike on my own.
📸 Take a photo of the car & reg. I will post this in my ICE WhatsApp Group.
💰 Keep my Roo pack (bum bag) with me at all times.
🎒 Attach my pole to my pack as they often get left in cars.
😎 Take your sunglasses off as you are more likely to get a hitch if people can see your eyes.
🧥 If I’m absolutely filthy then put my rain jacket or puffy jacket on to cover the dirt!
✍️ Write an amusing sign such as “Not Smelly”. Avoid destinations on your sign as it gives people a reason to not pick you up.
TRAINING UPDATE:-
🏋️♀️ So I’ve been going to the gym with Rachel, 2-3 times a week since before Christmas. The gym is focusing on strength training and we alternate between legs, arms, abs, and shoulder/back. I’m pleased with my progress so far, but more importantly, it’s just been great to spend some quality time with Rachel. She’s really pushing me and we do have a giggle.
🥾 I’m walking an average of 8-10 miles a day, but less on days that I go to the gym, and more at the weekends. For most walks I’m competing with a full pack (around 24-26lbs). I’m loaded with food and 3 litres of water.
This week I’ve developed pain in my left foot, so I need to keep an eye on that. Perhaps I just need a few days off?
SHAKEDOWN HIKE:-
At the weekend, I completed two longish hikes.
⛺️ Saturday – 10.2 miles in total with a full pack, 2 days of food and 3 litres of water. I then camped overnight to test some gear.
* I need to practice packing and unpacking my rucksack as it feels messy and disorganised.
* I don’t need the Tyvek bivvy all the time. It can be pretty restrictive when sleeping if it’s warm. So use it as a groundsheet if the temperatures mean that condensation will not be an issue.
* I slept like a log and had to take my puffy trousers off as I was too warm!
👟 Sunday – a total of 12.2 miles, again with a full pack. In all honesty, the pack felt heavy today and I just took my time on the hike. My left shoulder was aching and I needed to constantly stretch. It was a good reminder to stretch out whenever I stop for a break. I’m still having issues with pain in my left foot and I’m thinking it may be my shoes. I’m wearing the same shoes I’ve always worn “Salomon Senseride 4 Trail Runners” but perhaps I need something with better cushioning when walking with a heavy pack? I really don’t want to start changing shoes at the late stage of the game. Decisions, decisions!
OTHER STUFF:-
* ✈️ A panic arose as I realised that I land in San Diego on a weekend. I need to ship my bounce box to Julian (1st town) but the post offices are closed on a Sunday. It looks like I may have to have a late start on Monday instead, which is frustrating. Note to future hikers… try not to get your permit for a weekend start!
* 🧦 Discovered that OMM also produces a beanie (£30) fluffy superlightweight tights (£70) and tent socks (£30) in the same material as my core plus fluffy hoodie. They are expensive but so very light! I will save nearly 1lb in weight if I buy these which will help my body, but the cost is crazy! I’ve spent so much money on this trip already that I really can’t justify the extra cost… but it is tempting!
As the start date gets nearer I’m feeling nervous but prepared. I’m now in the final stages of preparation which is all the little bits and bobs. Not long now!!
This week I’ve been reading up on how to hitchhike safely on the PCT. All PCT hikers will need to hitch into town (often 10-15 miles from the trail) so that they can do tasks such as buying food for the next section (known as resupply), laundry, showering, eating a proper meal rather than dehydrated food, charge batteries and sleep in a real bed!
MY LEARNINGS WERE BENEFICIAL:-
🚗 Try not to hitchhike on my own.
📸 Take a photo of the car & reg. I will post this in my ICE WhatsApp Group.
💰 Keep my Roo pack (bum bag) with me at all times.
🎒 Attach my pole to my pack as they often get left in cars.
😎 Take your sunglasses off as you are more likely to get a hitch if people can see your eyes.
🧥 If I’m absolutely filthy then put my rain jacket or puffy jacket on to cover the dirt!
✍️ Write an amusing sign such as “Not Smelly”. Avoid destinations on your sign as it gives people a reason to not pick you up.
TRAINING UPDATE:-
🏋️♀️ So I’ve been going to the gym with Rachel, 2-3 times a week since before Christmas. The gym is focusing on strength training and we alternate between legs, arms, abs, and shoulder/back. I’m pleased with my progress so far, but more importantly, it’s just been great to spend some quality time with Rachel. She’s really pushing me and we do have a giggle.
🥾 I’m walking an average of 8-10 miles a day, but less on days that I go to the gym, and more at the weekends. For most walks I’m competing with a full pack (around 24-26lbs). I’m loaded with food and 3 litres of water.
This week I’ve developed pain in my left foot, so I need to keep an eye on that. Perhaps I just need a few days off?
SHAKEDOWN HIKE:-
At the weekend, I completed two longish hikes.
⛺️ Saturday – 10.2 miles in total with a full pack, 2 days of food and 3 litres of water. I then camped overnight to test some gear.
* I need to practice packing and unpacking my rucksack as it feels messy and disorganised.
* I don’t need the Tyvek bivvy all the time. It can be pretty restrictive when sleeping if it’s warm. So use it as a groundsheet if the temperatures mean that condensation will not be an issue.
* I slept like a log and had to take my puffy trousers off as I was too warm!
👟 Sunday – a total of 12.2 miles, again with a full pack. In all honesty, the pack felt heavy today and I just took my time on the hike. My left shoulder was aching and I needed to constantly stretch. It was a good reminder to stretch out whenever I stop for a break. I’m still having issues with pain in my left foot and I’m thinking it may be my shoes. I’m wearing the same shoes I’ve always worn “Salomon Senseride 4 Trail Runners” but perhaps I need something with better cushioning when walking with a heavy pack? I really don’t want to start changing shoes at the late stage of the game. Decisions, decisions!
OTHER STUFF:-
* ✈️ A panic arose as I realised that I land in San Diego on a weekend. I need to ship my bounce box to Julian (1st town) but the post offices are closed on a Sunday. It looks like I may have to have a late start on Monday instead, which is frustrating. Note to future hikers… try not to get your permit for a weekend start!
* 🧦 Discovered that OMM also produces a beanie (£30) fluffy superlightweight tights (£70) and tent socks (£30) in the same material as my core plus fluffy hoodie. They are expensive but so very light! I will save nearly 1lb in weight if I buy these which will help my body, but the cost is crazy! I’ve spent so much money on this trip already that I really can’t justify the extra cost… but it is tempting!
As the start date gets nearer I’m feeling nervous but prepared. I’m now in the final stages of preparation which is all the little bits and bobs. Not long now!!
Again, thanks for listening to my rambles.