Planning

I love planning.  And making lists.  And creating spreadsheets.  There is a certain satisfaction and perhaps reassuredness in putting things down on paper, or in file as the case may be.  So, for those of you who love details and organizing, too, or for those of you who are scared for my life and want to make sure I've considered the same, here are some of my current PCT plans.

(Special thanks go to Erin "Wired" Saver, Class of 2011 -- although she didn't know it, I followed her blog last year, and it helped my research greatly!  Erin/Wired's 2011 PCT Journal)

UPDATE:  4/20/2012:  I just revised my schedule and resupply list.  I've added all of the necessary shipping information and notes and called to make sure the smaller post offices were still open.  Phew!

DBK's PCT Schedule and Resupply List

DBK's PCT Gear List

DBK's PCT Food Planner


Mail Drops & Trail Updates

Some post offices and package places have closed due to the economy and/or budget cuts.  Check for updates on mail drop and trail closures here:  Summary of Pacific Crest Trail Updates for 2012


Permits

UPDATE:  There are a series of permits needed to hike the PCT.  You need a thru-hiking permit, a permit to enter Canada from the PCT, a permit to hike Mt. Whitney (depending on your route), and a permit to use fire in California (yes, a stove counts.)  Oh, and a passport to get from Canada back into the States.  (It is far easier to get into Canada than to get out of it.)  It's April 8, and I've just printed my California Campfire Permit.  (When I called mid-March, it wasn't available online yet.)  It's a 4-question quiz, and then, bam!, you print your own permit.  Here's the link if anyone still needs it!

California Campfire Permit 2012


Maps


I am using Halfmile's Pacific Crest Trail maps for my trip.  They're online, and they're free.  And so, yes, you should probably donate.  I'll be getting them printed in Portland at GISI Marketing (center48@gisimarketing.com), but I'm also busily downloading the PDF's to my new smart phone.

Here's Halfmile's website and the link to the PDF's for phones:

Halfmile's PCT Maps and GPS Info

PCT Maps for Your Smart Phone

NOTE:  For Oregonians who live in the Willamette Valley, GISI has various locations.  They're sending my maps to their Keizer office.  So, I don't have to drive to Portland and don't have to pay the $25 in shipping!  They were extremely helpful.  And knew all about Halfmile's maps.  4/13/2012:  I received my maps.  Gorgeous!