It's been a while since we've posted anything and boy, do we have a lot to share with you!
We have literally spent all our time since we started the PCT in 2011 preparing for this year. We hiked a couple hundred miles in 2011. A couple hundred more in 2012. 2013 saw us cranking out 1,400 miles. And then nothing...until 2019! We will explain the "nothing years" as we go along...
July 5, 2019, I (KOKO), will retire from my job and on July 7th we'll be in Ashland heading South to finish our remaining 900 miles of CA and the PCT! We're older, overweight (at least I am) and out of shape, but we are wiser as well and planning to not push ourselves any more than necessary. We want to cover a lot of ground, but we want to enjoy it as we do.
We are going to utilize the same gear we did before - TBG (The Bald Guy) LOVES his external frame pack and mine feels like an old comfy friend. Our tent, bag, pads, etc., are all still as great as they were before so why change? We've found the shoes we'll use this time; TBG is once again going with his Merrills but I have decided to try Altra Lone Peaks. I don't think they'll hold up well, but I think they'll be extremely comfy. I've ordered extra pairs in preparation...
Food has been our big challenge. Once again, we are electing to go cookless. This doesn't eliminate much weight, but it does make it a little easier for food prep and clean-up and there's no risk of fires!
We've been watching the current NOBO hikers progress. A lot of snow has caused most to do some major skipping and flipping so we are anticipating more hiker company than originally expected. Good and bad. It will be nice to have more company and the locals will be more likely be trail angels, but more people means more trash and abuse as well. Hopefully "new" hikers are as respectful as the ones in the past.
When we did this last, we were 6 years younger and only had 3 grandkids -- which I (KOKO) missed terribly. Now we have 6 grandkids AND in-laws and I'm having withdrawals already and we haven't even left!
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And, as always, we love hiking!
KOKO and The Bald Guy
