I'm looking at thru-hiking the PCT in 2014. I hiked the JMT in 2008 and wasn't ready for the trail to end. I always thought the AT would be my first big thru-hike, but after seeing the Sierras, all I can think about is going back and doing the PCT. As of now, I'm just reading as much info as I can.
I was wondering what time people that attend the ADZPCTKO start hiking on their first day on the trail? I can't seem to find this info anywhere. Based on everything I've read so far, it sounds like you should try to make it to Lake Morena on the first day (20miles) and, if this is the case, I would want to start hiking early, like 4(?), 5 or 6am early, to get as many miles in as I can before it gets too hot in the desert. However, it seems to me that how early you start would be dependent on your ride and how early the driver is willing to get up to drive you to the start. Seeing how I'm female and most likely will be hiking this trail solo (i.e. no planned hiking partner as of now), I really like the idea of starting with a group of other hikers during the ADZPCTKO, mainly for safety concerns.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts/advice!