View Full Version : PCT on-line resources...
tlbj6142
10-11-2005, 20:54
I'm familar with the only 2 real AT resources on line (at-l and www.whiteblaze.net), but it seems as though the few PCT boards I looked at get very little traffic. Is the PCT-L the only real online resource for PCT information?
sierraDoug
10-11-2005, 20:56
Don't know that this is heavily used, but in case you have not seen it...
http://www.trailforums.com/index.cfm
There's a PCT forum there.
You can also try the Pacific Crest Trail Association website. Search around and you'll find lots of info.
PCTA (http://pcta.org)
Or, you could always ask me! ;)
The PCT-L is about as good as it gets, and usually it is terrible. People respond that have little actual experience and fight over things that no one cares about. It seems to have grown worse in the last few years. There are some good, experienced people who post, and some locals who know conditions very well, but there are also alot of idiots. Not, I suppose, as many as on the AT-L. I'd read the list for a while to see who gives good answers, then post a question and wait for their responses. Or, email them directly.
Away from the PCT-L, the trailforums section on www.trailjournals.com is pretty reasonable. Fewer idiots, but also less diversity of opinion. Reading various trailjournals can help, but alot of them are the same and you miss some of the different approaches that can be useful.
In my opinionated opinion, I'd say the best resource is:
http://www.pctplanner.com/
This is a little program that helps you figure out where to resupply. Combine this with the data book and guidebooks and you are ready to hike. Really, it is that simple. You might add Yogi's book as well. She has some nice water info and her town info can help, though you can resupply in town everywhere except Warner Springs. =
Really, it is that simple. You might add Yogi's book as well. She has some nice water info and her town info can help, though you can resupply in town everywhere except Warner Springs. =
Yogi's book: http://www.pcthandbook.com/
Some questionable people contributed info to this book, though. ;)
I also have a nice quick and dirty handout from the PCT workshops I've done. It is a good overview to get you started in PCT planning. Even if I wrote it. :)
http://www.magnanti.com/miscwritings/pct_ws.htm
TJ aka Teej
10-12-2005, 11:31
The PCT-L is about as good as it gets, and usually it is terrible.
The PCT-L is one of Backcountry.net's National Scenic Trails Internet Mailing Lists:
http://www.backcountry.net/
Alligator
10-12-2005, 13:15
Yogi's book: http://www.pcthandbook.com/
Some questionable people contributed info to this book, though. ;)
I also have a nice quick and dirty handout from the PCT workshops I've done. It is a good overview to get you started in PCT planning. Even if I wrote it. :)
http://www.magnanti.com/miscwritings/pct_ws.htmI enjoyed your workshop at the '04 Gathering.
Yogi's book: http://www.pcthandbook.com/
Some questionable people contributed info to this book, though. ;)
Questionable is putting things too lightly!
Sometimes the most questionable people can give the best advice.
Just to clarify something.
When Chris and I joked about "questionable" people in the book, we were making jokes about ourselves. Chris (Suge) and myself contributed quite a bit to the book. I mean..who can be more questionable then us? ;)
In all seriousness, the advice in Yogi's book is rock solid from start to finish. I had a private e-mail asking who were the questionable people...so just want to clarify!
I think Yogi put a great little guide book together. I was able to review it for the first time at the gathering this year. It was the first piece of trail literature ie: information that folded together so many hiking techniques for the trail. Of course there are always online opinions/threads/polls that turn into arguments. She put together a great span of hikers whom all just contributed simply their experience and methods. There is no one way to hike any trail and in her information she clearly shows that. I know many of the folks that contributed information and only used questionable as a personel joke. In actuallity these questionable folk are actually quite respectable and all have extensive experience. There may be items she hasn't touched upon, however there is a great wealth of knowledge available there.
Hammock Hanger
10-18-2005, 17:25
I think Yogi put a great little guide book together. I was able to review it for the first time at the gathering this year. It was the first piece of trail literature ie: information that folded together so many hiking techniques for the trail. Of course there are always online opinions/threads/polls that turn into arguments. She put together a great span of hikers whom all just contributed simply their experience and methods. There is no one way to hike any trail and in her information she clearly shows that. I know many of the folks that contributed information and only used questionable as a personel joke. In actuallity these questionable folk are actually quite respectable and all have extensive experience. There may be items she hasn't touched upon, however there is a great wealth of knowledge available there.
As my partner is already giving me the nug that the PCT may be in our 2007 future, I sent away for Yogi's book. I am looking forward to recv'ing it. -- I went and reread her 2004 PCT journal. It was a good read.
neighbor dave
12-30-2005, 21:26
I think Yogi put a great little guide book together. I was able to review it for the first time at the gathering this year. It was the first piece of trail literature ie: information that folded together so many hiking techniques for the trail. Of course there are always online opinions/threads/polls that turn into arguments. She put together a great span of hikers whom all just contributed simply their experience and methods. There is no one way to hike any trail and in her information she clearly shows that. I know many of the folks that contributed information and only used questionable as a personel joke. In actuallity these questionable folk are actually quite respectable and all have extensive experience. There may be items she hasn't touched upon, however there is a great wealth of knowledge available there.
we'll be gettin' her book, for sure!!:sun
Hammock Hanger
12-31-2005, 08:57
I rec'd her book just after Thanksgiving. It is awesome. As a long distance hiker and one that has done the PCT numerous times, she knew just what info was needed and how to present it.