I'm interested in stories from "non-natives" who've hiked the JMT or done high-altitude hikes. How did the altitude affect your hiking? How long did it take to "acclimatize?"
It seems the part of the PCT that I'm now looking to hike (Northern JMT to Reds Meadow) is mostly at 10,000 feet or higher. The nephew and I both live pretty much at sea level. I don't spend much time at high altitudes, so I'm really not sure what to expect.
I remember a day trip to the summit of South Sister (10358 feet) at age 28 or so and being very winded near the top. I remember skiing at Alta (base = 8000 feet) about ten years ago and having a low-grade headache for most of that trip.
On a few occasions, I've mentioned to Daniel, "This isn't going to be anything like the AT." But the altitude issue concerns me a bit. I'd heard stories of folks doing 20-25 miles per day on the PCT. But I'm thinking more like 10 per day now, given the altitude.