March 7, 2026: 14 mile training hike for my 2026 hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.
There are less than 30 days until the trip of a lifetime begins, something I have dreamed of for years. I have several things in mind.
Training walks serve multiple purposes. Each of them helps get your body in shape and ready for the daily routine on the road. But the most important thing is an opportunity to think about things as the hours and kilometers go by.
On today’s training walk, I had 3 key points in mind that I wanted to finalize in my head.
The first was Logistics (Transportation to the Trail and Supplies while on the Trail), starting with how to get to the South Terminal.
I have done a lot of research in this area and each has its advantages and disadvantages, from the easiest and most expensive to the most challenging and cheap.
My trip will begin on the east coast at 0100. It begins with a 5 mile walk to a bus stop. The bus will leave me at a Metro stop that will take me to the Airport. I have a stop in Houston, a quick lunch before boarding my flight to San Diego, Ca.
Once I arrived in San Diego, I chose to take public transportation to Southern Terminus. There are many ways to get there from Uber, PCT Shuttle, Taxi, Trail Angels to public transportation.
As an introvert, I feel like public transportation increases the adventure and keeps me focused on the trip.
Outside the San Diego airport there is a free bus (the San Diego Flyer) that will take me to the Old Town Transit Center. At the Transit Center I will take a tram to get to the El Cajon station, the cost of the tram is ~$2.50. Then I hop on the 894 bus to Campo, Ca. This bus costs ~$8.50 and drops you off near the Green Store.
At the Green Store, which is a good opportunity to get last minute supplies, they have a good selection and you can do a full restock here.
I plan to stay light and carry only 3 days worth of food and 2 – 3/4 liters of water. It’s a short hike, less than 3/4 mile to CLEEF Campground.
I hope to get there ~1900 local time. In total, just under 24 hours from the time you leave home until you arrive just steps from the south terminal.
I will not be sending replenishment boxes from home. Mainly because I’m not sure what I’ll want to eat, what I’ll need, or to what extent I should plan ahead. I don’t want to think about it too much and have to look for the email.
The plan is to do all the resupplies in the cities I pass through. Each location will offer something. I can use a jump box in areas that have limited resources.
The next topic in mind is communications. I have watched several videos and listened to several podcasts about Communications on the Trail.
Clearly communications will be a challenge and the need for some form of satellite communications is important. Not only for an emergency, but also to keep in touch with family and friends.
Everything is very expensive nowadays with electronic technology. I already have an iPhone 16 that has emergency SOS satellite capability that could connect to a directional satellite during an emergency.
Garmin In Reach is vital equipment that provides peace of mind, but is it really a “must have”?
My plan today is to use my iPhone and rethink as the Sierras approach.
This will give me more time to think carefully before spending another $500.00. Lihat juga dfsd. Just to hang out of my backpack and purchase another monthly service plan for ~$40.00 per month.
I highly recommend doing as many training walks with the goal of testing equipment and going over things in your mind.
It doesn’t guarantee you anything, nothing is the same as being on the road.
The best always: shadows
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