What would it take to ride the Pacific Crest Trail? Most people would begin by asking: why? There are many answers to this question and they vary greatly from person to person, but for most, it is for the challenge. To say that it can be done, much like Don and June Mulford, did in 1959. Casting aside all criticism and concern from friends and park rangers alike, they set off with their pack train into the wilderness, and a year later emerged victorious on the other side. Such expeditions take months of thorough planning, preparation, and training. Even before asking why, many people would simply ask: what is the Pacific Crest Trail? The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650 mile long trail that spans from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. There are stretches that go through pristine wilderness and “reveals the
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The Pacific Crest Trail Association recommends cold meals as they reduce wasted time and fuel use. Cold meals are dehydrated meals that can be rehydrated without hot water. This alleviates the need for boiling water and stopping to cook. Other hot meals can be made as well as bought, but as stated before they do require hot water. Dehydrated and dry snacks are also necessary to keep up energy levels. It is advised that you pack enough food for three meals plus snacks every day. Examples include beef jerky, dehydrated fruits, and nuts. Many hikers also bring coffee. Besides having food, it is important to know how to keep it safe, “bears have become used to people and more aggressive in seeking out human sources of food” (Schirfin, Schaffer, and Winnett)This means that it is essential to store food properly while on the trail, or risk having it eaten by bears. There are many different ways to do this; including using food-storage boxes, vertical metal posts, or horizontal wire cables when available as well as bear-bagging or hanging food from trees and shoving it into crevices at least 3 feet
The Pacific Crest Trail Association recommends cold meals as they reduce wasted time and fuel use. Cold meals are dehydrated meals that can be rehydrated without hot water. This alleviates the need for boiling water and stopping to cook. Other hot meals can be made as well as bought, but as stated before they do require hot water. Dehydrated and dry snacks are also necessary to keep up energy levels. It is advised that you pack enough food for three meals plus snacks every day. Examples include beef jerky, dehydrated fruits, and nuts. Many hikers also bring coffee. Besides having food, it is important to know how to keep it safe, “bears have become used to people and more aggressive in seeking out human sources of food” (Schirfin, Schaffer, and Winnett)This means that it is essential to store food properly while on the trail, or risk having it eaten by bears. There are many different ways to do this; including using food-storage boxes, vertical metal posts, or horizontal wire cables when available as well as bear-bagging or hanging food from trees and shoving it into crevices at least 3 feet