



I was working on the next bus video when I received a long awaited email from the PCTA. All work on the video came to a halt and after excitedly reading the first paragraph I jumped up and went over to the office where I could print off my permit! While I was waiting for my permit to print I started reading over the rest of the information on the permit management site. Wow! They really do a great job at informing hikers of the dangers and teaching about leave no trace principles.

I will talk about leave no trace another day because I would like to dedicate a whole post to educating people about what actions they can take to ensure minimal impact on the land they are hiking and camping in. We crossed the country this year and I was often frustrated by what we saw even within provincial parks that could so easily have been prevented. Anyway, that's a story for another day!

Today I want to share with you what the PCTA advised approved permit holders to do as I think it is great advise for anyone preparing for any hike anywhere. This is from the PCTA permit management site:

1. "Do extensive research. Learn from those who have gone before you. Plan ahead and be prepared."

2. "Train and build experience. Hike often. Test your gear, but primarily toughen your body and learn backcountry skills. You're out on your own on the PCT. Start the learning journey and make sure that your body is prepared to handle endurance hiking."

a) "Exercise a lot. It'll be hard work on day one. The PCT is not a good place to have a medical issue that could have been prevented from knowing your body a little better."

b) "Take practice trips. Go backpacking this weekend. And next weekend."

3. "Take a wilderness first aid class. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatment of some of the more likely medical issues you may encounter on the trail."

4. "Accidental deaths and serious injuries happen on the trail. The top threats to life on the PCT include: falling off steep places (whether they are snowy or not), drowning, getting lost, heat illness, hypothermia, medical emergencies, lightning and more. Manage these risks with knowledge, experience and preparedness."

I've already said that I think this is great advise but the funny thing is that Michael made a list last night that had all of the bad stuff that could happen to me while I am on the trail along with what he thinks is the percentage of it actually happening to me. He came up with a way bigger list than the PCTA did. I'm happy I have this information to put his fears in perspective!