This post was written in Danish in February 2018 and later translated into English. Only the language changed.
Things are starting to move quickly now! The time is approaching fast and the butterflies in my stomach are getting bigger and bigger!
My checklist for the Pacific Crest Trail is under control (the “big” things, at least). So there is not much more I can do other than wait… And check my gear and so on – again and again 🙂
I have put together a small list of the things and documents that need to be in order before the trip. As you can see, it is not a great deal, nor especially time consuming for that matter.
It is all stuff you work out gradually during your own research, but here is the list, so there is a little less research for you if you fancy taking on the Pacific Crest Trail yourself.
The rest of what needs sorting is which gear to bring – and that is where most of my research focus has been 🙂
Beyond that you have to decide where along the route to resupply, but here I have – as mentioned before – decided to be a bit looser and take things as they come. And if that turns out to be a bad idea, I can always correct it along the way.
Checklist for the Pacific Crest Trail
1 – PCT permit
Approved start date – 5 April 2018. Permit received
https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/long-distance-permit-application/
2 – US B1/B2 visa
Approved – and stuck into my passport (after a trip to the embassy)
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/dk/dk-niv-typeb1b2.asp
3 – Application to enter Canada via the PCT
Approved – (you have to carry the document at all times while in Canada)
http://www.pcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PCT-Canada-Entry-Form-10-26-15.pdf?x19115
4 – California campfire permit
Approved – online “course” completed.
http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/
5 – Plane ticket
Booked – Norwegian, 15.5 hours with a stopover in Oakland.
6 – Travel insurance
My own insurance company could not help (Danske Forsikring), so the plan was to use Gouda, since they were relatively cheap. (The travel insurance you normally buy or hold through your insurer only covers 2-3 months. So check that if you are heading off on a longer trip.) I did get a tip that TRYG might be an option.
And they were! A bit more expensive than Gouda, but in return they also cover extreme sports and mountaineering.. And baggage. So they are definitely worth a look! Thanks to Lars for that information 🙂
https://tryg.dk/rejseforsikring
7 – Hotel
Booked – I am staying 2 nights at a hotel in San Diego, after which I am with a Trail Angel couple for 3 days before setting off towards Canada.
8 – Scout & Frodo in San Diego
It seems a sensible idea to stay with either Scout & Frodo, or other Trail Angels, before setting off on your adventure. Scout & Frodo have room for a good number of hikers and help you get the last things in place before you leave (or they show and tell you how, and you handle it yourself). People who have stayed with them before have nothing but praise for them. They also drive you to the start of the trail in the morning, so it is really rather splendid.
9 – Assorted subscriptions
As a “normal” person here in Denmark you have a sea of subscriptions that probably do not make sense to keep paying for while you are away on a long trip like this. So remember the phone, Netflix, HBO, Spotify and so on that you might not need.
There is certainly no reason to pay for something that is not being used. (Adobe is usually billed monthly but tied to a year, so cancelling does not always pay off there.)
And remember that mobile plans in the USA are bloody expensive compared to here at home in Denmark.
10 – Work and pension
Since you generally are not allowed to take 6 months of holiday, there will probably be months with no pay coming in.
So you have to decide whether to put your pension scheme on hold – so you do not suddenly get a bill from them.
The union and so on do not need to be involved if you keep the same job when you return from your leave.
11 – PCT training
Under way – walking to and from work, plus a morning lap of Damhussøen. With a heavy backpack, of course, so my legs and back can get used to hauling the weight.
Gear: the full setup I carried on the PCT is on the PCT 2018 gear list.