I’m working on my big summer hike, minimum 10 days and up to 20, July or August. That’s about as much as I can get away from work without my boss (who is wonderful) wondering if I still want the job (I do, and I’m grateful but it’s a hard balance sometimes).
Plan A was sections I and J of the California PCT, from Echo Lake to Tuolumne, which is now under more snow than I care to think about. I get enough snow, summer is supposed to be sunny and warm and no snow (or almost none). So that is off the table for this year. Too bad – I had it all figured out! Wrong year.
Plan B is the Wonderland Trail. I’ll find out Tuesday if I have a chance at permits. Not optimistic but thought I’d give it a go.
Plan C is the northernmost section of the CDT, probably starting at Benchmark TH and heading north. I’m still working on those logistics; suggestions are welcome. Thinking flying into Great Falls, and out of Kalispell as the most logical entry/exit towns. I don’t think anything would really derail this plan, except wildfires.
Plan D is only needed if B and C end up off the table for some reason. One thought is the 100 mile wilderness in Maine and on up through Mt Katahdin. Any suggestions on a Plan D?
I love the planning stage, but I am so ready for some sun and some warm weather.
(No snow trip suggestions; please don’t try to convince me how lovely snow is. I’ve posted a photo both for fun and so that you can see I get enough snow. This is my existence for 7 months a year. I don’t mind crossing a high elevation snowfield here or there, but prefer not to wallow in the stuff for two weeks of summer.)
