Why the PCT?

My hiking buddies L to R Steve, John, Ron & Craig in Stehekin.

In September 2010 I was hiking in the Cascades (Stehekin, WA) with my hiking buddies when we crossed paths with a couple of hikers named "Uncle Tom" and "Fuzzy Monkey".  The 2 hikers told us of their planning and adventures and thru hike of the PCT.  I was hooked.  I figured I've run a marathon, done an ironman, why not hike the PCT!!!

PCT Through hikers I met in Stehekin. 
Far R - Uncle Tom.  Middle Yellow - Fuzzy Monkey.

At first I was planning a thru hike.  But wait, I have a job, wife & kids -- not going to happen.  So I decided to hike the PCT in sections (known as section hiking) starting from Mexico finishing in Canada (known as NoBo or North Bound).  Initially I planned on hiking weekends -- back to back 20 mile days.  I prefer to stay in hotels and enjoy the towns along the way.  This will work fairly well for the Southern California sections as I live in Phoenix, AZ, a 6 hour commute to the trail.  After Kennedy Meadows (mid-CA) I suspect that I will hike 3-5 days/trip and do more camping.  When I get to Oregon I'd like to thru hike it and the following year thru hike Washington.  My PCT adventure will be a 5-6 year journey.

My Blog is very different from the thru hiker's blogs I've read.  A section hiker spends a significant amount of time planning the logistics of a hike-- shuttling cars, lodging, dining, car rental, and getting on and off the trail--that will be reflected in my blog. 
I also understand not everyone can hike the whole PCT, so I also have included a "Best of Section X"  as my recommendation of what you should hike if you just want to do the best and get a flavor of the PCT.

I am using the following resources:

1.  Halfmile's PCT maps -- a fantastic source for Topo Maps and GPS tracks.  In my journals I use the mileage markers used in these maps.  This is hands down the best PCT source there is.
2. PCT on Google Maps -- Halfmile's PCT Maps are primarily for thru hikers and don't show the access towns section hikers will stay in.  This link will show you the PCT on google maps so you can zoom in and out -- very handy when planning section hikes.
3. Day Hikes on the PCT by Semb -- 2 volumes (Ca & OR/WA) that most section hikers use.  The So. Cal. book is sold out but you can buy a used copy on Amazon (I paid $50 for mine and it was well worth the money).
4. PCT-L -- a blog of PCT fanatics you'll get several answers to any question related (or not) to the PCT.
5. PCT Water Reports -- pretty current status of springs along the PCT. 
6. Pacific Crest Trail series by Schaffer -- these 3 books (So. Cal, No. Cal, & OR/WA) are OK reference books.  I use them less and rely more and more on Halfmile's PCT maps and Semb's Books.  The are the foundation every PCT hiker uses though.  They are a good overview of how the PCT is broken down by State and then by Section.