JMT vs. PCT
There's a big difference between 211 and 2,650 miles.
Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail hikers often walk side-by-side, but they're different breeds.
Our fellow hiker Jim Hurley told a story that pretty well sums up the difference between PCT hikers (walking from Mexico to Canada) and JMT hikers (walking from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney).
Jim ran into a PCT hiker, and they began comparing notes on pack weight. Jim admitted he was carrying some stuff he probably didn't need.
The PCT hiker told Jim he didn't think extra weight was a problem for a little "weekend trip" like the JMT. Ouch.
Some JMT hikers were weirded out by PCT hikers. Emily said some of them seemed kind of "kooky" after months in the wilderness.
Resupply stations near the trail like Muir Trail Ranch and Vermilion Valley Resort cater to all comers, including PCT and JMT hikers. They show up all hours at the ranch near Florence Lake, employee Patt Gray said.
"It's like an ER," she said.
Muir Trail Ranch isn't known for its creature comforts like Vermilion. Gray said hikers won't find bathrooms or beer at the ranch, but she makes it a personal mission to run an excellent resupply operation for her backpackers.
Gray treats her backpackers the same, carefully checking out their supplies and handing out lamb's wool for hurting feet. But, she expressed a particular admiration for PCT hikers who take on the whole long trail.
"Aren't they awesome?" she asked, beaming.
Vermilion owner Jim Clement said each group of hikers coming off the Edison Lake ferry has a different personality. Some PCT hikers take the trip so seriously that they don't seem to have fun.
"It's like a job. They've got to put in their 20 or 30 miles or they're not going to make it," he said.
Other groups have a jolly disposition and even join in the after-hours campfire hijinks at Vermilion (which consisted of rock music and loud laughter until after midnight the night we stayed at the resort). Clement said those groups have fun, but he admitted they might not make it through the whole PCT.
Compared to PCT hikers, Clement said JMT hikers have more of a vacation mentality. They might even be able to indulge in an occasional side trip.
There's one other variety of hiker I'll mention that's talked about on the trail: the international hiker. Several Americans on the JMT expressed admiration for the stamina of some hikers from overseas.
Note to international hikers: yes, that American was just staring at your legs. Please don't take it personally.
Our hiking group wondered what hikers from other countries say about Americans. We agreed we're a little afraid to ask.
Comments
A big thank you to you and the other hikers for letting us vicariously enjoy a few miles in the wilderness. Twenty years ago I did quite a few short hikes (four or five nights was really long for me). The spirit and three fourths of my body are still willing, but one leg is uncooperative, so I'm afraid I will be limited to a few more very short one night trips. It was great to read about the wonders of the trail, and to see the different reactions from hikers of varying experience.
Posted by: Dick Estel | September 12, 2006 09:22 PM