>>2125013I just did it because I love not just hiking but the idea of forward progress and constantly going somewhere that I want to see next. Yes I did the whole thing, took about 4 months, a little faster than average but not super fast.
There's a lot of interesting people on the trail from all walks of life, it's the only place in life where a 20 year old dirtbag and a 56 year old retired cardiologist can meet and instantly be family because they have the same goal.
I saw loads of rattlesnakes, you have to pay attention. A couple bears, they all run from humans. Black bears are just big rodents, there are no Grizzlys on the PCT.
People have done the trail with their dogs but its not recommended. Your dog can't tell you that it's in pain and doesn't want to walk anymore. It's also illegal to hike with a dog in national parks. But people do it still so whatever.
Hardest section for me was probably the last bit of desert before hitting the Sierra. You're just so sick of sand and drinking warm water. But if you can always find motivation to keep moving forward then you'll be fine.
Didn't skip at all. Got lucky, didn't get rained on very much, never got snowed on.
Probably the best thing to know is that everybody plans too much. Theoretically I could grab my gear today and be on a plane tomorrow to start if I wanted to. You can send resupply packages to yourself from towns on the trail. Look up As The Crow Flies PCT Town Guide. If you're serious about going then download the GutHook app to get a look at the trail layout.
