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[pct-l] more start date info

Scott Wrote :
Times have changed on the ol' PCT from when we were out there.  Packs are 
1/3 of what we used and mileage is way up such that people are shooting for 
5 or even 4 months.  The new holiday for starting is May Day.  Maybe we need 
top  build a little Red Square so that we can have a May Day parade of 
thru-hikers.

Me:
Anyone else feel that May Day is the "Traditional Start Date" now? It used 
to be April Fool's Day. What is the average mileage your planning for? In 
'82 the word was to average 17 miles given starting in a window a week 
before or after this date(although some days were in the twenties). Because 
of the later start the intended mileage appears to necessitate being 
greater. What are your average pack weights? Are you folks averaging around 
14 food drops? 
Although I had fairly lightweight gear(3.5 lb tent).I had a Gregory Cassin 
that at the time, was the largest volume internal frame pack (I had thirteen 
food drops). In an effort to reduce ounces I found myself cutting-off all 
unnecessary leather accessory lashing patches. Those big packs were and 
still are heavy. It sounds like some of you are taking packs 2000 cubic 
inches in volume less. My clothing (bare in mind my April 1st start and a 
late winter that year) generaly consisted of a polypro top and bottom, 
convertible hiking pants/shorts, a t-shirt, pile jacket, pile pants and 
balaclava, gloves, gaitors and a down vest, rain gear and wind breaker. I 
used it all. It sounds like a few of you are opting not carry bulky pile 
clothing. Is it because of your May start? What aren't you taking if using 
such small packs? I know these are a lot of questions, but some of your pack 
volumes were a real eye opener!

-Ken Marlow
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