Doug Makes Contact

Doug called Greg for a meet at Warner Springs this Sunday (out hwy 79). Greg reports that Doug is travelling with a couple, running low on water, and very stinky. Doug sez that his armpits are crusty. He's only been out 5 days.
As reported by Greg Murray 4/11/13

Doug's Time Map

This is his rough draft. Cute, huh?
Blog me if you might be able to meet him. He would love that! Bring food. I was going to call this Blog: Doug eats his way through the PCT.

Doug's First Day on PCT w/Pictures!!!

Doug packing his bag at the border...

2627 (now 2663?) miles to go… and he was tired walking up the trail to the trailhead. Seriously...

Doug in Mexico… well, his finger made it to Mexico! He was nervous there was someone on the other side that was gonna chop it off.

Brothers

There wasn't a clear way to go, I said good luck doug, shook his hand and headed back to my car, turned around and said Im sure you'll figure it out, and winked ;)

Greg Murray 4/7/13  

Greg Sends Doug On His Way

4/7/13

Greg and Doug set off today for Doug's big adventure. They drove east from La Mesa knowing that Campo was located off Interstate 8. Doug did not know exactly where Campo was located. They found the Border Patrol in the area and asked them where the PCT began. The BP kindly showed them the starting point. Doug unpacked all the bits and pieces from all the nooks and crannies in Greg's car.

Doug was ready to begin.

They took some pictures and walked a short distance south to the 20 foot warning track that identifies the U.S. and Mexico border fence. Doug wanted to start in Mexico so he stuck his finger through the fence. Both sides did not shoot at him, or ask for a passport. Greg walked north with Doug for about 5 minutes to get him going. When Greg returned to his car he wondered what Doug may have forgotten. In the middle console was Doug's money and credit cards.

Greg drove to the next trail spot to ask Doug if he wanted his money/cards. (Yes.)

Then, Greg sped off spewing rock and dirt all over his brother and said EAT MY DUST! I believe that he cackled as he left.

We are rooting for you, Doug.

Debbie Murray

Doug Begins, Sunday, April 7, 2013

4/6/13
Well here we are. Tomorrow I will be setting off. I had a great last day hanging out with my brother and some friends. (Beer Fest...  Doug won...) I'll get up at about 6 tomorrow and try to be out on the trail by 8. Thanks ma and everyone who helped or is going to help on my voyage.
Might take a bit for me to fall asleep because when I can't sleep I think of something that's repetitive and relaxing, which is usually fishing or hiking. But now that's just getting me more excited.
I am berry excited!!!
Sent from the PCT, well not quire yet.
Doug Murray. 

Helpful Info for PCT

http://www.pctplanner.com/ calculates your hiking time

pcta.org - everything pct

http://postholer.com/faq.php FAQ's

More Info From Doug

-Doug weighs 190 lbs. He plans to eat as much as possible along the way so as not to lose weight. Most hikers lose 10 to 30 lbs. He is practicing AYCE (all you can eat). There are two AYCE restaurants along the way. He  cannot wait to get there... He has not started and he is already very hungry.
-His backpack weighs 20 lbs. Add 5-30 lbs for food and water to become 50 lbs.
-He mentioned that 300 people attempt the hike per year and about 60% finish. Most drop out within the first 100 to 200 miles.
-He plans to hike 10-30 miles per day. He plans to have 10 'Zero' days of no hiking. He plans to have many people meet him along the way and bring him food.
-The other hikers will give him a hiker name. For example, one hiker was always looking and smelling good. This is odd... don't ya think? His name was GQ. Then, there was a guy named Half Mile, not sure why. We have all been debating what Doug's name will be. I think Grey Socks, or Mate, or Diggity Do...

He has his permit. He has his 2 lb sleeping bag that only cost $230. He has his itsy-bitsy tent (another bunch of money). He has a $300 budget to buy two pair of shoes along the way. He only has two shirts and two pair of socks. If you see him, he will probably be radiating a hiker aura. You have been warned!!!

The next posting will be all the internet sites that helped him gather info and maybe, pictures if I can figure how to post!