When applying for a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike permit, you have the option of also joining the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA).
Since I am taking advantage of the countless man-hours needed to maintain this 2,600 mile long trail across the country, I decided it would be only fitting that I provide a donation and join the ranks of the PCTA.
Today I received a letter affirming my joining of the PCTA community, and along with the letter I was pleased to find a PCT sticker (I don't know why, but I like stickers) and a map of the trail (wall space will need to be made available). Apparently the PCTA magazine, the PCT Communicator, should also be on its way (not sure how I feel about that name). Hopefully it arrives before I start my trek into the desert.
According to the letter my donation is being used for the following purposes:
- The advocation of federal funds to purchase 200 miles of the PCT still on private property (just give the government your land already!).
- Organization of trail repair work to reach their goal of 100% trail maintenance (currently gremlins and bridge trolls are holding out on approximately 10% of the trail).
- To promote the trail via their new website (which is far superior to their old website).
- To work with the Forest Service to ensure the entire trail is safe to use (aka free of man-eating bears and booby traps).
To join the PCTA you can check out their website at PCTA.org (link opens in new window).
they only gave a map and a letter this year – a fucking travesty! would easily trade both for the sticker.
i have been lurking around your site in these past few months as i plan on starting the hike in may. all your articles are gold!
OT: you stayed with my current roommate in stehekin last year! i showed him ur blog and he said he recognized you, small world. any way keep up the good work and thanks for writing
I misplaced my sticker and have basically been in a downward spiral of depression ever since. Perhaps it would have been better to have never gotten one in the first place.
That’s crazy you are roommates with someone I met on the trail! It was awesome for him to take me and by buddy in – tell him thanks again.
Best of luck in May!