Hi all, I have been enjoying reading all the posts as well as information on side boxes on this site. My mind is swimming with all the great new info. I wasn't sure whether to post in the newbie section or the old folks forum as I am both;).
I have been horse camping (camping with my horse and trail riding) for the last 4 years, prior to that my idea of being close to nature was observing it through a picture window in a climate controlled cabin. Now however I find being in the outdoors, surrounded by beauty and wildlife is almost a religious experience. Tis where I find peace and joy. I started reading tons of books, journals and guides on peoples experience hiking the pct with/out their horses..I know it is difficult and requires much support at trail heads. I then went for a short hike in Nov while my granddaughter rode my horse and I was hooked..I enjoyed it almost as much as riding..Thus the idea of hiking part of the pct, specifically in the JMT area became a "bucket-list" wish. I set Aug or Sept 2016 as my goal date

I am fat, out of shape and huff and puff going up an ant hill, so I just started dieting,hiking on the weekend, trying to slowly increase speed, endurance and intensity (not sure which you increase first) and slowly working on the eliptical.

I am reading every forum, books, articles I can get my hands on and watching tons of youtube videos on gear. I am making gear lists and putting info on specific items as I decide on them.

I just ordered a couple of books on maps and compass reading (I could get lost in a parking lot so I really need this, I do have a trail gps for riding though)

However where I really need help this second is recommendations for some basic info...I watched a youtube of a families hike on the JMT and in the comments someone had told them they camped in wrong spots, on fragile meadows, shouldn't be somewhere when it was raining or lightening may strike, had illegals fires..etc...I know nothing about picking the right camp spot, ( i did read stay 200 feet from water, don't use soap near water etc) staying safe from lightening, if I am above or below a tree line?? sorry I know I sound like a dummy, I assure you I am of at least average intelligence but none of these topics have been part of my life experience.......Help!! Where do I find out about this stuff?