[pct-l] Pct-l Digest, Vol 11, Issue 30

[Bob Bankhead]

In 16 yrars of PCT hiking, I've never encountered an unsafe condition I couldn't handle, mitigate, or avoid entirely - including a bear that walked up to my sleeping bag one night while cowboy camping. In my opinion, the biggest safety hazards on the trail are the decisions you as the individual hiker make for yourself. You are the one who decides what gear you do or don't carry, whether or not to try that creek crossing, risk that snow traverse, go in that direction, or which side of the road you'll walk on and under what conditions. To quit or go on?

Fatalities are very rare on the PCT. Only two come readily to mind; John Donovan who got lost traversing Fuller Ridge 2 years ago and the Rodmans - Jane and Flicka - who were struck and killed by a driver who fell asleep, left the road, and struck them while they walking 100 feet off to the side of that road in southern CA in 1995. The latter proves the old addage that "you can be doing everything right and still get in trouble by being in the wrong place at the wrong time".


Bear spray is not needed. Yes, you will probably see a black bear or two in the Sierras, but - using common sense and making good decisions - you won't have a problem with them. That said, it's your hike. If it makes you or your companion(s) FEEL safer, carry it. It's only another pound. Just remember it does you no good on your pack strap or hipbelt if you set your pack down and walk away from it.

Wandering Bob








----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Drew Engman" <drew_engman at verizon.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 9:52 AM

Does anyone carry some type of personal defense against ? Whatever, such as bear spray/pepper spray? Anyone ever been waylaid (I'm not talkin' sex) on the PCT? Other than falling deaths, have there ever been people killed by animals or humans on the PCT? Just curious, someone mentioned hiking with others for safety, and that got me wondering. I've never heard of any serious troubles caused by anything other than weather or getting lost.
Drew A.G. Engman
Desert Man