[pct-l] Snow Prep Course Concern; ice axes

Wed Feb 18 14:18:27 CST 2009

Once again, ice axes can usually be rented, but from our experience for thru 
hikers, an axe-pole combination like the Black Diamond Whippet works best.

An axe is only valuable if it is in hand when you fall and you know how to 
use it to self-arrest the slide. The key here is to know when to stop and 
take the axe off the pack and have it in hand. The skill or training is in 
hazard recognition. This is what this Course strives to teach. Whether it is 
a creek crossing, icy sun-cups, or a steep, although brief, snowfield you 
have to cross, being able to recognize the hazard, stop and research the 
choices before you, and make the wisest and safest choice miles from rescue 
(or, of course, not to) is the most important freedom you have.

You can "Know before you go" or "Learn as you go," it is all about what you 
feel comfortable with, how well you know yourself, and how you deal with 
decision-making. An experienced guy like Reddirt knows his limitations and 
abilities because he's been in the Sierras for a long time and he's a quick 
learner.

Before you venture out on a 3 to 5-month journey in the backcountry, you 
need to ask yourself, "Have I immersed myself enough in the conditions I 
expect to encounter to know how I will respond and act with the items I've 
brought with me and the skills and experience I possess?"

When only 25% finish their thru hikes in one shot, you've got to wonder if 
the rest simply weren't realistically prepared for what they had to deal 
with.

Mtnned
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Liechty" <mlaccs at mlaccs.com>
To: <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>
Cc: "Phil Newhouse" <newhoupa1 at gmail.com>; "PCT MailingList" 
<pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:11 AM
Subject: Snow Prep Course Concern

> ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com wrote:
>> You say you're not prepared for a snow travel and camping course because 
>> of equipment issues and your plan will be to try to avoid snow wherever 
>> possible. This plan is always the first rule, avoidance, but not always 
>> possible as many will attest who have traveled the Sierra. This is one 
>> reason why the Snow Course is offered and why you were originally 
>> interested in it, to be prepared to skillfully travel over snow with 
>> greater confidence and safety when you can't avoid it.
>> ##################
>>
> I am probably the least qualified person on this list to reply but here 
> are my thoughts.
> I don't think I will be doing the entire PCT for several years.  However I 
> do plan on increasing my backpacking in the sierras to several hundred 
> miles a year over the next few and this looks like an essential tool to 
> have in my arsenal.
> A large part of what makes this course so appealing is that, according to 
> the map, I will never be more than 5 or so miles from my car.     If 
> things get really bad I can get out.  It will cost me much pride and 
> probably have me thrown from the list so it is a very very last resort but 
> it is a safety net that will not be available once I get 20-50 miles from 
> the car and a nice spring day goes bad in an hour or two.
>
> We can read all we want to about what to do and what not to do and how to 
> dress and what to be ready for and how to eat and all that other stuff but 
> the only way it really sinks in for me is to get out and do it.
> Just something to think about if you or anyone else is still on the fence.
> Oh yeah, the piece of gear I am missing is the ice axe.  Will need 2 (one 
> for my son, one for me)   Still looking for one if any have a great deal 
> but am not certain if it will be a one time use or will end up in the 
> garage with all the other stuff.  Since I don't know what I don't know I 
> need to trust Ned that this is an essential tool and besides, it sounds 
> like the fun part of the course so why not?
>
>
>
>
>
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