[pct-l] Late Start Northbound?

[AsABat]

You will really have to decide for yourself. Yes, it's getting hot.

Water has been holding ok, but as the temperatures heat up the streams
will dry up. Water caches are usually maintained only during the peak
season. Last year Third Gate was stocked well so the water lasted all
summer, whether that is true this year is yet to be seen. The rest went
dry or almost dry; some reports came in early this year of a half-gallon
or so left over from last year.

Also be aware the water reports only show what someone said they found
on a given day. As the weather gets hotter, there are fewer hikers and
therefore fewer water updates. Check the dates. The best advice I heard
on the accuracy of the water reports is: If the report says dry, it's
dry. If the report says water, it might have water, or it might be dry!

AsABat


> -----Original Message-----
> From: bigsatoshi at cox.net [mailto:bigsatoshi at cox.net] 
> Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 12:53 PM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Late Start Northbound?
> 
> 
> Hi Everyone.
> 
> I'm new and was hoping to gain some insight from all of you.  
> Any opinions will be appreciated!
> 
> I was planning on starting a northbound thruhike late April 
> but was delayed.  I have all of my equipment (base weight 
> about 15lbs.) and have been doing training hikes for some 
> time.  Is it too late for me to start a northbound hike?  I 
> understand temperatures are getting hot, but I was born in 
> Arizona and have been here my whole life.  All of my training 
> is in 100* heat so I don't see that as a large obstacle like 
> some might.  I will be hiking with an Chrome Dome umbrella 
> for extra cooling.  From what I can find on the water 
> reports, there is still plenty of water in SoCal.  It looks 
> like at most I would have to carry about a days supply.
> 
> Are there other factors besides heat and water that I am not 
> seeing?  Is it too dangerous to leave this late?  I am hiking 
> solo.  I was considering a southbound hike or a flip-flop if 
> you all recommend it.  Anyone else leaving late and want to join up?
> 
> Thanks for the help!
> -Kevin
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