[pct-l] route options

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Jun 2, 2010, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> My husband and I are currently in Cajon Pass.? We?have been  
> discussing with other hikers about options for?the Sierras.? We are  
> in our early 60's so not the strongest or fastest of hikers.? We  
> are also not experienced?with?difficult snow or ice conditions.? 
> ( we skipped Fuller ridge)? We realize it will be sometime before  
> we get to Kennedy Meadows, but even then we will have very  
> difficult water crossings with the heavy melt off.? We are looking  
> for advice about what to do.? Should we skip ahead?? If so where  
> would you recommend?
>
> thanks for any advice.? This is a great group and we appreciate  
> your help
>
> Janet Ake

My personal opinion is that there is too much communication about the  
conditions of the trail causing people to skip things due to fear. It  
might be best to be prepared with proper equipment and a back-up plan  
and then go see for yourself rather than try to avoid parts of the  
trail. Take it one day at a time. Get some good maps that have  
alternate routes, too.

If it does turn out that conditions are too extreme for you, then  
take a few weeks off and return to the trail around Sonora Pass, Echo  
Lake or Sierra City. It seemed to me that from Sonora Pass northward  
the trail was a serene and contemplative experience never to rise  
above 10,000 feet. But you'll have to let a few weeks pass so that  
the snow has time to melt.


Books I've written:
~ Piper's Flight
~ Adventure and Magic
~ Santa Barbara Hikes
http://stores.lulu.com/dianesoini

We're not here for a long time, but we are here for a good time