[pct-l] Ice/Snow

[David Thibault]

I may be in the minority (or even crazy) but I say don't overly worry about
this.  Prepare the best you can and then just go for it.
If you can get onto snow then do it and practice self arrests.  If not then
do this on the PCT the first chance you get.  You will most likely
experience non dangerous snow conditions before dangerous conditions so if
you talk the time you will have the opportunity to practice.

When the conditions get "a bit hairy" force yourself to slow down and think
through what you are going to do.  How you are going to approach the
problem.  Worst case you can wait for others so you can go through with
others or turn back.   I have yet to meet a thru hike that would not stick
with you if you told them you were unsure of your ability to handle the
conditions and would appreciate some guidance/company (of course they might
be in the same boat as you skill level wise).

By the way - If my thru hike of the PCT was not completed - I still would
have considered it very successful.   By my criteria was enjoying my time on
the trail - that was the goal.   The AT is also a great adventure and should
not be looked on as an "also ran" trek.  In many ways the AT is a more
difficult trail than the PCT.  If I am lucky enough I will get to hike them
both again sometime in the future.

Enjoy your trek the PCT is one of life's great adventures.

Day-late


> I am seeking advice on whether snow/ice skills are realistically
> needed on a PCT thru-hike.  I am comfortable in the outdoors, have
> done other long walks, but as an Australian, I have walked in snow for
> a total of 2hrs in my entire life!  I am drawn to the PCT (over the
> Appalachian) for the longer daily distance and fewer people but I also
> need to be realistic about whether it is honestly feasible to thru-
> hike the PCT without experience in snow and ice.  I was, for example,
> considering delaying my start on the PCT for a few weeks after the
> traditional start time to try and avoid the snow, but am not sure is
> sufficient?  If I am being too idealistic, I would rather know that
> now, so I can go walk the Appalachian successfully, rather than
> attempt and fail the PCT due to snow conditions.  Any and all advice
> happily received.
>
>
> -.
>