[pct-l] PCT Thru-Hike Southbound

[Donna Saufley]

Tavin,

What I've heard is second hand information from those who've been in the
Sierra backcountry in early winter.  They related that the snow cover makes
surfaces slick and treacherous, especially over passes.  By spring and early
summer when most nobos move through the snow has accumulated and there is a
solid base to move over, at least until the melt-out. But when the first
snows cover the rocks and trail, then melt and freeze, it's an
unconsolidated slippery mess.  

Logistically you also must consider that the resupply depots in the Sierras
that hikers depend upon will probably not be open when you get there, and
the roads that lead out to civilization will also be closed. The amount of
food you would have to carry would be enormous, adding to the difficulty
exponentially.

I know one hiker who did make it through the Sierras in early winter,
crossing Forester Pass mid-November.  He hired a mountaineering guide (to
the tune of $300 a day) to get him through it. The conditions transformed a
hike into a full-blown mountaineering expedition.  It was very slow going.

To use an overly-used phrase (reference to the Nat Geo PCT film), it's
"EXTREME!" 

L-Rod

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Tavin Cope
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:05 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] PCT Thru-Hike Southbound

Hello Hikers,
I've been seriously debating/ researching thru hiking the pct starting
around Sept. 1 2011 southbound. I've completed several ultramarathons, some
of which include one day pushes around st.helens, hood, and a two day trip
on the wonderland trail (rainier). On the pct, like the other hikes Ive done
I'd like to complete it ultralight and (fairly) fast 3-4 months. I realize
that the pct is nothing compared to what Ive done, and that I have less than
optimal preperation time. My question for the experienced masses, is this a
difficult and daring plan, or just plain stupid? My two main concerns at
this point are 1) weather and trail conditions in the fall months,
especially in the sierras with the oncoming of snow and cold weather. The
other obviously, 2) my resupply strategy and what resupply points are
crucial. Any information on these concerns/ questions would be invaluable to
me. Thank you.
Happy Trails
tavinc253 at gmail.com
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