[pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings

[Scott Williams]

Yes, and unbuckle you hip and chest straps so you can get out of your pack
in a real knock down situation.  Your pack can easily drown you.  The Kern
fell off a log at the Kern River during the air evac of Half Oz, but was
able to get out of his pack and save himself.  He and Turbo had to hike 25
miles over the snow with only one set of gear to make it out, but they made
it, and The Kern didn't drown.  He was resupplied within several days in
Lone Pine with a tremendous outpouring of trail community support.  And of
course that's how he got his trail name.

But the gist of the story is to never cross a log, or a stream without
unbuckling your hip and chest straps.

Shroomer

On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 9:35 PM, <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com> wrote:

>
> It would be advisable to carry survival gear attached to your body such as
> a
> small hip pack or ditty bag in case you lose the pack in the river.  i.e.
> so
> you could hunker down at that trail location with a fire if things went
> bad.
> Particularly if solo.  Also, seems advisable not to cross the radical spots
> solo if it can be avoided.
>
> A word of caution when walking across high logs, particularly to the young
> and bold.  I fell off one in Idaho 25+ years ago with a heavy pack and
> landed on my feet about 8 feet down. Permanent back and neck damage. Son of
> bitch still hurts today. Wish I had a "do over" on that one. I would have
> waded the stream.
>
> Ps. Unbuckle your hip belt in case you fall down.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of ned at mountaineducation.org
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 7:33 PM
> To: jamesfmiller at hotmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Cc: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings
>
> Do not use rope tied to yourself while crossing a nasty creek! If you fall
> in, it will only cause you to go further under and keep you there.
>
> A rope tied between two trees and held onto by hand for balance would be
> the
>
> only way we'd suggest the use of rope during a river or creek crossing.
>
> Learn how to avoid crossing while the flow is highest. Seek out the driest
> crossing upstream or downstream on rocks or logs or simply hopping the
> narrower tributaries that feed the main stream. Choose the shallowest
> crossing with the least whitewater and where you can see the creek bottom.
> Choose which way you want to cross, facing the opposite bank or facing
> upstream. Find a reliable way to have a "third leg," utilizing a long stick
> or the use of your poles for balance. Decide what you're going to use to
> protect your feet while you're sliding along the creek bottom between
> granite rocks, sticks, and stones. Be prepared to change socks, at least,
> once on the other side. Figure out a way where your feet will be able to
> dry
>
> out in order to stay warm and dry once back on the snow.
>
> Leave the rope at home.
>
>
> "Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
>
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education
> 1106A Ski Run Blvd
> South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
>    P: 888-996-8333
>    F: 530-541-1456
>    C: 530-721-1551
>    http://www.mountaineducation.org
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <jamesfmiller at hotmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 6:53 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings
>
>
> > I've pretty much settled in my head that the 'infamous' Sierra stream
> > crossings are absolutely the scariest part of our hike. Particularily
> > concidering the amou t of runoff that will be running off.
> >
> > Anyone ever carry a 30' 3/8" rope for safety?
> >
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