[pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings

[Edward Anderson]

I always carry my survival gear in a knapsack while riding.  It weighs about 18 
pounds when fully loaded. This includes 80 ounces of water, some food, first aid 
kit, windproof-waterproof matches, whistle, SPOT, sleeping bag, extra cloths, 
knife, etc, etc.  If I am ever injured and separated from my horse I have what I 
need. I also wear a riding helmet. Once,in Washington, my horse was terrified by 
llamas and ran off. I had my knapsack. I caught him in about two miles.

MendoRider



________________________________
From: "dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com" <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com>
To: ned at mountaineducation.org; jamesfmiller at hotmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
Cc: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 9:35:43 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings


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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