[pct-l] Early Start in the Sierras

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Nate,

You didn't mention the possible choice of "heavily lugged boots" in your 
prior query, so I will tell you that last Spring we did use boots like that 
without traction devices of any kind and did just fine. This year we will 
use those boots, again, and add the microspikes or KTS crampons and see if 
we are better off!


"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: "Nate Shoemaker" <shoemaker.nate at gmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 8:51 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Early Start in the Sierras


> Hello,
>
> I know this has been a hot topic of discussion recently and I didn't want
> to ruffle any feathers, just wanted some honest advice and suggestions.
>
> Let me explain my situation, my friend and I have about 6 weeks available
> to spend on the PCT this summer, unfortunately that time is early May to
> late June, and neither of us have a great desire to hike the Southern
> California section of the trail, although at this point it seems that that
> might be the only section we can reasonably hike due to weather 
> conditions.
> Right now we are thinking of starting the last part of section F from
> Highway 58 on May 9th and hiking north from there, which could put us at
> Kennedy Meadows around May 20th. Both of us have done a fair amount of
> hiking and my hiking partner is an experienced rock and ice climber, but
> neither of us have really done any mountaineering. We are young and
> athletic, but we aren't stupid and we know our limits and are fairly
> cautious individuals, we might be crazy, but we're not stupid. I was
> wondering if it is even realistic to try to traverse the Sierras this 
> early,
> and how technical the ascents and descents might be? What type of gear 
> would
> you expecting as necessary for the ascents and descents, are we talking 
> full
> out climbing-crampons and ice axes? Traction devices(microspikes) or can 
> we
> get away with heavily-lugged boots? Also would you recommend snow shoes 
> for
> the flatter terrain?
>
> I sincerely appreciate your time and any suggestions you might be able to
> make.
>
> -Nate
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