[pct-l] A mixed up early start?
ken campbell
kc.bike at yahoo.com
Sun Jan 8 20:40:07 CST 2012
Ken Campbell
From: ken campbell <kc.bike at yahoo.com>
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2012 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: Pct-L Digest, Vol 49, Issue 8
Hi All
I just read someone's post can I start early?? I'm pretty shure I can start as early as I want and do it any way I wan't it's my hike after all. I live in Idyllwild and have completed the San Jacintos from the 74 to Idyllwild in the last couple of weeks and from black mtn rd to Idyllwild on the PCT A few times before that with a lot of extra miles well over 100 just on my recent PCT hikes and ajoining trailheads in the last 2 weeks and there was and proubly still is alot of snow in places even though some on this list seem to think there isen't snow there is up high. I was postholling up to my waist just N of Red Taquits for hours just last week and there were no other footprints in the snow from just past Appache peak to L Taquits V shortcut and all the way to saddle jct I ended up doing Devils slide in the dark becouse of all the snow. Appache peak was coverd with snow but I found some of the trail farther north far more diffucult with
snow shoots covering the trail in 10 or more spots rite up to the dropoff's nice and thrilling. And learned to save a little food just incase somthing slows me down in the future and I have to stay out another night. I have also done most of the the PCT North of Saddle jct 7 to 8 times. Depending on how long I wanted to stay out I mostly headed N becouse I just walk out my front door to hike and it's less road walk that way. I have also coverd every other trail up here camped at LRV 9700ft 5 times been to the PS tram 5 times I have spent around 60 nights up in the San Jacinto's at one spot or another. I just moved to Idyllwild 7 months ago from Newport Beach CA and started backpacking 5 month's ago but I have also been a ultra marathon cyclist for 17 years the longest bicycle ride was 750 miles in france in 3 days along with hundreds of other endurance events 200 to 400 miles long. I dont want to sound like I'm braging it's just
hard to tell my story without that part since it's part of how I advanced so quickly in Backpaking you'd be suprised how ultra cycling and backpacking go together from fittness to getting food together - traveling - spending hours alone - lightweight everything. So I am no stranger to endurance events but my freands kept getting hit and killed by cars while cycling. My best freand last year. So I thought I would give backpacking a try and fell in love with with the mountains. I have a 12lb base wt with a 15deg mont -bell bag and mont bell down jacket and outher cold weather stuff not including my deaper snow gear that I shouldent need at the start and a fly creek ul 2 tent so I should have no proublem with the winter temps I live at 5400ft and the Lagunas are only 600ft higher. I'm pretty shure since I have sat out a storm in my tent up high in the San Jacinto's that I'll be ok? I just want to get going on some diffrent trails so why not
keep going on the PCT by starting in Campo. I have lot's of places to spend time enjoying myself without hurrying before I hit Kennedy Meadows. and I do plan on finding a way back to the kick off. I plan on doing campo to the 74 in the next couple of weeks. Now I said at the start of this I can do what I want but is there any reason that I shouldent? am I going to feel like I did something wrong starting early and doing the San Jacinto's first ? This is a trip of a liftime kind of thing and I want it to be just right. I just feel like hikeing and since I have done the San Jacintos to the point that respected hikers/climbers up here are saying things like I should open a guide service
or say they have have been hikeing up here for 10 years and you have done more of these trails than I have. Or there's a reason there were no footprints on the PTC up high this time of year do you have a death wish or somthing. I don't know about all that I'm just a retired 54 year old guy that love's to hike and I'm not happy unless I'm training for something and I have the time and $$ to do it. I could be a bit compulsive when I get into something it's all or nothing. So I'm ready to start from Campo to the 74 in a week or 2 come home for a week or 2 hike from Black mtn to Big Bear if the winter weather stays kind of ok. (One thing I have learned from living up here is you never know what the weather is going to be like from 1 day to the next. The mountain makes it's own weather) And slowly make my way to kennedy meadows where I will start hiking like a normal thru hiker would around June if there is such a thing as a normal Thru
hiker and that's a complement in my world. Like I said I just want to start hiking soon not 3 month's from now I have done it all up here many times over and want something new so why not put my efforts towards heading north on the PCT. I look forward to being part of the PCT family that's why I went into such detail about myself and I hope to get to know as many of my fellow PCT travelers as I can. So what do ya think about my plan?
Ken Campbell
From: "pct-l-request at backcountry.net" <pct-l-request at backcountry.net>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2012 9:43 AM
Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 49, Issue 8
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: Gray Wolf in California (John Abela)
2. Re: Gray Wolf in California (Diarmaid Harmon)
3. Re: Grey Wolf in CA (Emily Hargreaves)
4. Re: Gray Wolf in California (Tom Weir)
5. Coffee and Food (Russell Mease)
6. Re: Gray Wolf in California (David Thibault)
7. Room for rent in Idyllwild (Karen Keller)
8. Re: Gray Wolf in California (Rod Belshee)
9. Re: Gray Wolf in California (Ken Powers)
10. Coffee and food (shelly skye)
11. maps and books (Alicia Reenders)
12. Re: Marmots at the trail junction (Yoshihiro Murakami)
13. Re: Coffee and Food (Yoshihiro Murakami)
14. maps and books (Scott)
15. Marmots ripped my flesh, er, pack (Lisa Peru)
16. Re: Coffee and Food (Lisa Peru)
17. Blisters (Wanda Brimmer)
18. MP3 Players on the trail (mkwart at gci.net)
19. Need Advice: Using a Canister Stove (Gary Minetti)
20. Sierra food and start date (J Whippen)
21. Marmots at the trail junction (Reinhold Metzger)
22. Re: Sierra food and start date (Edward Anderson)
23. Re: Gray Wolf in California (Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes)
24. Re: Blisters (Yoshihiro Murakami)
25. Re: Blisters (Sir Mixalot)
26. Re: Blisters (Jeffrey Olson)
27. safety precautions for campers (treerings at gmail.com)
28. Re: safety precautions for campers (giniajim)
29. 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions (Tim Gustafson)
30. Re: Sierra food and start date (Sir Mixalot)
31. Re: Sierra food and start date (Sir Mixalot)
32. Re: 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions (Sir Mixalot)
33. Re: 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions (John Abela)
34. Re: 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions (Scott Bryce)
35. Re: Sierra Snow Report..Good News & Bad News
(gschenk1 at roadrunner.com)
36. Re: maps and books (gschenk1 at roadrunner.com)
37. Peanut butter (Monte Dodge)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 10:01:40 -0800
From: John Abela <abela at johnabela.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: aslive at charter.net
Cc: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAJZPo3U2bWf+m3JEaGYABQ-4nWxSD49oix+cZNLNXrdzQLy1Sg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
You really think a wolf has walked all that way just to lick some
dirty face of a thru-hiker in the middle of the night?
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 9:46 AM, <aslive at charter.net> wrote:
>
> I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
> northern California near MT Shasta. ?He is being tracked via a GPS
> collar. ?Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
> area, How should we deal with him?
>
> If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be
> wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free. ?Pepper spray
> might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come
> to that.
>
> Would moth balls be helpful?
>
> I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my
> mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
>
> Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters. ?I believe that they
> have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
> _______________________________________________
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> Pct-L at backcountry.net
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------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 10:05:04 -0800
From: Diarmaid Harmon <irishharmon at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: "aslive at charter.net" <aslive at charter.net>
Cc: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <3BCB453B-6A7F-488E-82EB-5E74E9E32B4F at comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I have hiked in eastern Oregon with wolves around. I would suggest as with all wildlife good camping habits such as cooking away from a sleeping area and hanging food bags is always a good way to keep critters away from your food. I never bring anything with a scent into my tent including lip balm, toothpaste or deodorant as strange scents are what attract critters big and small. Making noise as you hike also reduces the chances of a surprise encounter on the trail. I have spotted all manner of wildlife and most of them go out of their way to avoid you wolves included. Unless a wolf is sick or starving they normally will depart an area you are in. As with all wildlife be aware of offspring and prey kills as most animals will defend these. If you feel the need to carry a weapon of any type make sure you are proficient in its use.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 7, 2012, at 9:46 AM, aslive at charter.net wrote:
>
> I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
> northern California near MT Shasta. He is being tracked via a GPS
> collar. Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
> area, How should we deal with him?
>
> If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be
> wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free. Pepper spray
> might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come
> to that.
>
> Would moth balls be helpful?
>
> I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my
> mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
>
> Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters. I believe that they
> have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 10:14:55 -0800
From: Emily Hargreaves <ozzyemm at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Grey Wolf in CA
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAHFLj4kPX0DXpcYTRaLkbef7pxCTe_GLkwXj+_o=xgT03Lmqcw at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
We live in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, near Chester. My husband almost hit
a wolf several years ago (3-4 yrs) as it was crossing the highway chasing a
deer. The wolf met up with another wolf shortly after, so there were at
least two near Portola, about 3-4 years ago. We know what coyotes and wild
dogs look like, and both he and his passenger confirmed they were wolves.
So, they have been around the area for awhile now. At this point, I would
treat them just like any other wild animal. I wouldn't want the animal to
get close enough to try to stab it with a knife, and injured animals tend
to be more willing to attack. JMO, though.
Emily
GORP (giver of rides person)
-----------
Message: 22
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:46:34 -0500 (EST)
From: aslive at charter.net
Subject: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: PCT-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <17b87b80.cf527.134b94771b3.Webtop.44 at charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
northern California near MT Shasta. He is being tracked via a GPS
collar. Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
area, How should we deal with him?
If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be
wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free. Pepper spray
might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come
to that.
Would moth balls be helpful?
I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my
mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters. I believe that they
have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 10:54:24 -0800
From: "Tom Weir" <tom_d_w at hughes.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: <aslive at charter.net>, "'PCT-L'" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <F5A5C12C1A204964881C0BA2EA36A94B at shithead>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
"Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
area, How should we deal with him?"
We should gaze at him with wonder and joy knowing that the wilderness is now
a little wilder. Leave him alone and he will leave you alone. And if you
are lucky, you will here his song in the night.
-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of aslive at charter.net
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 9:47 AM
To: PCT-L
Subject: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
northern California near MT Shasta. He is being tracked via a GPS
collar. Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
area, How should we deal with him?
If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be
wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free. Pepper spray
might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come
to that.
Would moth balls be helpful?
I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my
mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters. I believe that they
have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
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Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:06:30 -0700
From: Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Coffee and Food
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAFtt5KKaD62Zv++eUfEVJuS9oX=QzUSEfqsTuCaWvBwkwj7w3w at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Yoshiro and Lisa,
Speaking of coffee, can I ask an uncomfortable question? I know all too
well that coffee is a diuretic and causes me to visit the porcelain god
more frequently than otherwise. Those visits are also
less....clean....let's say! Coffee also causes bad breath and occasional
stomach cramps in my experience. I love coffee but I am considering
switching to green and black tea instead because of the ease of preparation
and because it doesn't have these other side effects. I recently cut out
coffee for about 3 weeks completely, just to convince myself that I am not
an addict, and I felt good! I can't give it up forever but when it gets to
be a 2-cup a day habit or more, it's time to cut back. Thoughts on Tea vs.
Coffee on the trail??
Lisa, Regarding food on the trail, you can check out my own strategy here:
http://russmease.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-on-food-dehydration-and-on-trail.html.
I am really getting into preparing really hearty dehydrated meals at home
before the hike and then shipping them in vacuum sealed bags. I am
planning on eating well on the trail...
Russ
From: Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Marmots at the trail junction
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <D292C14C-4A07-4605-B3F0-21BD184ACE9E at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Yoshiro, did you say coffee? You might not have trouble with marmots, but
you'd better watch out for your pack around me! If we see each other on the
trail this season, I'll make you a cup of Turkish coffee. (No, I'm not
Turkish.)
I'm curious about everyone's diet on the trail. I try to resist living on
candy and empty starches, but it's hard when you resupply at convenience
stores. I tend to want dried veggies, jerky, cheese, etc, but end up with
the dreaded pasta sides, potatoes and ramen.
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:09:51 -0700
From: David Thibault <dthibaul07 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAD-wsev9V9C8kLJ08djthdiu1sgTjQQVn-o3Pvfs1WxEQxtR3A at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Take his picture.
Day-Late (who never gets his camera ready in time)
>
> Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
> area, How should we deal with him?
>
>
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 11:16:47 -0800
From: Karen Keller <karen.kellerford at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Room for rent in Idyllwild
To: pct-l <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAEhW5jbUYxfs_nNsF93kWbZ_VMR0auqFLKsbnvu2PSau5bPreA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Anyone looking for a place to stay near the trail? I have a furnished room
to rent in my house in Idyllwild. I have been a small-time trail angel
since 2007 and have had the privilege of hiking a good bit of the trail in
So Cal. I have had a hiker tenant for the last year and a half who is
moving closer to town and his room will be vacant beginning Jan 15. Good
hiking year round!
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 11:24:57 -0800
From: "Rod Belshee" <rbelshee at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: "PCT-L" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <SNT128-DS18D1DE9A2EB34420444B5FCD9A0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Count your blessings.
I saw the Mexican Grey Wolf, on CDT, near Snow Lake, New Mexico. Journal
entry:
"I spot a re-introduced Mexican Grey Wolf. No, I spot two! One is chasing
the other, at full trot, across an opening. After several hundred yards, the
chaser stops, and then retreats back into the woods from which he sprang.
The smaller one continues on, slowly. Apparently the larger wolf was
clarifying territorial ownership. Three elk also watched from the edge of
the forest. Wow!"
Steady Sr
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:12:10 -0800
From: Ken Powers <ken at gottawalk.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: "PCT-L" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <78EB3229BDA947F9BC24E6C258EA19D1 at Desktop2008>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
I have had 2 encounters with wolves - neither near the PCT.
In Utah we were following the tracks of a LARGE dog when caching water. When
we hiked back thru the area we were aware that there might be wolves in the
area. As we passed the area where the tracks disappeared we heard a wolf
howl. Gave me goosebumps! What a rare treat!
On the Idaho Centennial Trail we sat down for our morning break sitting
above a small stream. A doe came flying thru the willows directly at us. She
hit the ground a couple feet in front of us and made an amazingly quick turn
to just avoid trampling us. A few seconds later a wolf crossed the stream on
the trail just to our right. It trotted behind us down the trail after the
deer. It was within arms length of us. This all happened with a few seconds
so there is no picture, but I still can see the wolf in my mind!
I don't think wolves are interested in hiker food. Or hikers for that
matter. Enjoy the rare opportunity! Take its picture if you can. It will be
a moment you will treasure.
Ken
----- Original Message -----
From: <aslive at charter.net>
To: "PCT-L" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 9:46 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
northern California near MT Shasta. He is being tracked via a GPS
collar. Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
area, How should we deal with him?
If we are out of bear canister country, I guess hanging food would be
wise as would be making sure that your tent is food free. Pepper spray
might be helpful as might a larger knife although I hope it doesn't come
to that.
Would moth balls be helpful?
I just would not want to wake up in the middle of the night, bound in my
mummy bag with a wolf licking my face!
Anyone have any experience with wolf encounters. I believe that they
have a right to exist and all, I just want to be educated and prepared.
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 14:34:00 -0800
From: shelly skye <shelbel26 at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Coffee and food
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAFfABpYx8K8PBHCJJpsF4Q7m76P_4R+BPysE6DB_TG5qwr4jtg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I don't know about anyone else but above 7 or 8,000 feet I had a hell of a
time getting my tea to steep. This puzzled me until I figured out that
water boils at a lower temp at high altitude and I can only guess that the
temp is not hot enough to make my tea get as strong as I like it. Thus I go
with coffee in the high country. Having said that, I have never had a
chemistry (or food) course so I have no idea if my thinking is correct.
It's just my answer to the question. Anybody got any facts to support or
contradict this thinking?
--
Shelly
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:24:35 -0500
From: Alicia Reenders <a.reenders at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] maps and books
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CANAXtuBxJiLa5HzEBj1PkUsZRAbWS0rcn5tszw_xkp0hUnfT5Q at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hey all,
I'm hiking the trail in 2012 with my boyfriend, and we just bought our
maps, yea! We got the latest version of postholer's maps, and really like
them, love the elevation charts. We also have Yogi's book from 2011. We
like them both and wanted to use them together, but the miles aren't the
same for specific towns/river crossings etc. Is there a way to use these
books together easily? We're thinking we should check out the postholer
data book, and maybe we could insert posthole miles into yogi's book?
Anyone use either of these and have suggestions/ feedback on mileage
accuracy? I know I've seen yogi and postholer on this list, too so thought
you could provide an expert opinion! Thanks for your help.
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 08:55:01 +0900
From: Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Marmots at the trail junction
To: Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAMCqdRsBCbsdDx0Ecy5ThVkGshFv_mTZ=9kscmy-P5Q8xbvypA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-2022-JP
Ok, LIsa
I can fight against you with coffee. BTW. veggies, jerky, cheese,
pasta, are my favorite( American mashed potato tasted badly, so I
brought Japanese mashed potato and mayonnaise last summer, and made an
instant salad. ) I used couscous in JMT for three years, because rice
is prohibited to bring into USA, but I will cook rice this summer, and
also planning to bake pizza on the trail. A pizza and the coffee on
the trail may be unrivaled.
2012/1/7 Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>:
> Yoshiro, did you say coffee? You might not have trouble with marmots, but you'd better watch out for your pack around me! If we see each other on the trail this season, I'll make you a cup of Turkish coffee. (No, I'm not Turkish.)
>
> I'm curious about everyone's diet on the trail. I try to resist living on candy and empty starches, but it's hard when you resupply at convenience stores. I tend to want dried veggies, jerky, cheese, etc, but end up with the dreaded pasta sides, potatoes and ramen.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 6, 2012, at 11:26 PM, Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Reinhold
>>
>> Just because you know I am a Japanese, does not mean I eat Japanese food.
>>
>> I seldom eat "Japanese Noodles" ( and Sushi ). I have eaten Maruchan
>> noodle at VVR, since I got it from the hiker's barrel, it tasted very
>> bad. I swore I never ate noodle. I am always carrying orderless dry
>> Japanese vegetable. They are packed in dry bag. And my backpack is
>> always protected by "moth balls" ( Thanks jiniagim )
>>
>> I am also a severe caffeine addictive as like Shroomer, so I always
>> carrying bulky
>> coffee. My ideal life is to drink coffee in a small tent in the
>> wilderness. I may have no food marmot loves. If marmots love coffee,
>> I will teach them caffeine is not healthy for their body.
>>
>> This summer, I will carry a java drip http://bit.ly/oerBd5 and drink
>> more strong coffee.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING THAT.
>>>
>>> JMT Reinhold
>>> --------------------------------------
>>> Yoshi wrote:
>>>
>>> 2012/1/6 Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>:
>>>> I have seen no marmot at the junction. I think the permit is very
>>>> difficult for man, and more more difficult for marmot. The junction is
>>>> full of mankind in summer.
>>> ---------------------------------
>>> Brick wrote:
>>> YMMV,
>>> but I have personally witnessed people finding their packs with holes
>>> in them at that junction, and seen lots marmots there.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sincerely
>> --------------- --------------------------------------
>> Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
>> facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
>> Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
>> Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
>> Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
>> JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
>> ------------------------------------------------------
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-L mailing list
>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
>> List Archives:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
--
Sincerely
--------------- --------------------------------------
Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:16:34 +0900
From: Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Coffee and Food
To: Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAMCqdRs=PQCm_EAjXEh_2zGYD=k7HJiF3afSENz1A7WMYUj_VA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-2022-JP
Dear Russell
The effects of coffee and green tea are different by a person. The
both contain caffeine: green tea 26?30mg/150ml, drip coffee
60?180mg/150ml
Because caffeine exhaust water in our body, we need to drink more
water in high mountains. If we drink enough water, there is no
problem.
In my case 2 cup of coffee in the morning is necessary. It is
mysterious, but caffeine of the green tea is too strong for me. So, I
am avoiding it. I seldom drink coffee in the evening. It may disturb
sleep.
The caffeine addictive is easy to cure. There is no long term side effect.
2012/1/8 Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com>:
> Yoshiro and Lisa,
>
> Speaking of coffee, can I ask an uncomfortable question? I know all too
> well that coffee is a diuretic and causes me to visit the porcelain god
> more frequently than otherwise. Those visits are also
> less....clean....let's say! Coffee also causes bad breath and occasional
> stomach cramps in my experience. I love coffee but I am considering
> switching to green and black tea instead because of the ease of preparation
> and because it doesn't have these other side effects. I recently cut out
> coffee for about 3 weeks completely, just to convince myself that I am not
> an addict, and I felt good! I can't give it up forever but when it gets to
> be a 2-cup a day habit or more, it's time to cut back. Thoughts on Tea vs.
> Coffee on the trail??
>
> Lisa, Regarding food on the trail, you can check out my own strategy here:
> http://russmease.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-on-food-dehydration-and-on-trail.html.
> I am really getting into preparing really hearty dehydrated meals at home
> before the hike and then shipping them in vacuum sealed bags. I am
> planning on eating well on the trail...
>
> Russ
>
>
>
> From: Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Marmots at the trail junction
> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <D292C14C-4A07-4605-B3F0-21BD184ACE9E at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Yoshiro, did you say coffee? You might not have trouble with marmots, but
> you'd better watch out for your pack around me! If we see each other on the
> trail this season, I'll make you a cup of Turkish coffee. (No, I'm not
> Turkish.)
>
> I'm curious about everyone's diet on the trail. I try to resist living on
> candy and empty starches, but it's hard when you resupply at convenience
> stores. I tend to want dried veggies, jerky, cheese, etc, but end up with
> the dreaded pasta sides, potatoes and ramen.
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
--
Sincerely
--------------- --------------------------------------
Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:42:56 -0800
From: Scott <public at postholer.com>
Subject: [pct-l] maps and books
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <4F08E690.8010806 at postholer.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
The latest postholer data book matches the latest postholer maps
perfectly. That would probably be the first option as the data book is
free and I'm sure that Yogi and I both call Bubb's Creek, Bubb's Creek. ;)
Download in PDF format:
http://postholer.com/PCTDatabook
Assuming Yogi's book probably uses the same place names as the postholer
data book, so you could easily match them up that way, but I understand
the added complexity.
What would be really cool is some coordination in the future between
Yogi's mileages/data book and the postholer maps/data book.
It's great to hear you folks like the postholer maps! Have fun with your
planning and have an excellent adventure.
-postholer
>>>>
I'm hiking the trail in 2012 with my boyfriend, and we just bought our
maps, yea! We got the latest version of postholer's maps, and really like
them, love the elevation charts. We also have Yogi's book from 2011. We
like them both and wanted to use them together, but the miles aren't the
same for specific towns/river crossings etc. Is there a way to use these
books together easily? We're thinking we should check out the postholer
data book, and maybe we could insert posthole miles into yogi's book?
Anyone use either of these and have suggestions/ feedback on mileage
accuracy? I know I've seen yogi and postholer on this list, too so thought
you could provide an expert opinion! Thanks for your help.
--
www.postholer.com
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:25:23 -0500
From: Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Marmots ripped my flesh, er, pack
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <9168BC7B-020D-42A9-A224-51EB734746E8 at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Good links, thanks everyone. I don't think I have time to DIY dehydrate the meals I need, but I will probably invest in bulk dehydrated goodies to split among my drop boxes. Last season I did 2 months of boxes to start the trail, then shopped as I went. Nutrition and budget suffered severely by the end, so I hope to have a few boxes stashed for further north this time.
Japanese mashers? I'd love to try them. I like Idahoan loaded, the others suck. I found couscous or rice left me ravenous at 2 AM. For ramen, Shin Hot Ramen is my preference, but I've never seen it in a trail town. My great improvisation was hot ramen pad Thai: +2 big spoons nut butter and veggies, if possible. Nido is also great add to so many meals, and I look for the fortified version, again, never seen in a trail town. Tomato powder is a great add to many of the pasta sides. I find I crave tomato when I hike, perhaps due to an amino acid that tomato contains that is not well stored by the body.
How will you bake a pizza on the trail? I'm very curious! I've seen flatbread made, and it sure looked tasty.
And what do people keep in their snack pockets? For me, it's usually cracker packets, dried fruit, jerky or nuts, and some candy for the afternoon doldrums. Snack choices are limited by my peanut allergy. Odwalla bars are least likely to have peanuts, so far as I know, so sometimes I eat those.
Peru
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 7, 2012, at 6:55 PM, Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com> wrote:
> Ok, LIsa
>
> I can fight against you with coffee. BTW. veggies, jerky, cheese,
> pasta, are my favorite( American mashed potato tasted badly, so I
> brought Japanese mashed potato and mayonnaise last summer, and made an
> instant salad. ) I used couscous in JMT for three years, because rice
> is prohibited to bring into USA, but I will cook rice this summer, and
> also planning to bake pizza on the trail. A pizza and the coffee on
> the trail may be unrivaled.
>
>
> 2012/1/7 Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>:
>> Yoshiro, did you say coffee? You might not have trouble with marmots, but you'd better watch out for your pack around me! If we see each other on the trail this season, I'll make you a cup of Turkish coffee. (No, I'm not Turkish.)
>>
>> I'm curious about everyone's diet on the trail. I try to resist living on candy and empty starches, but it's hard when you resupply at convenience stores. I tend to want dried veggies, jerky, cheese, etc, but end up with the dreaded pasta sides, potatoes and ramen.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 6, 2012, at 11:26 PM, Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Reinhold
>>>
>>> Just because you know I am a Japanese, does not mean I eat Japanese food.
>>>
>>> I seldom eat "Japanese Noodles" ( and Sushi ). I have eaten Maruchan
>>> noodle at VVR, since I got it from the hiker's barrel, it tasted very
>>> bad. I swore I never ate noodle. I am always carrying orderless dry
>>> Japanese vegetable. They are packed in dry bag. And my backpack is
>>> always protected by "moth balls" ( Thanks jiniagim )
>>>
>>> I am also a severe caffeine addictive as like Shroomer, so I always
>>> carrying bulky
>>> coffee. My ideal life is to drink coffee in a small tent in the
>>> wilderness. I may have no food marmot loves. If marmots love coffee,
>>> I will teach them caffeine is not healthy for their body.
>>>
>>> This summer, I will carry a java drip http://bit.ly/oerBd5 and drink
>>> more strong coffee.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING THAT.
>>>>
>>>> JMT Reinhold
>>>> --------------------------------------
>>>> Yoshi wrote:
>>>>
>>>> 2012/1/6 Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>:
>>>>> I have seen no marmot at the junction. I think the permit is very
>>>>> difficult for man, and more more difficult for marmot. The junction is
>>>>> full of mankind in summer.
>>>> ---------------------------------
>>>> Brick wrote:
>>>> YMMV,
>>>> but I have personally witnessed people finding their packs with holes
>>>> in them at that junction, and seen lots marmots there.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Sincerely
>>> --------------- --------------------------------------
>>> Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
>>> facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
>>> Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
>>> Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
>>> Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
>>> JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
>>> ------------------------------------------------------
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-L mailing list
>>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>>
>>> List Archives:
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-L mailing list
>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
>> List Archives:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>
>
>
> --
> Sincerely
> --------------- --------------------------------------
> Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
> facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
> Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
> Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
> Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
> JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
> ------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Message: 16
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:40:20 -0500
From: Lisa Peru <lisaperu2011 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Coffee and Food
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <3A85FD1C-C922-4728-BB0A-BAF40AA8725B at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I don't seem to experience those negatives, but I've had coffee every day since I was 14, so who knows what I'd be like without it. I sure wouldn't be me. Black tea gives me a yucky upset stomach. I can drink green tea or mat?, but prefer a cuppa jo. I fear lack of coffee more than hunger, so until there's a 12-step program for coffee...
If you can quit, then I say do it. Tea is not only easier to prepare, it's lighter to carry, easier to clean up, and easier on the planet to produce. Better yet, get yourself an extra few miles of trail in the AM instead.
Peru
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 7, 2012, at 2:06 PM, Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com> wrote:
> Yoshiro and Lisa,
>
> Speaking of coffee, can I ask an uncomfortable question? I know all too
> well that coffee is a diuretic and causes me to visit the porcelain god
> more frequently than otherwise. Those visits are also
> less....clean....let's say! Coffee also causes bad breath and occasional
> stomach cramps in my experience. I love coffee but I am considering
> switching to green and black tea instead because of the ease of preparation
> and because it doesn't have these other side effects. I recently cut out
> coffee for about 3 weeks completely, just to convince myself that I am not
> an addict, and I felt good! I can't give it up forever but when it gets to
> be a 2-cup a day habit or more, it's time to cut back. Thoughts on Tea vs.
> Coffee on the trail??
>
> Lisa, Regarding food on the trail, you can check out my own strategy here:
> http://russmease.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-on-food-dehydration-and-on-trail.html.
> I am really getting into preparing really hearty dehydrated meals at home
> before the hike and then shipping them in vacuum sealed bags. I am
> planning on eating well on the trail...
>
> Russ
------------------------------
Message: 17
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 12:50:26 -0800 (PST)
From: Wanda Brimmer <iamwhimpie at yahoo.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Blisters
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<1325883026.32042.YahooMailNeo at web120301.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Hi Folks,? Last September I attempted a through hike of the JMT.? Prior to my hike I had asked for some advice concerning my Morton's Neuroma and as a consequence, I bought some shoes that were a good size larger than I normally wear.? I put about four hundred miles on the shoes prior to the JMT and never had? one twinge of my neuroma.? Worked great.? On day six of my JMT hike (dropping down into Red's Meadow) I began to develope some very serious blisters.? I'm not talking about little blisters, these covered both balls of my feet.? By the time I hobbled into the campground, I was in serious trouble.? I used some cloth and made a bandage and taped my feet the best I could.? There was no way that a traditional bandage was going to cover my wounds.? For the next twelve days, I hobbled down the trail, often crying about my situation.? Eventually the skin no longer could be used as a cover for the blisters and was discarded, which left a oozing
mess.??I used?Preparation H? (hey, I was at least prepared for that problem) as a salve for my sores and would wrap them in tape.? People noticed my gate and would offer me what ever they had....sympathy if nothing else.? Finally on day 16 of my through hike, nearing the top of Mather Pass, I gave up.? I left my two friends with hugs and kisses and it took me another three days to backtrack and cross Bishop Pass.? My husband met me at the trailhead after a heads up from Ranger Rick and I went immediately to the emergency room.? Because of my attempts to avoid pressing down on the blisters on the balls of my feet, I had developed tendonitus and two stress fractures in my left foot.? I made one reckless mistake and paid a terrible consequence.? My mistake was not stopping to fix my foot in my eagerness to reach Red's before the barbecue was over.? How can I toughen up my feet.? I am fifty eight years old and walk a lot.? I wear orthotics
(may have slipped and agrivated my ball) for Plantar Faciitus so can't go barefoot.? Don't forget my Morton's Neuroma....my feet need some serious swelling room in my shoes.? I will do the JMT this summer but don't want to repeat this mistake.? What do you recommend for wrapping to prevent blisters.? is there a special tape?? You thousand milers must have something that works.? Thank you so much for your suggestions.?? Whimpie
------------------------------
Message: 18
Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:17:25 -0900 (AKST)
From: mkwart at gci.net
Subject: [pct-l] MP3 Players on the trail
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<1130696641.374069.1325891845043.JavaMail.mkwart at mail.gci.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no
I am looking for a light weight device device that is an mp3 player, fm
radio and also picks up NOAA weather radio channels. AA battery power
would be a plus. Is there anything out there like this?
--Fireweed
------------------------------
Message: 19
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 19:50:29 -0500
From: Gary Minetti <gary.minetti at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Need Advice: Using a Canister Stove
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <4A8A122A-1757-4B60-BFA6-8F91AB92786A at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I will be in the Class of 2012 heading north following the kick-off and I have not settled the stove issue.
My preferences is to take my MSR Pocket Rocket - reasonably light, easy and it has never failed me. The downside is the canister issue. I looked at the web site identified in Yogi's Handbook and it appears that mailing canisters is possible if properly packaged and labeled. Has anyone tested this and used a canister stove for the duration - or significant portion of the trip and if so, how did you pull off getting replacement canisters?
Much appreciated.
Gman
Higganum, Ct.
------------------------------
Message: 20
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 17:49:57 -0700
From: J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Sierra food and start date
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CANjNR=fkFiLD4hZE7uZVKmKN4XXG1X+u9qwY7byhb_jSh+CNiQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi everyone!
I plan to thru hike this year and I have two questions.
First, it seems from the research I have done so far that not everyone can
fit all of the food they need in the sierra into a bear canister and some
food is put in other containers or stuff sacks for a few days. What do
people normally stick overflow food into? (a normal stuff sack, ursack,
etc.) and where do you put that food while sleeping?
The second question regards start date relative to snow pack. I know that
the weather could change between now and May, but if it is a low snow pack
year and there is an earlier start date, does that mean people CAN start
earlier or that it is recommended to start earlier? I graduate on May 4th
and plan on starting from Campo around May 7th plus or minus one day.
According to my rough itinerary I plan to arrive in Kennedy Meadows on June
15th. If I do leave on this later start date, is scarcity of water the
only major problem I would encounter or are there other problems to
consider? I know that this is a difficult and situational question to
answer but I would appreciate any feedback or personal experiences with a
May start date.
Also, I have Yogi's books and have done a fair amount of research, it just
seems that this year looks to be abnormal already.
Thanks,
Jenna
------------------------------
Message: 21
Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:55:12 -0800
From: Reinhold Metzger <reinholdmetzger at cox.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Marmots at the trail junction
To: pct-l at backcountry.net, Yoshihiro Murakami
<completewalker at gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4F07B410.3010502 at cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Yoshi,
Take Brick's word...there are marmots at the junction...lots of them...and they love hiker food
and, as many careless hikers have found out, do not hesitate to chew a hole in your pack to get
that food.
I have been up there many times and have seen them every time.
Just because you do not see them, does not mean they are not there.
Sometimes they are hiding under rocks just waiting for you to turn your back.
BTW...marmots do not need a permit....visitors need a permit.
Ooohhh, for your information Yoshi,...marmots just LOVE "Japanese Noodles".
I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING THAT.
JMT Reinhold
--------------------------------------
Yoshi wrote:
2012/1/6 Yoshihiro Murakami<completewalker at gmail.com <http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l>>:
>/ I have seen no marmot at the junction. I think the permit is very
/>/ difficult for man, and more more difficult for marmot. The junction is
/>/ full of mankind in summer.
---------------------------------/
Brick wrote:
YMMV,
but I have personally witnessed people finding their packs with holes
in them at that junction, and seen lots marmots there.
------------------------------
Message: 22
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:02:31 -0800 (PST)
From: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra food and start date
To: J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com>, "pct-l at backcountry.net"
<pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<1325988151.93195.YahooMailNeo at web111608.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
The answer to question 1.? Use an OpSak - it lets no food smells out.
________________________________
From: J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2012 4:49 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Sierra food and start date
Hi everyone!
I plan to thru hike this year and I have two questions.
First, it seems from the research I have done so far that not everyone can
fit all of the food they need in the sierra into a bear canister and some
food is put in other containers or stuff sacks for a few days.? What do
people normally stick overflow food into? (a normal stuff sack, ursack,
etc.) and where do you put that food while sleeping?
The second question regards start date relative to snow pack.? I know that
the weather could change between now and May, but if it is a low snow pack
year and there is an earlier start date, does that mean people CAN start
earlier or that it is recommended to start earlier?? I graduate on May 4th
and plan on starting from Campo around May 7th plus or minus one day.
According to my rough itinerary I plan to arrive in Kennedy Meadows on June
15th.? If I do leave on this later start date, is scarcity of water the
only major problem I would encounter or are there other problems to
consider?? I know that this is a difficult and situational question to
answer but I would appreciate any feedback or personal experiences with a
May start date.
Also, I have Yogi's books and have done a fair amount of research, it just
seems that this year looks to be abnormal already.
Thanks,
Jenna
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 23
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:03:06 -0800
From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Gray Wolf in California
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<B5F02B90-4A35-4E81-A562-5DB7FF45B301 at santabarbarahikes.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
On Jan 7, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> I just saw where a gray wolf has traveled from northeastern Oregon to
> northern California near MT Shasta. He is being tracked via a GPS
> collar. Should he wonder on to the PCT, or if any of us are in his
> area, How should we deal with him?
Take pictures!
------------------------------
Message: 24
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 11:15:09 +0900
From: Yoshihiro Murakami <completewalker at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Blisters
To: Wanda Brimmer <iamwhimpie at yahoo.com>
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAMCqdRuvVavkfsJWY=2toPumC4zhFBQz2bWQ6rGgTk6YMunRmA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-2022-JP
ACTIV-FLEX(tm) Bandages may work well.
http://bit.ly/y89b39
Take out water with a needle and stick this.
2012/1/7 Wanda Brimmer <iamwhimpie at yahoo.com>:
> Hi Folks, Last September I attempted a through hike of the JMT. Prior to my hike I had asked for some advice concerning my Morton's Neuroma and as a consequence, I bought some shoes that were a good size larger than I normally wear. I put about four hundred miles on the shoes prior to the JMT and never had one twinge of my neuroma. Worked great. On day six of my JMT hike (dropping down into Red's Meadow) I began to develope some very serious blisters. I'm not talking about little blisters, these covered both balls of my feet. By the time I hobbled into the campground, I was in serious trouble. I used some cloth and made a bandage and taped my feet the best I could. There was no way that a traditional bandage was going to cover my wounds. For the next twelve days, I hobbled down the trail, often crying about my situation. Eventually the skin no longer could be used as a cover for the blisters and was discarded, which left a oozing
> mess. I used Preparation H (hey, I was at least prepared for that problem) as a salve for my sores and would wrap them in tape. People noticed my gate and would offer me what ever they had....sympathy if nothing else. Finally on day 16 of my through hike, nearing the top of Mather Pass, I gave up. I left my two friends with hugs and kisses and it took me another three days to backtrack and cross Bishop Pass. My husband met me at the trailhead after a heads up from Ranger Rick and I went immediately to the emergency room. Because of my attempts to avoid pressing down on the blisters on the balls of my feet, I had developed tendonitus and two stress fractures in my left foot. I made one reckless mistake and paid a terrible consequence. My mistake was not stopping to fix my foot in my eagerness to reach Red's before the barbecue was over. How can I toughen up my feet. I am fifty eight years old and walk a lot. I wear orthotics
> (may have slipped and agrivated my ball) for Plantar Faciitus so can't go barefoot. Don't forget my Morton's Neuroma....my feet need some serious swelling room in my shoes. I will do the JMT this summer but don't want to repeat this mistake. What do you recommend for wrapping to prevent blisters. is there a special tape? You thousand milers must have something that works. Thank you so much for your suggestions. Whimpie
> _______________________________________________
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>
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> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
--
Sincerely
--------------- --------------------------------------
Hiro ( Yoshihiro Murakami ???? )
facebook http://www.facebook.com/completewalker
Blogs http://completewalker.blogspot.com/
Photo http://picasaweb.google.co.jp/CompleteWalker/
Backpacking since about 1980 in Japan
JMT, 2009, 2010, 2011(half).
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Message: 25
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:21:03 -0800
From: Sir Mixalot <atetuna at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Blisters
To: Wanda Brimmer <iamwhimpie at yahoo.com>
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAKhNvBVHktVRyaxyd-OTP4H+RBRHrA452KGO7iDP=D6Eu356FQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Wanda,
You're timing is just about perfect. I find it very difficult to keep my
feet tough. I can walk all summer, but if I take a couple weeks off, my
feet are very soft and thin again. I just got this stuff called Tuf-feet
for Humans that's supposed to help your feet get tougher without drying out
your skin. I just put it on for the first time tonight. I am walking
quite a bit, but not as much as I want to because it'll take a few more
weeks before my skin gets where I need it to if I didn't use Tuf-feet.
Hopefully this stuff helps my feet get tougher more quickly. I'll let you
know if it actually works.
As you found out, betting blisters changes your gait, and can easily cause
an injury on a long hike. I've been there before. I don't want it to
happen again.
Sir Mixalot
On Fri, Jan 6, 2012 at 12:50 PM, Wanda Brimmer <iamwhimpie at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi Folks, Last September I attempted a through hike of the JMT. Prior to
> my hike I had asked for some advice concerning my Morton's Neuroma and as a
> consequence, I bought some shoes that were a good size larger than I
> normally wear. I put about four hundred miles on the shoes prior to the
> JMT and never had one twinge of my neuroma. Worked great. On day six of
> my JMT hike (dropping down into Red's Meadow) I began to develope some very
> serious blisters. I'm not talking about little blisters, these covered
> both balls of my feet. By the time I hobbled into the campground, I was in
> serious trouble. I used some cloth and made a bandage and taped my feet
> the best I could. There was no way that a traditional bandage was going to
> cover my wounds. For the next twelve days, I hobbled down the trail, often
> crying about my situation. Eventually the skin no longer could be used as
> a cover for the blisters and was discarded, which left a oozing
> mess. I used Preparation H (hey, I was at least prepared for that
> problem) as a salve for my sores and would wrap them in tape. People
> noticed my gate and would offer me what ever they had....sympathy if
> nothing else. Finally on day 16 of my through hike, nearing the top of
> Mather Pass, I gave up. I left my two friends with hugs and kisses and it
> took me another three days to backtrack and cross Bishop Pass. My husband
> met me at the trailhead after a heads up from Ranger Rick and I went
> immediately to the emergency room. Because of my attempts to avoid
> pressing down on the blisters on the balls of my feet, I had developed
> tendonitus and two stress fractures in my left foot. I made one reckless
> mistake and paid a terrible consequence. My mistake was not stopping to
> fix my foot in my eagerness to reach Red's before the barbecue was over.
> How can I toughen up my feet. I am fifty eight years old and walk a lot.
> I wear orthotics
> (may have slipped and agrivated my ball) for Plantar Faciitus so can't go
> barefoot. Don't forget my Morton's Neuroma....my feet need some serious
> swelling room in my shoes. I will do the JMT this summer but don't want to
> repeat this mistake. What do you recommend for wrapping to prevent
> blisters. is there a special tape? You thousand milers must have
> something that works. Thank you so much for your suggestions. Whimpie
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 26
Date: Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:23:30 -0700
From: Jeffrey Olson <jolson at olc.edu>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Blisters
To: Pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <4F08FE22.3080804 at olc.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Based on extensive experience with heavy boots, light boots, trail shoes
and trail runners, my advice is "tight socks." Secondly, take foot
breaks, ala Colin Fletcher's recommendation in "The Complete Walker."
This is the core of preventive foot care. Blisters emerge from heat,
moisture and friction. Tight socks get rid of the friction. They can
be thin or thick, one or two pair. The key is that they need to be
"tight" on your foot and when wet, not slop around. Foot breaks take
care of the heat. Changing socks or airing them out can lessen the
moisture. The key is they are TIGHT on your foot...
This summer I had too loose of laces over the ball with socks that were
a tiny bit sloppy when wet on my foot (NB 813) and got a blister, the
first in 10 years of hiking. So I add a another bit of advice - put a
double knot between the laces of the lower foot and upper foot. I need
tight laces on the upper foot and loose laces on the lower foot, but not
too loose. It shouldn't matter if your feet are wet or dry. Tight
socks and properly tightened laces are key it would seem to me, for
well-used feet. This knot should be adjusted as the day goes on as the
feet tend to swell (with pride) as the day gets on.
When I was 25 and hiking long days I'd just walk through it - blisters
or no blisters. I did that this summer, but wish I hadn't had to...
Jeffrey Olson
Martin, SD
On 1/6/2012 1:50 PM, Wanda Brimmer wrote:
> Hi Folks, Last September I attempted a through hike of the JMT. Prior to my hike I had asked for some advice concerning my Morton's Neuroma and as a consequence, I bought some shoes that were a good size larger than I normally wear. I put about four hundred miles on the shoes prior to the JMT and never had one twinge of my neuroma. Worked great. On day six of my JMT hike (dropping down into Red's Meadow) I began to develope some very serious blisters. I'm not talking about little blisters, these covered both balls of my feet. By the time I hobbled into the campground, I was in serious trouble. I used some cloth and made a bandage and taped my feet the best I could. There was no way that a traditional bandage was going to cover my wounds. For the next twelve days, I hobbled down the trail, often crying about my situation. Eventually the skin no longer could be used as a cover for the blisters and was discarded, which left a oozing
> mess. I used Preparation H (hey, I was at least prepared for that problem) as a salve for my sores and would wrap them in tape. People noticed my gate and would offer me what ever they had....sympathy if nothing else. Finally on day 16 of my through hike, nearing the top of Mather Pass, I gave up. I left my two friends with hugs and kisses and it took me another three days to backtrack and cross Bishop Pass. My husband met me at the trailhead after a heads up from Ranger Rick and I went immediately to the emergency room. Because of my attempts to avoid pressing down on the blisters on the balls of my feet, I had developed tendonitus and two stress fractures in my left foot. I made one reckless mistake and paid a terrible consequence. My mistake was not stopping to fix my foot in my eagerness to reach Red's before the barbecue was over. How can I toughen up my feet. I am fifty eight years old and walk a lot. I wear orthotics
> (may have slipped and agrivated my ball) for Plantar Faciitus so can't go barefoot. Don't forget my Morton's Neuroma....my feet need some serious swelling room in my shoes. I will do the JMT this summer but don't want to repeat this mistake. What do you recommend for wrapping to prevent blisters. is there a special tape? You thousand milers must have something that works. Thank you so much for your suggestions. Whimpie
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
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> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
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> Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4729 - Release Date: 01/07/12
>
------------------------------
Message: 27
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 19:41:23 -0800
From: treerings at gmail.com
Subject: [pct-l] safety precautions for campers
To: PCT Listserve <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CAGBqVDh7DEJgNK8K3w9HoQKLS6_gmrOB-s3S1-c9xFi+Wq4O0g at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
My daughters and I were doing Mad Libs recently (remembers those?). I think
not only relate to hiking, but also to what to do if you see Journey on the
trail.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CAMPERS
Attention, all campers! Just a few weeks ago you were a miserable EYEBALL,
living in the YUMMY city with your PRETTY parents. But a few weeks at Camp
OONA LOONA GOOGLE will turn you into a self-reliant, fearless FLUTE. But,
you must learn to exist in the wild.
Rule One: If you catch a TABLE and make a fire to cook it, always remember
to pour WINE on the fire when you're through. Smokey the DOG always says,
"OH MY GOSH!"
Rule Two: Do not go more than ZERO yards away from the trail. If you get
lost, remember that TEETH always grow on the north side of a JUMP ROPE. If
you have a compass, the needle will always point toward DISNEYLAND. If you
run into a bear, do not give it COOKIES. Just be calm and climb a SNAKE. If
you follow these rules, you can live very SLOWLY in the woods.
------------------------------
Message: 28
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 23:05:12 -0500
From: "giniajim" <jplynch at crosslink.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] safety precautions for campers
To: <treerings at gmail.com>, "PCT Listserve" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <1E8F50C22F3F4B8E9A0B56DF7CBF291F at HomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
This is a hoot. Never heard of Mad Libs before, but sounds like a ton of
fun.
----- Original Message -----
From: <treerings at gmail.com>
To: "PCT Listserve" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2012 10:41 PM
Subject: [pct-l] safety precautions for campers
> My daughters and I were doing Mad Libs recently (remembers those?). I
> think
> not only relate to hiking, but also to what to do if you see Journey on
> the
> trail.
>
> SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CAMPERS
>
> Attention, all campers! Just a few weeks ago you were a miserable EYEBALL,
> living in the YUMMY city with your PRETTY parents. But a few weeks at Camp
> OONA LOONA GOOGLE will turn you into a self-reliant, fearless FLUTE. But,
> you must learn to exist in the wild.
>
> Rule One: If you catch a TABLE and make a fire to cook it, always remember
> to pour WINE on the fire when you're through. Smokey the DOG always says,
> "OH MY GOSH!"
>
> Rule Two: Do not go more than ZERO yards away from the trail. If you get
> lost, remember that TEETH always grow on the north side of a JUMP ROPE. If
> you have a compass, the needle will always point toward DISNEYLAND. If you
> run into a bear, do not give it COOKIES. Just be calm and climb a SNAKE.
> If
> you follow these rules, you can live very SLOWLY in the woods.
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 29
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:07:38 -0800
From: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
Subject: [pct-l] 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CACMcHMeEJEGs=4iitSb+P5pQ-WAkSEcmb67PQRcjUQ60hE73jA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
So, I just dumped out my hiking gear box, and went over each piece of
gear that I own and made two piles: stuff that will come with me on my
2012 PCT section hike, and stuff that won't.
I'm planning on hiking about the first 180 miles starting during the
last weekend of April this year.
While going through all my gear, I came up with the following questions:
1. I currently have a Kelty Mount Shasta 20 degree bag. It's a big
tight across the chest, but other than that it's in great condition.
Is this a worthy bag for the first section of the trail in April/May?
Is this overkill? Should I get a lighter 30 degree bag instead? I've
heard some chatter about quilts instead of bags, but I'm a little
skeptical I guess. I'm a big guy - 6'3" - and it's not always easy to
fit inside "one size fits all" gear, so I wonder if a quilt would be
better or worse for me than the bag I already have.
2. My tent is a Eureka Solitaire one-person. It packs very small and
fits easily inside my bag with all my other gear - it doesn't need to
be lashed to the outside. But, it's not a free-standing tent; you
need to use the stakes or it just falls in on itself. I'm guessing
it's not always easy to find stake-able ground in the desert sections.
And it doesn't really have any room for gear inside the tent - a
bummer if it's raining and you want to work on something in your bag,
or just keep it dry. Should I invest in a free-standing tent? Any
recommendations for a suitable tent?
3. Is four liters of water storage enough? I have a Pur "Hiker"
series filter (I believe that brand/model now belongs to "Katadyn" - I
bought my filter probably 10 years ago, and have just recently
replaced the filter element) so I can filter along the way as needed,
but will 4 liters be enough to make it from one reliable source to the
next?
4. Waterproof matches or magnesium fire starter?
5. I'm planning on going without a stove; I've heard people say this
is a very viable option. It certainly saves weight and bulk. Any
comments on going stove-less for the first 180 miles? Any suggestions
as to what foods to bring? I'm thinking a combination of regular
trail mix, Cliff's bars, dried fruit and so on. I'm vegetarian, so
jerky and that sort of thing is out of the running. Anything else I
can/should bring?
6. As for clothing: are the "high-tech" options worth it? Should I
get the super-wicking underwear? The zip-off rip-stop pants? The
high-tech shirts? And, how much clothing should I bring? I'm
thinking two sets of undies, pants, shirts and socks, so that I can
switch off each day and let one set air out and dry while I'm wearing
the other. Is this overkill?
7. Do I need a bear can at this stage of the trail, or will just
hanging a food bag do it?
8. I'm planning on bringing my cell phone and my eReader and was
wondering if anyone had any experience with using a solar charger -
you know the kind that you tie onto the back of your pack while you're
walking to charge up your gear. Any thoughts?
9. Any reason that a simple single-blade folding knife would not be
enough? I have a Leatherman tool, but I'm having a hard time thinking
of a time on the trail when I might need a metal file or a Phillips
screwdriver.
10. Currently, my bag and all my gear, not including clothes, water or
food, is 21 pounds. That sounds pretty good to me, but I was
wondering what feedback people might have about that weight.
Thanks in advance for any advice you all can give!
--
Tim Gustafson
tjg at tgustafson.com
http://tgustafson.com/
------------------------------
Message: 30
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:49:17 -0800
From: Sir Mixalot <atetuna at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra food and start date
To: J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAKhNvBXs32uVp38SJ_O7i_FquJm-Za+fFVMnxcixTgBEJnwgjg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
You might be able to start earlier, but it doesn't mean you should. A low
snow year means that you can walk faster and further, and that the creeks
aren't as dangerous. Your drinking water concern is really going to be in
southern California, and it's way too early to know what the water
situation there is going to be like. Unfortunately you can't do much about
that, but you can do a lot. You can hit the trail in great shape, with
tough feet and carrying a light load so that you can hike fast and far,
which will make water less of a concern.
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 4:49 PM, J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi everyone!
>
> I plan to thru hike this year and I have two questions.
>
> First, it seems from the research I have done so far that not everyone can
> fit all of the food they need in the sierra into a bear canister and some
> food is put in other containers or stuff sacks for a few days. What do
> people normally stick overflow food into? (a normal stuff sack, ursack,
> etc.) and where do you put that food while sleeping?
>
> The second question regards start date relative to snow pack. I know that
> the weather could change between now and May, but if it is a low snow pack
> year and there is an earlier start date, does that mean people CAN start
> earlier or that it is recommended to start earlier? I graduate on May 4th
> and plan on starting from Campo around May 7th plus or minus one day.
> According to my rough itinerary I plan to arrive in Kennedy Meadows on June
> 15th. If I do leave on this later start date, is scarcity of water the
> only major problem I would encounter or are there other problems to
> consider? I know that this is a difficult and situational question to
> answer but I would appreciate any feedback or personal experiences with a
> May start date.
>
> Also, I have Yogi's books and have done a fair amount of research, it just
> seems that this year looks to be abnormal already.
>
> Thanks,
> Jenna
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
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> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
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> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 31
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 20:51:16 -0800
From: Sir Mixalot <atetuna at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra food and start date
To: J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAKhNvBX6+NASBbac2Dh+=UpvWdKF9m8sXsAiW5TUmPsALo_iJA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I forgot to add that being able to hike fast and far means that you won't
need to carry as much food. So low snow means it'll be easier to fit
everything into one bear canister.
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 8:49 PM, Sir Mixalot <atetuna at gmail.com> wrote:
> You might be able to start earlier, but it doesn't mean you should. A low
> snow year means that you can walk faster and further, and that the creeks
> aren't as dangerous. Your drinking water concern is really going to be in
> southern California, and it's way too early to know what the water
> situation there is going to be like. Unfortunately you can't do much about
> that, but you can do a lot. You can hit the trail in great shape, with
> tough feet and carrying a light load so that you can hike fast and far,
> which will make water less of a concern.
>
>
> On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 4:49 PM, J Whippen <jenna.whippen at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi everyone!
>>
>> I plan to thru hike this year and I have two questions.
>>
>> First, it seems from the research I have done so far that not everyone can
>> fit all of the food they need in the sierra into a bear canister and some
>> food is put in other containers or stuff sacks for a few days. What do
>> people normally stick overflow food into? (a normal stuff sack, ursack,
>> etc.) and where do you put that food while sleeping?
>>
>> The second question regards start date relative to snow pack. I know that
>> the weather could change between now and May, but if it is a low snow pack
>> year and there is an earlier start date, does that mean people CAN start
>> earlier or that it is recommended to start earlier? I graduate on May 4th
>> and plan on starting from Campo around May 7th plus or minus one day.
>> According to my rough itinerary I plan to arrive in Kennedy Meadows on
>> June
>> 15th. If I do leave on this later start date, is scarcity of water the
>> only major problem I would encounter or are there other problems to
>> consider? I know that this is a difficult and situational question to
>> answer but I would appreciate any feedback or personal experiences with a
>> May start date.
>>
>> Also, I have Yogi's books and have done a fair amount of research, it just
>> seems that this year looks to be abnormal already.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jenna
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-L mailing list
>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
>> List Archives:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
>>
>
>
------------------------------
Message: 32
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 21:54:54 -0800
From: Sir Mixalot <atetuna at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions
To: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAKhNvBWxcxVe+EuS-vmEX2gKz=r0cp2avW3wMJDFr+Rdr4fayg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
1. If your bag is light, then I'd carry it. On warm nights you can use it
like a quilt. A true backpacking quilt would probably save you a pound or
two, and pack much smaller. Tim Marshall of EnLIGHTened Equipment makes
custom quilts that are very well priced, and right now he's selling the
Revelation X that's priced even better...but probably won't last long.
2. You don't need a free standing tent. Stopping early and bringing extra
cord will allow you to figure out other ways to "stake" your tent.
3. Water depends on you. Only you can figure that out by doing training
hikes. I've used as much as 8 liters in a day, and as little as 4, but I
don't think I've carried more than 5 liters this year.
4. Is that in addition to a mini bic? Mini bic should be your number 1
choice. It's small, light, reliable and very easy to use.
5. Food again depends on you. Whatever you decide needs to be based on
what allows you to consume an adequate amount of food. It's not easy to
consume 4500-6000 calories a day, but you need to. Ideally you'd figure
this out on your training hikes. Focusing on foods high in fat will help
you carry more calories with less weight and bulk, and nuts and olive oil
is a good way to do this.
6. I have zip off pants, but I only took off the bottoms once. That was at
Cottonwood Creek. It took so long that I never did it again. I just walk
on through. I don't care if my pants get wet and muddy. It's better than
wasting time changing clothes next to a creek when I could have done
another mile or two instead.
7. I believe you don't need a bear canister until you get to the Sierra
National Forest, but you'd do well to pick up your bear canister are
Kennedy Meadow or make a side trip shortly after (into Lone Pine?).
8. Solar chargers are a waste. Several reasons why. If you can find a usb
charger cord that works for both your cell phone and ebook reader, then use
that and charge in town. If you use those items sparingly, battery life
shouldn't be a problem.
9. I used to carry a small Leatherman, but never used it. Now I carry a
razor blade, but I don't use that either. I need some kind of blade, so a
razor blade is about as small as I can go. I store mine in the battery
compartment of my cell phone, which also ensures that my cell phone doesn't
accidentally turn on.
10. Once you're down to gear that you need and is not redundant, less
weight is better. If you want to share a gear list, then put up a Google
Spreadsheet. It'll really help if you have the weight of each item. That
said, it's probably too late to replace a bunch of gear, so you should
focus on learning how to use gear for more than one purpose and then
eliminate the redundant items.
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 8:07 PM, Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com> wrote:
> So, I just dumped out my hiking gear box, and went over each piece of
> gear that I own and made two piles: stuff that will come with me on my
> 2012 PCT section hike, and stuff that won't.
>
> I'm planning on hiking about the first 180 miles starting during the
> last weekend of April this year.
>
> While going through all my gear, I came up with the following questions:
>
> 1. I currently have a Kelty Mount Shasta 20 degree bag. It's a big
> tight across the chest, but other than that it's in great condition.
> Is this a worthy bag for the first section of the trail in April/May?
> Is this overkill? Should I get a lighter 30 degree bag instead? I've
> heard some chatter about quilts instead of bags, but I'm a little
> skeptical I guess. I'm a big guy - 6'3" - and it's not always easy to
> fit inside "one size fits all" gear, so I wonder if a quilt would be
> better or worse for me than the bag I already have.
>
> 2. My tent is a Eureka Solitaire one-person. It packs very small and
> fits easily inside my bag with all my other gear - it doesn't need to
> be lashed to the outside. But, it's not a free-standing tent; you
> need to use the stakes or it just falls in on itself. I'm guessing
> it's not always easy to find stake-able ground in the desert sections.
> And it doesn't really have any room for gear inside the tent - a
> bummer if it's raining and you want to work on something in your bag,
> or just keep it dry. Should I invest in a free-standing tent? Any
> recommendations for a suitable tent?
>
> 3. Is four liters of water storage enough? I have a Pur "Hiker"
> series filter (I believe that brand/model now belongs to "Katadyn" - I
> bought my filter probably 10 years ago, and have just recently
> replaced the filter element) so I can filter along the way as needed,
> but will 4 liters be enough to make it from one reliable source to the
> next?
>
> 4. Waterproof matches or magnesium fire starter?
>
> 5. I'm planning on going without a stove; I've heard people say this
> is a very viable option. It certainly saves weight and bulk. Any
> comments on going stove-less for the first 180 miles? Any suggestions
> as to what foods to bring? I'm thinking a combination of regular
> trail mix, Cliff's bars, dried fruit and so on. I'm vegetarian, so
> jerky and that sort of thing is out of the running. Anything else I
> can/should bring?
>
> 6. As for clothing: are the "high-tech" options worth it? Should I
> get the super-wicking underwear? The zip-off rip-stop pants? The
> high-tech shirts? And, how much clothing should I bring? I'm
> thinking two sets of undies, pants, shirts and socks, so that I can
> switch off each day and let one set air out and dry while I'm wearing
> the other. Is this overkill?
>
> 7. Do I need a bear can at this stage of the trail, or will just
> hanging a food bag do it?
>
> 8. I'm planning on bringing my cell phone and my eReader and was
> wondering if anyone had any experience with using a solar charger -
> you know the kind that you tie onto the back of your pack while you're
> walking to charge up your gear. Any thoughts?
>
> 9. Any reason that a simple single-blade folding knife would not be
> enough? I have a Leatherman tool, but I'm having a hard time thinking
> of a time on the trail when I might need a metal file or a Phillips
> screwdriver.
>
> 10. Currently, my bag and all my gear, not including clothes, water or
> food, is 21 pounds. That sounds pretty good to me, but I was
> wondering what feedback people might have about that weight.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice you all can give!
>
> --
>
> Tim Gustafson
> tjg at tgustafson.com
> http://tgustafson.com/
> _______________________________________________
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>
------------------------------
Message: 33
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 05:30:35 -0800
From: John Abela <abela at johnabela.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions
To: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAJZPo3UsYiXojYB_aO8Z=WjdaiF8qusEhcDFayjCbtoN3J3TJg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hello Tim,
An entire book could be (and have been) written on answer these ten
questions. I suspect the vast majority of the folks here on the pct-l
will have the same basic answers with slight varying degrees for
personal preferences. Here are mine.
#1: A 20(f) bag should be sufficient for the first 180 miles of the
PCT. In fact most hikers use a 20(f) bag for the entire hike. My only
concern with the Kelty Mount Shasta is its packability. If I remember
right that sleeping bag does not compress down very well and could end
up taking a rather large percentage of your backpack. The smaller you
can get your gear the smaller the backpack you have to carry and thus
a lighter backpack to help bring down the total pack weight. Three
popular sleeping bags for the PCT are: Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag,
Western Mountaineering UltraLite (or the WM Alpinlite, which is
wider), and the MontBell U.L. Super Spiral Hugger #1 (my personal
favorite, but the heaviest of the three). In the end though, a
sleeping bag is usually the most expensive piece of gear in your
backpack so that can play a large in which you end up taking. If you
feel the Kelty is compressing down enough to not consume more than
1/5th or more of your backpack than give it a go! As for going with a
quilt, I tend to believe that quilts are something that should be left
for the hikers who really have a grasp on their gear and really
understand how to control their core temperatures. They present more
fiddle-factors throughout the night (especially if it gets cold). I
have used both for a lot of miles over the last three hiking seasons
and ended up selling all of my quilts. To me sleep is one of the most
vital aspects of being on the trail and if I am up all night fiddling
around with my quilt to try to stop cold spots, that is doing me a
disservice more than what the weight differences provides. Just
something to consider. The bigger a person you are the more cold spots
become an issue for quilts. Given the fact that you are doing 180
miles it probably would not be worth the financial investment to buy
any new sleeping bag or quilt - again, so long as the Kelty compresses
down enough to get the rest of your gear and food into your backpack
(you did not indicate what your backpack is so we have no idea on that
matter) Here is data gathered on the 2010 PCT hiking season to give
you an insight into temperature ranges throughout the entire trail:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/2010-December/042944.html
is can be useful as a baseline to understand what type of gear a pct
thru-hiker needs.
#2: The Eureka Solitaire should be good enough if all you are doing is
the first 180 miles. In the end lugging around a 2.5 pound tent for
180 miles is nothing like lugging around a 2.5 pound shelter for 2600
miles. Save yourself some money and call it good enough. If you do
want to buy a new shelter and have a bit more room and save yourself a
few ounces of weight the "Six Moon Designs Skyscape - Trekker" is a
pretty nice little shelter at around $200 bucks and 24 ounces (1.5
pounds). I did a video review (a rather cheesy one at that) awhile
back which you can see at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHpoJFADkfc
If you really want to push the limits you can see an article I
published recently that goes into detail on the lightest of the
lightest of what is out there right now. It is at
http://hikelighter.com/2011/12/29/sulxul-enclosed-shelter-comparisons/
There is a spreadsheet linked with the article. But again, that Eureka
Solitaire is more then sufficient for 180 mile hike. There is no
reason it should not be able to handle two weeks on the PCT.
#3: Four liters of what is around about what most folks have in
containers. A lot of folks will carry two one liter plastic bottles
and a 2-liter platty bag (carried empty, except when needed). That Pur
filter is pretty much as good as anything out there today.
#4: I would say carry three waterproof matches for an utter emergency
and than a big lighter (or a mini-bic if you can find one). There is
no way you will go through an entire min-bic in 15 or so days on the
trail. The PCT does not require 'survivalist' type gear... leave that
magnesium rod in the drawer at home lol.
#5: Hiking non-cook style is a big change if you have never done it
before. Considering you are only going to be out there for 180 miles,
why not just take along a 2 ounce cook setup and enjoy a cup of tea
and a warm dinner. Enjoy your hike. As for food...
http://outdoorherbivore.com/ offers both non-cook food and vegan food.
If you are already a vegetarian/vegan you should find their meals very
nice. Reasonably priced too. If nothing else, you might get some ideas
from what they offer. Again, enjoy your hike and if that means taking
a long a little stove, go for it. Do not let those of us in the
ultralight world out there talking about hiking non-cook influence you
so much that you cannot enjoy your hike, a warm cup of tea, all over
two or so ounces of additional weight.
#6: Clothing is one of those things that is hard to answer. I will say
that the ExOfficio underwear is worth the money. So are base layers
such as Patagonia Capilene (which others on the pct-l hate) and
Icebreakers (if you can afford them). Mid layers for the first 180
miles can be just about any old standard mid-layer. Outerlayers really
depends on how cold you get, you might be able to get away with a
regular shirt if the weather plays nice this year. As for a hard shell
layer, it is always worth the extra 10 ounces to have a hard shell
layer, regardless of where you are hiking. Very little reason you
would need three pair of socks for the first 180 miles, so two pair
should be good.
#7: You will not need a bear canister nor will you need to hang your
food for the first 180 miles of the PCT. I would advice you put your
food and your perishables (toothpaste, toothbrush, trash, and anything
else with such scent) into a large LOKSAK OPSak. I approach it from a
rather interesting perspective in which each days worth of food is in
a small OPSak and than I carry one large one for everything else.
OPSaks are not legally required, just a smart thing to do.
#8: Without knowing your cell phone type there is not a lot we can say
about how to deal with it. Just remember that the vast majority of the
time your phone is probably going to be turned off so it will not be
sucking battery. If your ereader is the kindle, you should easily be
able to do 15-odd days without recharging it. My kindle keyboard (the
previous black version) lasts three+ months without a recharge. I
could almost hike half the pct without needing to recharge it.
#9: Leave the leatherman at home. Again, not a survivalist trail you
are going on. I (and many many others) have hiked thousands and
thousands of miles with nothing more than a Victorinox Swiss Army
Classic Pocket Knife. It is 21.14 grams (0.745 ounces) and is pretty
much all anybody needs. But, to each their own when it comes to the
issue of knives on the trail.
#10: You should be calculating your clothing in your base pack weight.
So if you are at 21 pounds BPW without clothing that probably puts you
at around 25 pounds true BPW. Personally I think that is a little
heavy. But again giving that you are out there for the first 180 miles
of the trail, it should be more than good enough. Figure around 2.2
pounds of food per day, times four days between towns (average) adds
another 8.8 pounds, plus 2(l) of water (~2.8) so it puts you around
the 38 pounds total pack weight. That's really heavy in my opinion but
you will not be along out there at that weight level I am sure. I
would personally like to see you try to loose around 10 pounds of
total pack weight somehow if you could. While you should not use my
gear lists as any sort of baseline, you are welcome to look them over
at: https://bitly.com/pxBnOo (or there is a link on the right side of
my website at www.hikelighter.com but again, use them for nothing more
than potentially seeing what some of the lightest gear out there is,
not what you should be dropping big bucks on for a 180 mile hike).
Again, would really like to see you find some way to get that total
pack weight down into the 20 pound range. 38-odd pounds is a lot of
weight to be lugging around for 15 or so days.
Anyway Tim looks like you are heading in a right direction. The pct-l
is an awesome resource and lot of folks on here should be willing to
share their thoughts so keep asking any questions you need some
insight into.
John B. Abela
HikeLighter.Com
RedwoodOutdoors.Com
On Sat, Jan 7, 2012 at 8:07 PM, Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com> wrote:
> So, I just dumped out my hiking gear box, and went over each piece of
> gear that I own and made two piles: stuff that will come with me on my
> 2012 PCT section hike, and stuff that won't.
>
> I'm planning on hiking about the first 180 miles starting during the
> last weekend of April this year.
>
> While going through all my gear, I came up with the following questions:
>
> 1. I currently have a Kelty Mount Shasta 20 degree bag. ?It's a big
> tight across the chest, but other than that it's in great condition.
> Is this a worthy bag for the first section of the trail in April/May?
> Is this overkill? ?Should I get a lighter 30 degree bag instead? ?I've
> heard some chatter about quilts instead of bags, but I'm a little
> skeptical I guess. ?I'm a big guy - 6'3" - and it's not always easy to
> fit inside "one size fits all" gear, so I wonder if a quilt would be
> better or worse for me than the bag I already have.
>
> 2. My tent is a Eureka Solitaire one-person. ?It packs very small and
> fits easily inside my bag with all my other gear - it doesn't need to
> be lashed to the outside. ?But, it's not a free-standing tent; you
> need to use the stakes or it just falls in on itself. ?I'm guessing
> it's not always easy to find stake-able ground in the desert sections.
> ?And it doesn't really have any room for gear inside the tent - a
> bummer if it's raining and you want to work on something in your bag,
> or just keep it dry. ?Should I invest in a free-standing tent? ?Any
> recommendations for a suitable tent?
>
> 3. Is four liters of water storage enough? ?I have a Pur "Hiker"
> series filter (I believe that brand/model now belongs to "Katadyn" - I
> bought my filter probably 10 years ago, and have just recently
> replaced the filter element) so I can filter along the way as needed,
> but will 4 liters be enough to make it from one reliable source to the
> next?
>
> 4. Waterproof matches or magnesium fire starter?
>
> 5. I'm planning on going without a stove; I've heard people say this
> is a very viable option. ?It certainly saves weight and bulk. ?Any
> comments on going stove-less for the first 180 miles? ?Any suggestions
> as to what foods to bring? ?I'm thinking a combination of regular
> trail mix, Cliff's bars, dried fruit and so on. ?I'm vegetarian, so
> jerky and that sort of thing is out of the running. ?Anything else I
> can/should bring?
>
> 6. As for clothing: are the "high-tech" options worth it? ?Should I
> get the super-wicking underwear? ?The zip-off rip-stop pants? ?The
> high-tech shirts? ?And, how much clothing should I bring? ?I'm
> thinking two sets of undies, pants, shirts and socks, so that I can
> switch off each day and let one set air out and dry while I'm wearing
> the other. ?Is this overkill?
>
> 7. Do I need a bear can at this stage of the trail, or will just
> hanging a food bag do it?
>
> 8. I'm planning on bringing my cell phone and my eReader and was
> wondering if anyone had any experience with using a solar charger -
> you know the kind that you tie onto the back of your pack while you're
> walking to charge up your gear. ?Any thoughts?
>
> 9. Any reason that a simple single-blade folding knife would not be
> enough? ?I have a Leatherman tool, but I'm having a hard time thinking
> of a time on the trail when I might need a metal file or a Phillips
> screwdriver.
>
> 10. Currently, my bag and all my gear, not including clothes, water or
> food, is 21 pounds. ?That sounds pretty good to me, but I was
> wondering what feedback people might have about that weight.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice you all can give!
>
> --
>
> Tim Gustafson
> tjg at tgustafson.com
> http://tgustafson.com/
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is is prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 34
Date: Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:10:03 -0700
From: Scott Bryce <sbryce at scottbryce.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] 2012 Hike Planning Session: 10 Questions
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <4F09BFDB.9080603 at scottbryce.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
On 1/7/2012 9:07 PM, Tim Gustafson wrote:
> 3. Is four liters of water storage enough?
Water is a very personal matter. Some of us sweat more than others. I
had a 7 liter capacity, and it worked well for me. I drank 6 liters
between the border and Lake Marena. I drank 10 liters between Scissors
Crossing and Barrel Spring. I would guess, based on comments people have
made on this list, that most people carried a lot less water than I did.
I sipped water continually, and could hardly get enough.
> I have a Pur "Hiker" series filter (I believe that brand/model now
> belongs to "Katadyn" - I bought my filter probably 10 years ago, and
> have just recently replaced the filter element) so I can filter along
> the way as needed,
The Pur/Katadyn is a little heavy, but if you are only doing 180 miles,
it may not be worth the cost to replace it. Some of the water in the
first 180 miles it pretty nasty. You will be glad you brought a filter.
> but will 4 liters be enough to make it from one reliable source to
> the next?
In my case, no. MOST of the time, 4 liters will be plenty. There may be
a couple of times when you will wish you had more. It all depends on how
much you sweat, and how hot it gets.
------------------------------
Message: 35
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 11:52:53 -0500
From: <gschenk1 at roadrunner.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra Snow Report..Good News & Bad News
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <20120108165254.TZW0M.118588.root at hrndva-web08-z01>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
---- treerings at gmail.com wrote:
> Where did all the ladies go? Ah, Reinhold Metzger is in back in town... :0)
Please don't feed the trolls.
Thank you.
Gary
------------------------------
Message: 36
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 12:03:15 -0500
From: <gschenk1 at roadrunner.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] maps and books
To: pct-l at backcountry.net, Alicia Reenders <a.reenders at gmail.com>
Message-ID: <20120108170315.NNORX.118625.root at hrndva-web08-z01>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
---- Alicia Reenders <a.reenders at gmail.com> wrote:
> Is there a way to use these
> books together easily?
Yes, with caution!
On a section hike this year, we saw a couple of guys go three miles out of their way chasing some phantom spring off trail. My gf and I continued
one-quarter mile further to a nice flowing creek crossing the trail, as noted in the guide book.
At the Deep Creek bridge we had a nice lunch at a picnic shelter mentioned in the guidebook, which other people missed.
I like the guidebooks, they are pretty accurate and contain useful information not found elsewhere.
But as always, HYOH
Gary
------------------------------
Message: 37
Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2012 18:23:51 -0800
From: Monte Dodge <madmonte53 at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Peanut butter
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAPOXFxt-mpVzfEAE-R1S3h8N1ZtmAj-DbkcrbZ_podMH8wSbYw at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Luv adams,, with tortillas,, and cucumbers in desrest. Perked coffee is
worth its weight in gold on the trail, just sayin
------------------------------
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