[pct-l] My 02/02/12 early start report..
ken campbell
kc.bike at yahoo.com
Sat Mar 3 10:13:08 CST 2012
I was droped of in Campo on 02/02/12 and hiked to hwy 74 I live in Idyllwild so I already compleated the San Jacintos to Black Mt Rd a few times in training since I live in Idyllwild so only that section is a flip flop. I did Black mt Rd to the 10 fwy compleating section B on 03/02/12
I have been sending water reports to AsAbat along the way so I wont get into that. My trail name is Backwood's there is a story about how I got my trail name also but since this is my first report and I am at mile 209 I have to keep everything short or it will be a book. So I made lake morina on day 1 the people there were great and the small store is open. my next non wilderness stop and re supply is Mt Laguna there were plenty of nice camp spots along the way I got a room at Mt Laguna since Warner springs is closed and it's the only option on this hike. There was 1 restrant good food but not a large portion. The outfitter suprised me the had everything a PCT hiker could ask for jamed into a small cabin. The trail was in great shape on all of section A-B I hate to say it since I live in Idyllwild and love the San J's but some of the trail between the 74 and Black Mt Rd that I did first were in the worst shape of A-B I think becouse it's hard to
get back there maby it will get fixed up by spring. Warner sp PO re supply = open table out back garden hose on no bathroom. plenty of great camping 5 miles on watch out for ticks on the climb after leaving the valley and also for the 5 miles before Barrel sp I must of had 100 tick's on me before Barrel sp those were the only 2 bad tick spots A-B. I have to go so I'm going to end this at Mike the trail angels place I was lucky enough to be at mikes on a Sat and Had chicken dinner and hung out with some great guys Mike's just super people I left ther feeling like I was just hanging out with some old freands at a weekend getaway thanks mike. I'll write some more since I'm the first on trail this year and if you have any ?? I'll try to ancer I'm hoping to keep heading N next week if this snow from the last storm has a chance to melt.
Backwood's
Ken Campbell
From: "pct-l-request at backcountry.net" <pct-l-request at backcountry.net>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 10:00 AM
Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 51, Issue 2
Send Pct-L mailing list submissions to
pct-l at backcountry.net
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
pct-l-request at backcountry.net
You can reach the person managing the list at
pct-l-owner at backcountry.net
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Pct-L digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. What do you wish you had done before your thru? (Chris Martin)
2. Re: Starting dates (Stephen Hofmeyr)
3. Re: Starting dates (Seth Shepard)
4. What do you wish you'd done more of before your thru?
(Chris Martin)
5. Kick off Party (North 350 Blades)
6. Irresponsible March 1st Sierra Entry Prediction (Greg Hummel)
7. Victory Loves Carefulness (ned at mountaineducation.org)
8. Re: service animal (Fred Walters)
9. Re: ADZPCTKO (gschenk1 at roadrunner.com)
10. Re: List of vitamins (Nathan Miller)
11. Re: ADZPCTKO (Tim Gustafson)
12. Re: What do you wish you'd done more of before your thru?
(Eric Lee)
13. Re: The High Desert (T.Rem)
14. Re: ADZPCTKO (Eric Lee)
15. Re: The High Desert (Eric Lee)
16. shoes of distiction (juma)
17. Yogi (Ellen Shopes)
18. Re: Yogi (Jason M.)
19. Re: What do you wish you'd done more of before your thru?
(Hillary Schwirtlich)
20. Re: Yogi (aslive at charter.net)
21. Re: The High Desert (Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes)
22. Re: service animal (ecpg at peoplepc.com)
23. Re: What do you wish you had done before your thru?
(ambery-80243 at mypacks.net)
24. Castella P.O. (JoAnn)
25. ADZPCTKO, re. bus routes (enyapjr at comcast.net)
26. Water caches (Cameron A Hirtle)
27. Electrolytes for the Desert (CHUCK CHELIN)
28. Water caches (enyapjr at comcast.net)
29. Shade (Jason M.)
30. Re: Shade (J J)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:29:34 -0500
From: Chris Martin <rofltosh at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] What do you wish you had done before your thru?
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAANGkKPU2vhL2TaPMOjVkg11gGb8Q-dzW3ZXQ0tY7scb7d0Qxw at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi PCT-L,
I've got a bad case of trail lust. There is nothing I'd rather be doing
right now than living in the backcountry with other hikers, free from
workaday concerns. That said, my finances aren't yet in proper shape for a
thru-hike, and I recently started an interesting job that's treating me
well. So, I'm looking at 2013.
Now that you've completed your thru-hike, what do you wish you had done
more of beforehand, aside from the obvious activities? What can I do now to
get the most out of a long foot journey? I'm already hiking on a regular
basis (a wet but mild winter in upstate NY), and reading as much about the
PCT and lightweight backpacking as possible.
My greatest apprehension is that the PCT is very linear and very
well-documented. There are up-to-date maps, waypoints, water reports, and
trail journals. Most of it is just a few taps away on a smartphone, so
significant decisions can be anticipated well ahead on the trail, or even
before setting foot on the trail.
While on your thru-hike, did you feel that following a predetermined path
removed the sense of adventure? What significant elements of the unknown
remain on the PCT?
When hiking, I like to explore places off the beaten path, e.g. "That gorge
looks interesting, I'll spend the afternoon walking up it". I've found some
of my favorite spots just by following my curiosity.
During your thru-hike, did you have time and energy for such diversions, or
did the desire to complete on time keep you focused on the trail?
Thanks to all for any wisdom and advice.
Chris
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 09:48:58 +0200
From: Stephen Hofmeyr <stevehofmeyr at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Starting dates
To: Cameron A Hirtle <hirtle at uoregon.edu>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CADE0YSiObBqZ=g4DWXG7_uDhUCR9E9QaTCog=wxgAeTifRikww at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hey All
I hope to start around the 5th/6th of April... I'm coming in from South
Africa so my dates probably won't change too much.
I've been listening in for about 6 months and just wanna say a big thank
you to all the discussions. There is so much knowledge floating around and
it's such a big help to first timers!
Happy Trails,
Steve
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 02:15, Cameron A Hirtle <hirtle at uoregon.edu> wrote:
> Hey just had a question on whether people are looking to make a late
> March start to their trek. I am hoping to start from Campo around April
> 3rd if the weather doesn't pick up. Thanks -Cam
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 06:31:08 -0800
From: Seth Shepard <skshepard10 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Starting dates
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAAvpgDr8Z=VTOQcZ6eF7Fx98dPTUyZjAu-GvPbfK_rfuRUmWdA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Cameron,
Hi, this is my first post to the list after a number of months of reading. My
wife and I wanted to introduce ourselves to the community and your post
seemed like a perfect way to do it. First, we wanted to say thank you to
everyone on the list for all of the informative topics discussed here;
following has really helped us in the preparation for our thru hike attempt
this year.
To your question though, we will be making our start from Campo on April
1st this year (pending weather leading up to the hiking season of course). You
or anyone else can feel free to email us off-list if looking for a group to
start with, or you can keep track of our start date on our trail journal at
www.papasierras.blogspot.com. Good luck with your hike!
-Seth
On Wed, Feb 29, 2012 at 4:15 PM, Cameron A Hirtle <hirtle at uoregon.edu>wrote:
> Hey just had a question on whether people are looking to make a late
> March start to their trek. I am hoping to start from Campo around April
> 3rd if the weather doesn't pick up. Thanks -Cam
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 12:44:42 -0500
From: Chris Martin <rofltosh at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] What do you wish you'd done more of before your thru?
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAANGkKP_+cLOaysAkkJDwfFL3B-Ff_boqamoNafe8-u16C1HRA at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi PCT-L,
I've got a bad case of trail lust. There is nothing I'd rather be doing
right now than living in the backcountry with other hikers, free from
workaday concerns. That said, my finances aren't yet in proper shape for a
thru-hike, and I recently started an interesting job that's treating me
well. So, I'm looking at 2013.
Now that you've completed your thru-hike, what do you wish you had done
more of beforehand, aside from the obvious activities? What can I do now to
get the most out of a long foot journey? I'm already hiking on a regular
basis (a wet but mild winter in upstate NY), and reading as much about the
PCT and lightweight backpacking as possible.
My greatest apprehension is that the PCT is very linear and very
well-documented. There are up-to-date maps, waypoints, water reports, and
trail journals. Most of it is just a few taps away on a smartphone, so
significant decisions can be anticipated well ahead on the trail, or even
before setting foot on the trail.
While on your thru-hike, did you feel that following a predetermined path
removed the sense of adventure? What significant elements of the unknown
remain on the PCT?
When hiking, I like to explore places off the beaten path, e.g. "That gorge
looks interesting, I'll spend the afternoon walking up it". I've found some
amazing spots just by following my curiosity.
During your thru-hike, did you have time and energy for such diversions, or
did the desire to complete on time keep you focused on the trail?
Thanks to all for any wisdom and advice.
Chris
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:26:10 -0800
From: North 350 Blades <north350blades at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Kick off Party
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Message-ID:
<CAF9MgbVeL=DXYHVuD2n2oQ0brZ=7Z5BaTOykyFRrnpf29ytnNw at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
North 350 Blades<http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-350-Blades/190260934325517>
The Blades want to announce our PCT MAINTENANCE KICKOFF PARTY.
On April Seventh at Jim and Dona's house on Capitol Hill in Seattle we will
be announcing our workparty plans for this year.
The party starts at 5PM. Hamburgers, both flesh and veggie and salad will
be on the menu.
...
Most likely a beer or two will be around.
Token Civilian and Bigfoot Jim invite you to attend and see what we have
done the past two years and what we have in mind for this year.
Bob (no trail name) Woods the local PCTA representative will be here.
Please RSVP by replying to this email and we will send you directions--
Hope to see you there
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:21:38 -0500 (EST)
From: Greg Hummel <bighummel at aol.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Irresponsible March 1st Sierra Entry Prediction
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <8CEC5F7A900B965-A78-62B at webmail-m151.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Every year, I and several others, vicariously planning a thru-hike and watching the winter snow accumulation in the Sierra, make predictions on when we, appropriately geared and knowledgeable about light snow travel, might entertain the idea of entering it, on the PCT as all of you planning for a hike this year are also probably doing. I've been right a lot and I've been wrong often and I've been criticized for being irresponsible not caveating my prediction heavily enough, but this year . . . this year is a close reflection of the year I really did plan to hike; 1977. So here goes . . .
Considering the massive lack of precipitation in the Sierra, I'd aim for a May 15th entry, with enough gear; ice axe, instep crampons or full aluminum crampons, extra clothing, etc. to handle a late spring snow storm when you're climbing over some of the highest points anywhere on the trail, as we did in 1977.
2012'ers, have fun, make your own decisions, and be flexible.
Greg Hummel
?Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks in the world?
? Forest Gum
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:53:26 -0800
From: <ned at mountaineducation.org>
Subject: [pct-l] Victory Loves Carefulness
To: "PCT MailingList" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Cc: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com
Message-ID: <B8BBE8C4EDE642A99A17A1BC72724CBA at PacificCrestPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Anybody recognize this expression?
Maybe you'll remember the Latin version, "Amat Victoria Curam?"
Seen the movie, "The Mechanic?"
This expression means "Victory loves Carefulness" and was one of the primary lessons learned at this year's Snow Intermediate Course offered in Oregon last week.
It should, also, be your primary intent during your Planning Stage for your safe, fun, and successful PCT thru hike.
***
We are writing up the After-Action Report on the 4-day course taught on the flanks of South Sister between 2/23 and 2/26 right now and you'll be able to see and read about it soon at the school's website below...
"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
P: 888-996-8333
F: 530-541-1456
C: 530-721-1551
http://www.mountaineducation.org
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 20:28:58 +0000
From: Fred Walters <fredwalters2 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] service animal
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAOMa4nBggnDxm1-hd4uUGcDMzWJjkRboLe8qOiJ4C2ks=w-0JQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
"... the animal owner should have to produce some sort of documentation to
the effect. I understand that pet owners complain bitterly about something
like this on the grounds that it would infringe on their rights...to which
I ask, what about the rights of those who have problems with dogs
(psychologically or medically)?"
I would not. As a dog owner myself I think it sounds like an excellent
idea. In the UK we have "service animals" but it is on a far more official
basis. Most responsible owners would never even try to abuse the system.
One aspect of the debate is that those who abuse the system weaken it for
those who have genuine (and often crucial) need.
With this "service animal" thing, what happens about things like hygiene.
Can you just take your dog into a restaurant or food shop and declare its
"my service animal, end of discussion!" or do other tougher regulations
come into play in such circumstances. As far as I am aware, in the UK
there are categories of assistance dogs (e.g. a guide dog for the blind or
maybe a hearing dog) and that to be treated as an assistance dog, the dog
must be trained and certified by one of 6 charities which are members of a
national assistance dog organisation. Nobody else can declare a dog as an
"Assistance Dog". Each of the 6 charities specialises in particular types
of dog and owners carry a card issued by the charity and dogs wear a yellow
"jacket" and pets cannot be registered.
With many regulatory exceptions designed to help those with genuine need,
abuse engenders mistrust and causes irreparable damage to the schemes and
impacts those with real need.
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 3:26 AM, Nathan Miller <erccmacfitheal at yahoo.com>wrote:
> > You can call the police and have them sort it out. Most of them know
> what the rules are. Unfortunately, if you are wrong and make a big deal
> out of limiting access to a dog who is legitimately doing his job you can
> be fined up to $10,000. Those who are using their dogs inappropriately are
> well aware of this and use it to their own advantage.
>
> There should be a provision (and to my knowledge, none such exists) such
> that certain persons (business managers/proprietors come to mind) should
> have the power to ask for proof of an animal being a Service Animal and
> that the animal owner should have to produce some sort of documentation to
> the effect. I understand that pet owners complain bitterly about something
> like this on the grounds that it would infringe on their rights...to which
> I ask, what about the rights of those who have problems with dogs
> (psychologically or medically)?
>
> -Nate the Trail Zombie
> Newberg, OR
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 16:34:37 -0500
From: <gschenk1 at roadrunner.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] ADZPCTKO
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <20120301213437.GK4J3.6918.root at hrndva-web08-z02>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
---- Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com> wrote:
> Hi all
>
> I'm trying to plan my transportation to the trail head and ADZPCTKO.
> ... There's the public transit option...
One possibility is to take the bus to Campo, then road walk 6 miles to Lake Morena. From there, during the kickoff, you can get a ride to the border and slackpack back to Lake Morena.
Gary
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:58:11 -0800 (PST)
From: Nathan Miller <erccmacfitheal at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] List of vitamins
To: Cameron A Hirtle <hirtle at uoregon.edu>, CHUCK CHELIN
<steeleye at wildblue.net>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<1330639091.23406.YahooMailClassic at web120405.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I take the same things I take at home: multivitamin; fish oil; glucosamine; B-Complex; Vitamin-C. I might take an extra glucosamine, though, to help offset some of the pounding on the cartilage in my knees.
-Nate the Trail Zombie
Newberg, OR
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:06:51 -0800
From: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] ADZPCTKO
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CACMcHMdpQ_58WzOBDGc=WDg5EkzFD8n6K2bb+oqQMc+tSgaQrg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> One possibility is to take the bus to Campo, then road walk 6 miles to Lake
> Morena. From there, during the kickoff, you can get a ride to the border and
> slackpack back to Lake Morena.
I really loathe the idea of backtracking. I much prefer to start out
at the Mexican border and than walk up to Lake Morena. :)
--
Tim Gustafson
tjg at tgustafson.com
http://tgustafson.com/
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:12:19 -0800
From: Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] What do you wish you'd done more of before your
thru?
To: "'Chris Martin'" <rofltosh at gmail.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BAY145-ds17B651F9DD9BF01893E9E4BD6C0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Chris wrote:
>
While on your thru-hike, did you feel that following a predetermined path
removed the sense of adventure? What significant elements of the unknown
remain on the PCT?
When hiking, I like to explore places off the beaten path, e.g. "That gorge
looks interesting, I'll spend the afternoon walking up it". I've found some
amazing spots just by following my curiosity.
>
I haven't thru-hiked yet myself but I've been section-hiking for fair number
of years now and I'll offer my perspective.
The PCT is certainly getting pretty dialed-in if you want to take advantage
of all the materials that are out there. If you don't want that kind of
experience, you can either switch to a different trail like the CDT that
isn't quite so meticulously documented or you could hike the PCT and just
not take any documentation with you. Well, I'd encourage you to take some
kind of maps for safety reasons, but you don't have to carry everything
that's available to you. You can choose your own level of adventure.
Also keep in mind that while there is a lot of documentation available for
the PCT, each day on any given stretch of trail is an experience all its
own. One day it's blazing hot, the next day it's trying to snow, the day
after that there's a forest fire nearby, etc., etc. I guarantee you'll have
your own unique adventures no matter how much preparation and study you do
ahead of time. That's just the nature of the trail.
Based on my observation of thru-hikers over the years, I don't think many of
them do a lot of exploring off the beaten path. There are a couple of
popular side-trips like summiting Mt. Whitney but those tend to be the
exception rather than the rule. The time pressure to get to Canada before
the snow flies is just too great. I say this a lot but each person needs to
decide what their hike is really all about. If you want your hike to be
about exploring off the beaten path, there's nothing wrong with that. Go
for it! Wander all you want to. Just be aware that that approach is
somewhat incompatible with finishing a one-season thru-hike. Getting to
Canada is a pretty all-consuming goal and it doesn't leave a lot of room for
other kinds of pursuits (i.e. hiking with small children, hiking with dogs,
foraging for wild food, exploring off the beaten path, earning money in
towns, <insert your favorite diversion here>).
On the other hand, even if you decide that your primary goal is a one-season
thru-hike, you still have to take care of your mental health. It's a good
idea to take "vacations" from hiking every once in a while, whether that be
a lazy afternoon of fishing or a trip to a music festival or just wandering
up an interesting-looking gorge. Just plan on that being an occasional
thing, not an all-the-time thing.
Eric
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:18:21 -0800
From: "T.Rem" <toddremy at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] The High Desert
To: "Jason M." <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAMwrJ8O9hWiNw1hkGUfPGch4V3jJpHiDrFonuSvos-EM=bXTkg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hey Jackass!
Thanks, I really appreciate all the useful wisdom you shared in that post.
Todd
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 12:08 AM, Jason M. <jmmoores1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> *WARNING:* This is more of an "article" than a post and is long winded.
>
> 3rd Annual Desert Thread
>
>
> *I would like to start with the proposition that it's no more dangerous to
> walk in the high desert than anywhere else, and it shouldn't be feared -
> it's just a bit...different.*
>
> Like most important lessons in life, I've learned most of mine the hard
> way. I came dangerously close to dying of dehydration on my second (ever)
> hike, in a side canyon of the Grand. This sobered me up quickly to the fact
> that I wasn't strollin through the woodlands of the Mid-West. Having
> lived/hiked in the southwest for a spell, I thought that I might be able to
> share some of that experience so that others could benefit from my
> mistakes. Two winters ago I wrote an article that I hoped would help those
> without desert experience...begin thinking of ways to acclimate to this new
> environment. I figured that it couldn't hurt to dust this article off,
> polish it up a bit and send it out to the new class of thru's. It is my
> hope that this will begin a thread that will expand on my thoughts and
> provide broad and topical points of advise that will benefit those who find
> themselves walkin in the American Southwest for the first time.
>
>
> When Molasses and I attempted to thru the PCT for the first time, '09, we
> encountered many hikers who were having serious issues with the desert.
> More than a few of these hikers were folk who had thousands of miles logged
> on trails in the east. Strong, confident trekkers that knew what it takes
> to succeed on a thru-hike; but who, perhaps...misread the desert. We
> encountered a few hikers that were dangerously dehydrated and in need of
> help. One of our friends developed blisters on the pads of her feet that
> became infected with a fungus that devoured huge divots in her feet -
> making it look as if someone had went at them with an ice-cream scoop.
> Molasses herself suffered miserably due to: blisters, calorie crashes,
> tendinitis, crypto and more blisters. Dealing with these injuries (and a
> few of my own) kept us in town for extended stays; eating up our budget and
> ultimately contributing to our leaving the trail, broke after 1,200 miles.
>
> '10 and '11 brought mild and moist spring weather. The usual issues
> associated with desert hiking were very noticeably decreased. Hell, the new
> issue was too much water. This year is shaping up to be dry, dry, dry.
> So...if ya make it through the rest of the article and ya feel that I
> missed something, didn't know something or just plain suck-give a shout.
>
> To get'er goin', here's what I do:
>
> Start Early: I'm not a morning person but in the desert I try to be hiking
> by 5:00/5:30. Having 10+ miles done before the heat of the day sets in.
> This leaves the option of "layin' up" in the afternoon if the temps exceed
> 95. With an early start I won't have to push myself through the heat to
> make my miles before dark. This gives me time to take longer brakes to wash
> and air my feet/change socks, hydrate and eat(or take a nap in the shade).
> Also, early morning is the most beautiful time of day in the desert. It
> makes the hot afternoon a bit more tolerable if you go into it in a
> positive mood. The Mountain Chickadee and Morning Dove are singing, the
> breeze cool and the desert colors at their best.
>
> Water Sources: Most of the water sources on the trail are crisp, clear and
> refreshing springs and creeks that you would never hesitate to drink from.
> Unfortunately, a few of the sources that you encounter in So.Cal. are none
> of those things. Fire tanks, horse troff and guzzlers are usually
> questionable sources at best. There are even a few sources with Uranium
> present in very low levels. Guzzlers and tanks often have organic matter
> decomposing in the bottoms of their reservoirs. This can affect the color,
> smell and taste of the water. Sometimes dead critters are floating in these
> sources. Using a bandanna as a filter can often remove the worst of the
> debris and insects before they reach your bottle. Drink mixes can help with
> the taste. Squinting your eyes...helps. Often the worst of these sources
> are also in the worst places, meaning that you have little choice but to
> drink from them. I won't debate the use of filters or chemicals or just
> winging it. Farming, ranching and mining have contaminated many sources in
> the southwest and your risk of exposure is exponentially higher than in the
> mountains where frequent rain dilutes and washes these wastes away. In my
> opinion almost all of the sources in the first 750 miles should be treated.
> There are a few piped springs that I'll drink directly from but I realize
> that I'm taking my chances. You will simply have to get over your
> squeamishness when it comes to these less "pure" sources. As a rule of
> thumb in the desert, when I see insects or tadpoles scootin around in a
> pool of water- I smile. If life is flourishing, it's probably safe to
> drink. It's the pool of water with nothing moving in it that worries me.
> *consider treating water taken from a cache where the bottles are
> refilled/reused.
>
> Water: As a rule of thumb I carry 1 liter per three miles I need to walk to
> the next source, adjusting for time of day and temp. On cooler sections of
> the trail that ratio is often 1 liter per 5 miles. Know your hiking pace-if
> it's 100f, you may need as much as 1 liter per hour if you continue hiking
> through the heat of the day. I plan for longer breaks at water sources to
> "camel up" on an extra liter before pushing on(one less to carry-and at two
> pounds-it matters). Pounding liters of water can throw your electrolyte
> balance way off. The symptoms of this imbalance are often mistaken for
> dehydration which causes the unwitting hiker to consume greater quantities
> of water...worsening the condition. One electrolyte drink a day is usually
> enough to keep me balanced (along with food). emergen-c is a good option to
> replace electrolytes and is tasty when diluted in a liter...instead of a
> warm fizzy six ounce "shot". One of the most accurate gauges of my
> hydration is how often I am urinating. If I've drank four liters of water
> in the past few hours and I don't need to pee, then something is up; not
> enough water or my electrolytes are off. Low volume of urine is also an
> indicator of a problem, as well as a darker color. Electrolyte imbalance
> can be just as debilitating as dehydration, leaving you dull minded and
> lethargic. Usually, a low grade headache is the first sign that I need more
> water,food or e-lytes.
>
> Food:My appetite shrinks in direct proportion to the rising heat of the
> day. Trying to gag down food is a drag. You have to find a few things that
> you can stomach no matter how hot it is. For me it's mixed nuts. No matter
> how hot I get I can always choke down a few handfuls. Your body is burning
> calories like crazy to keep you cool on top of those needed just to hike.
> Eating frequently reduces my mood swings and keeps me from bonking at the
> end of the day. I can't stress enough how big a difference there is between
> eating three meals a day or eating every hour. Replacing calories as fast
> as you burn them maintains your physical and mental equilibrium. The
> traditional meal plan can put ya on a roller-coaster of emotion and energy.
> To me, this is just as important as staying hydrated. Fat calories are the
> bodies best source of energy when hiking but can be hard to choke down in
> the heat. I'll tank up while it's cooler-morning/evening. Next is complex
> carbs- both your brain and muscles require carbs to function efficiently.
> Simple carbs are your enemy during the day unless balanced with complex. A
> sugar crash can ruin your day when it's 105f.. Lastly, protein - many
> hikers assume that you need to be eating protein like crazy because of all
> of the physical demands of hiking all day. I've found this to not be the
> case for me. Brenda Baaten's excellent article on trail nutrition
> recommends a low 10-15% of your diet be protein. Keeping your calories
> up will help keep you cool.
>
> Training: I don't care what shoes you buy or what new cool gear you are
> carrying, if you show up to the border out of shape you will suffer for it.
> I have often read the statements that you can just show up to the border,
> point your feet north and everything will work out. People do it every
> year. I would bet that if you asked these same people at the end of it all
> what they would do differently, they'd say, "train". I know that my gal
> learned that lesson the hard way in '09. Even if you show up to the border
> in great shape you can expect to deal with some blisters, be exhausted at
> the end of the day and suffer the aches and pains of your body adjusting to
> the long miles/days. It took Molasses 600 miles for her body/feet to stop
> hurting her to the point of misery. All of your pre hike planning is great
> but strategies wont get you through the first 100 miles healthy. Why spend
> weeks dealing with pain and discomfort that could be dealt with before the
> border. If you want to enjoy the desert -show up ready to hike. The most
> important thing that you can do to get you through those first miles is
> strengthen your feet. Prep those puppies to deal with the strain of hiking
> all day with a pack and in hot sand (It can be 10+ degrees hotter at ground
> level than what you feel at say five feet above). The more that you train
> your feet, build callus and muscle- the less pain and blisters that you
> will deal with at the start of the hike. Work through these pains before
> you reach the border, not after. The only way to do this it put on your
> pack and walk...as much as you can. There is no way to prepare your body to
> deal with the demand of a thru-hike other than... hiking. The only time
> that I experience blisters is at the beginning of the hiking season, when
> my feet are soft. Sure, the right shoes and socks matter. Washing your feet
> often and changing your socks at breaks (drying them on the outside of your
> pack) is also important to prevent blisters. But, in my experience, if you
> show up to Campo with "city" feet...none of these things will prevent you
> from dealing with foot pain and blisters.
>
> Lastly, Cleanliness- Keep it clean. The longer that you go without bathing
> or doing laundry the more uncomfortable that you'll be. Sweat and salts
> build up on your clothes and socks which will inevitably cause chafe and
> other nasty things. Water is often at a premium so when you reach an
> abundant source take the time to clean up. You would be amazed at how great
> it can feel to just put on a clean pair of socks. Although I tend to travel
> on the ultralight and am often conscious of the grams I carry, I always
> carry Wet Wipes (2-4 per day). I'll wipe down from head to toe at least
> once a day...and it feels...gooood. You wont stay "clean", but it don't
> mean ya gotta be a slob. In the desert-it's the little things that help you
> get through the day.
>
> O.K., I think you'll agree that I've gone on long enough. Please feel free
> to add to or detract from anything I've said.
>
> Jackass
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:24:31 -0800
From: Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] ADZPCTKO
To: "'Tim Gustafson'" <tjg at tgustafson.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BAY145-ds288C1BBD150C4E5B705A9BD6C0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Time wrote:
>
I really loathe the idea of backtracking. I much prefer to start out at the
Mexican border and than walk up to Lake Morena. :)
>
If you do take public transportation to Campo then you're very close to the
border at that point. You'd have to walk out to the actual border and back
but it's not very far.
If you're showing up around ADZPCTKO time then there's usually people who
are volunteering to shuttle people from San Diego straight to the border.
Just keep watching pct-l, or check the ride board on the ADZPCTKO web site
once it gets geared up for 2012.
Eric
------------------------------
Message: 15
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 14:41:51 -0800
From: Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] The High Desert
To: "'Jason M.'" <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <BAY145-ds925BB1E78F732F70AAEE4BD6C0 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Jackass wrote:
>
If you want to enjoy the desert -show up ready to hike. The most important
thing that you can do to get you through those first miles is strengthen
your feet.
>
Excellent post, Jackass!
I'd like to echo the part about showing up ready to hike . "Ready to hike"
is partly about overall fitness level but it's especially about having
recent practice at walking long distances. I've seen a lot of very fit
people who trained by jogging, bicycling, and weight-lifting and still got
their butts kicked the first week on the trail because their feet and joints
weren't prepared for the all-day pounding of hiking with a loaded pack.
Ultimately the best way to train for hiking all day with a loaded pack is .
. . to hike with a loaded pack. Even if you live in a big city and you have
to walk around the block a bunch of times with your pack on, it's worth
doing. Get five or six soda bottles full of water and weight that sucker
down.
Sure, you can just show up at the border and break yourself in on the trail,
and many people do, but it's often not pleasant.
Eric
------------------------------
Message: 16
Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:36:05 -0500
From: juma <juma3 at cox.net>
Subject: [pct-l] shoes of distiction
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <1330644965.2733.17.camel at juma-desktop>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
I can say I've tried 10 different shoes and they all worked fine. I
used some $40 asics on the PCT last year and they were great - no
blisters from the border to I-15. Feet vary though. If you have
Mediterranean foot like me - very high arch, narrow, bony, ugly - you
may have trouble. the shoes I've had for the last year are french made.
France is the home of people with very high arch, narrow, bony feet and
french fries. The shoe they produce is the HOKA stinson. That doggone
shoe is great for me. the soles are more than an inch thick. its like
walking on mattresses. most puddles, you can walk through and never get
wet sock, the soles are so thick. They are not heavy at all. I'm about
6' and the shoes bump me up to 6'2" to better intimidate bears and
coyotes. Yes, they look ridiculous, as does my umbrella hat, but dang,
they are sure are comfortable.
juma
------------------------------
Message: 17
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 08:27:07 -0700
From: Ellen Shopes <igellenig at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Yogi
To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <2E4B1D99-3A03-4703-B131-C68091EEFFCC at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
IMO, the cost of the Yogi books doesn't cover the time to prepare them or publish them or mail them. Anyone who has published something similar would agree with this. Her books are to help hikers, not make millions!
Yogi refers more likely to a bear-like talent in procuring food and other necessities. It's a common hiker term...'I yogi'd a ride into town.'
Elderly Ellen
Sent from my iPad
------------------------------
Message: 18
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 19:27:16 -0600
From: "Jason M." <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Yogi
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CALKWR3ncT7NarSG=XTaigmj61c=aA9xg7rBEVptjkWRYrAv5ng at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
*Yogi refers more likely to a bear-like talent in procuring food and other
necessities. It's a common hiker term...'I yogi'd a ride into town.'*
The King of Dirt Baggin ?Yogi Beer? once told me the secret to yogi
success: 'always smile, always tell'em what yer doin (hikin to Canada),
always offer to pay, be prepared to pay if necessary as you can often
bargain an excellent deal for a few bucks, be persistent' -as in, keep on
trying until ya hit the jackpot, don't discriminate, approach all with an
equal smile! And be sure to speak loud enough that others can here you,
people will volunteer help if given the chance, but a rough looking
character acting ?shady? goes hungry. Good ol' Hikertrash, that Yogi Beer
Jackass
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 9:27 AM, Ellen Shopes <igellenig at gmail.com> wrote:
> IMO, the cost of the Yogi books doesn't cover the time to prepare them or
> publish them or mail them. Anyone who has published something similar
> would agree with this. Her books are to help hikers, not make millions!
> Yogi refers more likely to a bear-like talent in procuring food and other
> necessities. It's a common hiker term...'I yogi'd a ride into town.'
> Elderly Ellen
>
> Sent from my iPad
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 19
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 21:27:26 -0500
From: Hillary Schwirtlich <hillary.schwirtlich at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] What do you wish you'd done more of before your
thru?
To: Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CAKGf7UsA94KmHxxaA1QLf+EK25K9ujmPEGB+Tx2cDOPRxi6TVg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Chris,
There are tooonnnnnsss of things on the PCT that you either never read
about or no matter how much you read about them, you won't be prepared. I
thought my trip last summer was the most adventurous things I've ever done.
Some of that had to do with the ridiculous amount of snow or the detours,
but a lot of that was just because there are a lot of remote, dangerous and
beautiful places on the PCT. As soon as you feel like you've got the trail
down, all of a sudden the PCT throws something at you that makes you think
"That?! We have to do that?!" There are new challenges year to year and
hiker to hiker. You'll never walk the same walk as someone else.
Also, there are plenty of places where the information doesn't cover the
trail completely. I was happy for the information when I had it, and I
don't think it reduced the adventure of the trail, but rather the possible
stress.
And then there are the people. Some great, some crazy, some both. :)
And it's up to you whether you want to go walk up a canyon or not. I can
say that if you walk up every canyon you see, you'll never get to Canada in
one year. Whether or not that's a bad thing or an awesome thing is also up
to you. I definitely had a hard time walking past all the awesome boulders.
But I just decided that another perk of the PCT is that it helps you
discover places that you want to spend more time in later.
I think the only thing I'd suggest about your time before the trail is be
present and enjoy it! I know I got sick of waiting and waiting and waiting
and sometimes couldn't appreciate life because I was so impatient to hike.
:)
Seahorse
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 5:12 PM, Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Chris wrote:
> >
> While on your thru-hike, did you feel that following a predetermined path
> removed the sense of adventure? What significant elements of the unknown
> remain on the PCT?
> When hiking, I like to explore places off the beaten path, e.g. "That gorge
> looks interesting, I'll spend the afternoon walking up it". I've found some
> amazing spots just by following my curiosity.
> >
>
> I haven't thru-hiked yet myself but I've been section-hiking for fair
> number
> of years now and I'll offer my perspective.
>
> The PCT is certainly getting pretty dialed-in if you want to take advantage
> of all the materials that are out there. If you don't want that kind of
> experience, you can either switch to a different trail like the CDT that
> isn't quite so meticulously documented or you could hike the PCT and just
> not take any documentation with you. Well, I'd encourage you to take some
> kind of maps for safety reasons, but you don't have to carry everything
> that's available to you. You can choose your own level of adventure.
>
> Also keep in mind that while there is a lot of documentation available for
> the PCT, each day on any given stretch of trail is an experience all its
> own. One day it's blazing hot, the next day it's trying to snow, the day
> after that there's a forest fire nearby, etc., etc. I guarantee you'll
> have
> your own unique adventures no matter how much preparation and study you do
> ahead of time. That's just the nature of the trail.
>
> Based on my observation of thru-hikers over the years, I don't think many
> of
> them do a lot of exploring off the beaten path. There are a couple of
> popular side-trips like summiting Mt. Whitney but those tend to be the
> exception rather than the rule. The time pressure to get to Canada before
> the snow flies is just too great. I say this a lot but each person needs
> to
> decide what their hike is really all about. If you want your hike to be
> about exploring off the beaten path, there's nothing wrong with that. Go
> for it! Wander all you want to. Just be aware that that approach is
> somewhat incompatible with finishing a one-season thru-hike. Getting to
> Canada is a pretty all-consuming goal and it doesn't leave a lot of room
> for
> other kinds of pursuits (i.e. hiking with small children, hiking with dogs,
> foraging for wild food, exploring off the beaten path, earning money in
> towns, <insert your favorite diversion here>).
>
> On the other hand, even if you decide that your primary goal is a
> one-season
> thru-hike, you still have to take care of your mental health. It's a good
> idea to take "vacations" from hiking every once in a while, whether that be
> a lazy afternoon of fishing or a trip to a music festival or just wandering
> up an interesting-looking gorge. Just plan on that being an occasional
> thing, not an all-the-time thing.
>
> Eric
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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 prohibited without express permission.
>
------------------------------
Message: 20
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 21:55:16 -0500 (EST)
From: aslive at charter.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Yogi
To: "Jason M." <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <4f6ae4fd.38f9a0.135d1553537.Webtop.45 at charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no
Yogi Bear not withstanding, we still need to be self-sufficient. We
don't want to over do it and live down to a bad reputation. Remember
that you are an ambassador of the trail and represent all those who hike
upon it.
On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 5:27 PM, Jason M. wrote:
> *Yogi refers more likely to a bear-like talent in procuring food and
> other
> necessities. It's a common hiker term...'I yogi'd a ride into town.'*
>
> The King of Dirt Baggin ?Yogi Beer? once told me the secret to yogi
> success: 'always smile, always tell'em what yer doin (hikin to
> Canada),
> always offer to pay, be prepared to pay if necessary as you can often
> bargain an excellent deal for a few bucks, be persistent' -as in, keep
> on
> trying until ya hit the jackpot, don't discriminate, approach all with
> an
> equal smile! And be sure to speak loud enough that others can here
> you,
> people will volunteer help if given the chance, but a rough looking
> character acting ?shady? goes hungry. Good ol' Hikertrash, that Yogi
> Beer
>
> Jackass
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 1, 2012 at 9:27 AM, Ellen Shopes <igellenig at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> IMO, the cost of the Yogi books doesn't cover the time to prepare
>> them or
>> publish them or mail them. Anyone who has published something
>> similar
>> would agree with this. Her books are to help hikers, not make
>> millions!
>> Yogi refers more likely to a bear-like talent in procuring food and
>> other
>> necessities. It's a common hiker term...'I yogi'd a ride into town.'
>> Elderly Ellen
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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 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
> prohibited without express permission.
------------------------------
Message: 21
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 19:15:53 -0800
From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] The High Desert
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<F2EC29BC-9005-453D-9B66-C71C87D144B4 at santabarbarahikes.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
This is great stuff.
I'll add a little bit.
On Mar 1, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> Water Sources:
Most of the water is really good. If you can find the pipe feeding
the trough, the water will be fresh. I drink water like that without
treatment all the time and haven't gotten sick. So if you opt to
treat it you'll be more than fine. I met people at mile 500 in 2010
who were proud they had never used any natural water sources. Only
water caches. There's no need to be so paranoid or whatever that is.
>
> Water:
To maximize water I would drink a liter at the source before moving
on. I did not just pee it all out. I really needed it. To help me get
it down I used Crystal Light hydration lemonade mix. I liked the
taste over most other drinks. The point was if it tasted good I could
get that whole liter into my belly. Then I could fill the bottle for
later and hike on with a belly full.
For me, the symptoms of hyponatremia (when you drink too much water
and don't get enough salt) are unquenchable thirst and feeling weak.
If your energy is flagging and you are so thirsty you can't quench
it, put down the power bars STAT and eat some salt. Power bars aren't
going to restore your energy under these conditions. You need salt.
Even if you have to make soup. Don't listen to your doctor who tells
you to take it easy on salt. One guy went to the doctor in 2008 and
the doctor was flabbergasted he was trying to reduce his salt
consumption under these conditions, standing there in the office with
salt stains crusted all over his clothes. There's a reason they drink
margaritas with salt in the desert!
> Training:
Sometimes all the training in the world won't prevent blisters. The
PCT seems to give almost everybody really bad blisters. Bring a
needle and lots of tape that sticks to your skin well. You're
probably going to need it and if not, somebody else will!
>
> Lastly, Cleanliness- Keep it clean.
Please don't do what some hikers did in 2008: they would use the
water in the water tanks to wash up at the end of the day, filling
up a big huge bag and dumping it on themselves. That's just not cool.
The water in the tanks isn't filled up continuously. They fill it
once a year, maybe. Take only enough for food and drink and learn to
wash up by simply wetting a bandana and wiping that on you.
------------------------------
Message: 22
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 20:55:51 -0800
From: <ecpg at peoplepc.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] service animal
To: "Fred Walters" <fredwalters2 at gmail.com>, <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <B592084E8ED64C88B22E3C7D167C51CB at userPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
I agree that the US needs some kind of documentation for service dogs. There
are too many loopholes and the abusers know well what they are.
Carolyn Eddy
"Sweet Goat Mama"
------------------------------
Message: 23
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 20:59:32 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
From: ambery-80243 at mypacks.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] What do you wish you had done before your thru?
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<32485642.1330664372415.JavaMail.root at mswamui-backed.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>While on your thru-hike, did you feel that following a predetermined path
> removed the sense of adventure? What significant elements of the unknown
> remain on the PCT?
I look at it this way. If YOU have never been on that predetermined path before, then it is all an unknown element for you. That alone feeds my own sense of adventure; it's all about my own experience no matter how many people have been there before me or how much is written about it.
------------------------------
Message: 24
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2012 17:42:38 -0800
From: "JoAnn" <jomike at cot.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Castella P.O.
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <9FAC9A2DEFFD4027B87D85365E409AF2 at JoAnnPC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Stopped by the Castella Post Office this afternoon and was advised the possible closure of post offices is on hold till May 15, 2012. He also told me the lease for the building they are in was just renewed...for 5 years. Keep a good thought.
are we there yet
------------------------------
Message: 25
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 08:53:56 +0000 (UTC)
From: enyapjr at comcast.net
Subject: [pct-l] ADZPCTKO, re. bus routes
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<591745994.305220.1330678436843.JavaMail.root at sz0027a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> One possibility is to take the bus to Campo, then road walk 6 miles to Lake Morena.
No need to "roadwalk 6 miles" - two bus routes (888 or 894) have stops at Lake Morena Village...
*Note: Route 888 is Monday & Friday only, 894 is weekdays only (& only the 'afternoon' bus goes to LM)...
See http://www.sdmts.com/mtscr/BusRoutes.aspx for timetables...
Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)
------------------------------
Message: 26
Date: Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:31:05 -0800
From: Cameron A Hirtle <hirtle at uoregon.edu>
Subject: [pct-l] Water caches
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <15a987308c86e054c0b9af77b27f04a6 at uoregon.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
Hey there guys, thanks all for the great help so far. Had a question
regarding water caches for the first few hundred miles, I am assuming
these are going to be in high demand this season. I was curious if
anyone had heard of locations of some, either old or new, and possibly
what mile marker they would be close to so I can make notes where
appropriate on the halfmile maps. I know that he lists some on there,
but the more the merrier yes? Thanks -Cam
------------------------------
Message: 27
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 07:08:57 -0800
From: CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Electrolytes for the Desert
To: PCT listserve <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID:
<CABc=HNnjUWRk1SQ4P_kLv69OqiSNVv2ZNP5z3ceoRzN2L9xkuQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
Good morning, all,
The expanses of S. California desert may seem daunting and potentially
deadly, but a hiker should be OK if they have reasonable sense, if they
stay on or near the trail, and if they have maps and a water report.
Replacement of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, is very
important because they are essential to health and activity, and because
they are lost so regularly and copiously. The photo at
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=258181 well illustrates the salt
loss after a few days of hiking. In the desert, hats, shirts and underwear
become crusty with salt from perspiration. That is a natural thing to
happen, but it indicates that regular replacement is necessary.
Most hikers replace electrolytes by eating salty foods, and/or using drink
additives that contain electrolytes. If I add salt to cooked food, I use
Morton?s Lite Salt
http://www.mortonsalt.com/for-your-home/culinary-salts/food-salts/3/morton-lite-salt-mixture
. It is a mixture of sodium and potassium which I think is better for
electrolyte
replacement than pure table salt, and it all tastes the same to me.
Steel-Eye
-Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT ? 1965
http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/
------------------------------
Message: 28
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 16:34:12 +0000 (UTC)
From: enyapjr at comcast.net
Subject: [pct-l] Water caches
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Cc: hirtle at uoregon.edu
Message-ID:
<766803627.322919.1330706052475.JavaMail.root at sz0027a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Query from Cam:
> I was curious if
anyone had heard of locations of some, either old or new, and possibly
what mile marker
> they would be close to so I can make notes...
The southern CA PCT water "bible" is AsABat's Water Reports, <http://www.4jeffrey.net/pct/>...
Please read the home page carefully and take all comments to heart, especially regarding caches...
The water reports are only as good as the information passed back to AsABat from the trail...
There are two reports, sections A-D and sections E-G (get the very latest E-G info when in Agua Dulce at Hiker Heaven)...
Just in case you miss it on AsABat's home page, do NOT RELY on the water caches!
Carry the minimum amount of water to get you 'safely' from one reliable source to the next...
Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)
------------------------------
Message: 29
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:19:26 -0600
From: "Jason M." <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Shade
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID:
<CALKWR3kQquP50y5XfnozBJjYRzj7XqhW1-Wya6xvSK7Mz+0ohQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Molasses and I are considering umbrellas for this year's hike. What's been
your experience with carrying one - which did you use - would you use one
again?
jackass
------------------------------
Message: 30
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 09:25:00 -0800
From: J J <pct2010 at ridgetrailhiker.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Shade
To: "Jason M." <jmmoores1 at gmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Message-ID: <7E4D7413-6F7F-402D-9064-9BCC259759E8 at ridgetrailhiker.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Greetings,
I have carried the GoLite umbrella on the PCT. It was the best gear decision I've ever made.
Pros:
- portable shade
- very useful on breaks where there are NO trees for miles
- useful under a tarp to block wind/rain
Cons:
- adds weight
- difficult to carry
- interferes with using hiking poles
- wants to fly away in a high wind
Walk well,
J J
On Mar 2, 2012, at 9:19 AM, Jason M. wrote:
> Molasses and I are considering umbrellas for this year's hike. What's been
> your experience with carrying one - which did you use - would you use one
> again?
>
> jackass
> ______________________________________________
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
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 prohibited without express permission.
End of Pct-L Digest, Vol 51, Issue 2
************************************
More information about the Pct-L
mailing list