[pct-l] Ropes over streams

[ben.shackelford at nomadventures.com]

I second that, Doug knows what he is talking about!
Ben Shackelford

Nomad Ventures
54415 N. Circle Dr.,
Idyllwild Ca 92549

Store(951)659-4853
Cell(714)330-7548


Quoting Douglas Tow <douglastow at gmail.com>:

> Good morning!
>
> Hikers who encounter deep or fast water know that the best place to cross
> isn't necessarily where the trail crosses.  In fact, it is frequently not
> the best place to cross.
>
> Even supposing that a rope might help, and was placed at the "best"
> crossing point within a reasonable distance to the trail, water conditions
> can change so fast and so dramatically that "best" can turn to "deadly" in
> no time.  A fairly inexperienced hiker (and there are lots) might tend to
> believe that if a rope is in place, that it is 1) installed by someone who
> knows what they are doing, 2) positioned in the right place, and 3) safe to
> cross at that point using the rope.
>
> Too many variables, too risky, as previous posts have characterized.
>
> Past wisdom from posts:  Cross in the morning, when flows are low.  Wait
> until you feel safe.  Wait for others who can help you form a safer
> crossing geometry.  Walk up and downstream to look for safer crossings.
> Have your pack ready to shake off.  Know your limits.
>
> Doug
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