[pct-l] SOBO Questions

[Sevenon7th@yahoo.com]

Hi Pockets...

I may be able to offer some insight.  In 2005, I hiked southbound on the PCT.   It was an incredibly low snow year in Washington State (not sure that the same applies this year... and it is early yet, we could still see significant snowfall before the end of the official "mountain winter" season here)  That being said, I left Canada on June 15.    On a normal snow year, that start date, would likely require snowshoes and gps navigation.

In southern California, many of the water caches were maintained and/or had some remaining water from the Northbound hoards. Some were empty.   So, from my perspective, if one is traveling southbound, treat the water caches like an unexpected gift.  Don't count on them.     Most trail angels were still hosting hikers when I went through (Saufley's and Andersons); although there were some others that were more geared toward the northbound hikers and not available in late fall.

It sounds like Mt. Ned has offered for the ice axe / orienteering training... that seems like a good option.  I used to teach mountaineering, and depending on where you are located, could be coerced into doing a one day training session if that does not work out for you.

Anyhoo.... hope this helps.  Happy Trails!
Splash

________________________________
 
From: T.Rem
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2013 9:04 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] SOBO Questions

Hi all! After completing my 2012 NOBO thru-hike I stayed in Washington, got
a job, and started day-dreaming about the next big walk. Since I'm already
so close to Canada I've been entertaining the notion of trying a PCT SOBO
attempt this summer.  I'm aware that SOBO can be more challenging and I had
a few questions I was hoping some of the good folks on pct-l might be able
to help me with.

I read that mid-June is usually the average start date- depending on the
snow of course- any thoughts?  Unless there are some more big storms on the
way (you never know) it's been a fairly mild Winter in Washington- this
could end up being a good year for a early SOBO start.

The water caches in So-Cal- can  I expect them to still be maintained?  If
so, for how long?

Do trail angels usually still take in SOBO hikers or will they totally be
burned-out from the NOBOs by the time I come along?  Not that I'd blame
them!

Is there anyone out there that lives in Washington and who might be willing
to give a guy some mountaineering and/or orienteering lessons?   I learned
a lot from my NOBO but last year was a cake-walk as far as snow goes.  I
started April 6th so I probably ran into more then the rest of the herd
(especially in Oregon) but I'm not sure if I'm feeling cocky enough to solo
my way through some of these Washington passes without some more experience.

Thanks!
Pockets
pct-footfalls.blogspot.com