[pct-l] rescues, toilet paper, and questions

[Will Stenzel]

Yet another post on preparedness/rescues from a longtime
PCT-L-er, as well as some discussion questions on the general direction for the
PCT:


I don't have much info., but were there any fatalities on the trail this year?  As far as I know (and I don’t know much, at
least in the way of hard numbers), road walking and heart problems remain the
biggest hazards on the PCT, at least in terms of actually dying out there.  True?  False?  I honestly don't know.


Despite the relative explosion in information available
about the PCT, to me it seems very little has changed regarding storm
preparedness since I set out NoBo in 1998. 
I don’t know that there’s an answer – the PCT features a large number of
fast-moving, often highly-fatigued (and sometimes ill) hikers, who are actively
encouraged by numerous sources (including this one) to leave most
cold-weather/snow/rain gear at home, attempting a trail that wends among the
highest and most exposed ridges in the country. 
What is the reasonable outcome?  I
think it’s an annual series of rescues whenever storms hit WA early - unless some changes were made....


Which leads to a question(s) for the group – does the PCT need changes, and if
so, what?  More education?  Maybe some kind of test prior to getting a
long-distance permit?  Required beacons?  Maybe a few shelters in isolated areas?  Designated campsites/toilets?  Other? 
Or is it fine the way it is?  For
example, last year I spent a month hiking from central Oregon to Donner Summit,
and was amazed by how much more trash and general impact there was compared to
when I first hiked in 1998.  (I was also amazed by the sheer grumpiness of many NoBo-ers, but that's another story.)  What to do?
-Will