[pct-l] Finding and making shade in the desert

[Diane Soini]

I did not find it pleasant to take a long break with make-shift shade (using my foam pad). It was rarely cool enough, rarely relaxing enough. It is difficult to watch so many people continue on as they pass by, too. I could generate a cooler breeze by walking than I could by sitting still.

What did work was to just keep hiking and IF I wanted to spend a day waiting out the heat, I'd do it someplace where the shade was truly cool, such as under the bridge at Scissors Crossing or I10, or at the day-use area on Whitewater Creek or at the creek/hot spring in Deep Creek, etc.

A little water on the sleeves and in the hat works wonders, too. Or snow in your hat once you get further north. It's actually hotter in Northern California than anywhere else in my opinion.

On Mar 21, 2014, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Message: 16
> Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:17:09 -0400
> From: Chris Martin <hopeforgorilla at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Finding and making shade in the desert
> 
> I recently found a really effective strategy for avoiding sun-sickness and
> heat exhaustion while hiking: a very early start (on trail by 5 AM), and a
> loong siesta in the shade when the sun gets intense. Then, resume walking
> later in the afternoon and keep going until sunset. You also sweat a lot
> less by avoiding mid-day exertion, reducing water and electrolyte
> consumption.
> 
> I am guessing I'll have trouble finding shady spots for a siesta on the PCT
> in SoCal. Is it reasonable to create shade in the desert by pitching a tarp
> high to maximize airflow? Can anyone report the results of having tried
> this?
> 
> Chris