[pct-l] San Jacinto 4/18

[Bill Batchelor]

Len,

I could not agree more.  I was concerned with earlier postings when some
"first hikers made it along Desert Divide..." with some sort of feeling of
Hurray, must be okay sort of feeling.

I have made that hike when snow covered those flanks.  I did it without axe
or crampons as we made a series of stupid decisions that the worse was
behind us.  It was dumb and very dangerous.  I remember looking down those
snow slopes and knowing that a trip and any acceleration . . .   Bad news.
Eventually it just got to the point when we were in over our heads that we
knew it was further to go back than forward.  So, we went forward.   In the
end though, the fact that we had "made it through" was no indication that it
was not very very stupid.

This is not to say that the trail is not fine now.  I have no knowledge of
the condition now.  

PGumby 

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Len Glassner
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 7:00 PM
To: PCT
Subject: [pct-l] San Jacinto 4/18

I suppose the following just confirms what should already be known,
nonetheless...

http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=819

The problems encountered here seem to be off the PCT, on the Wellman Divide
trail, but I'm guessing it is a good index for what the PCT around Marion
Mountain Trail junction is like.  on my 4/11 visit, I was struck by the fact
that it was such an icy, steep skating rink, even at 1:30 in the afternoon.
I was also struck by the fact that there seems to be, in prepping for the
PCT, more of an emphasis on carrying an ax, vs. crampons.  Ax or no ax, I
wouldn't want to take even one step on the area just mentioned w/o reliable
(not like mine) upgraded footwear.

Hoping for a heat wave...
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