[pct-l] sierra conundrum

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Moondog,

At that time of the year you will likely find yourself travelling through significant snow, unless we see a significant melt in the next month or so.  But, fear not!  Travelling through the Sierra in the snow is a magical experience.  Without an ice axe, I would highly recommend having poles to help with the balance you will need crossing the sun cups and the snow traverses.  Another thought would be to be highly aware of the time you choose to attack the passes.  You will likely find that the snow to be consolidated but soft enough in most locations that you will be able to punch through enough to get traction.  The ice axe is an additional safety measure when you know how to use one.

At that time of the year, poles will be an essential piece of gear as the river crossings will be flowing significantly this year.  You can find a couple of good journals from 2006 of folks that crossed the Sierra in early June and you may be able to get a better idea of what you may encounter.

Have fun as it will be absolutely spectacular.  One last suggestion (yes it is only a suggestion); hookup with another thru-hiker that has similar re-supply strategy at KM and go through the Sierra together.  It is an additional level of safety that is well worth it!

Best of luck my friend,

Elevator

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "David Stewart" <davidalexanderstewart at gmail.com> 

> A question: 
> 
> what would you say to someone w/o ice axe (w/o ice axe training) who might 
> hit KM may 20th-25th and move on into the High Country? is that 
> bad/dangerous/stupid? 
> 
> smile. 
> 
> thank you. 
> 
> -moondog 
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