[pct-l] Snow in May, and Preparation / weather from the trail / Entitlement??

[Jim "PITA" Payne]

> See a lot of inexperience on the AT in regards to first timer long distance
> hikers and thus that's probably why the success rate is much lower than the
> PCT.  Its admiral to see folks with little experience get out there and put
> their feet on the ground.  And, then with their struggles of snow, down
> pours and cold weather etc. choose to move forward on their journey.
> 
> Lets try to see the greater good in our fellow hikers rather than revel in
> their obvious missteps.  Every hiker is on a different playing field in
> regards to experience and kudos again to those who are attempting to fulfill
> their dreams.
> 
> Sibex

Sorry, but I don't see anyone "reveling" in others misfortune or missteps - just noting that there is an excess amount of unprepared hikers out there this year (something that's very disappointing and disgusting to me, also, since they are setting a 'poor example' that may have a negative effect for future thrus)...
"...admiral to see folks with little experience get out there..." - There are better places and times for those with so little experience...  Start with dayhikes, then weekend backpacks, longer bps, etc. ...  The beginnings of a 5 month, 2600 mile journey is not the place to "learn", IMHO...
What has become of common sense and logic?  What has become of one doing his 'homework' regarding the trail - PRIOR to hiking it?  The "HYOH" mantra does NOT apply in some of these cases - if they are so ill-prepared that outside assistance is expected in non-emergency situations, then they are not really "hiking" the trail...  Personally, I'm getting a little sick of the "HYOH" being used so loosely and far too frequently...  At what point does one cross the 'bad manners' boundary claiming he is hiking his own hike, yet negatively affecting someone else's hike (or life) in the process?

> In a perfect world everyone would be totally informed, prepared and equipped.
> 
> This is not a perfect world. When two people arrive at the ER of the local hospital, the medical staff > doesn't take the time to inquire as to the skill level of the injured, who was "prepared", or not...and > neither should we. An accident always is made up of mistakes, poor considerations, lack of 
> preparedness and some times just blame bad luck. But an injured hiker is still, an injured hiker.
> 
> The moral values and professional ethics taken by the medical profession that all will be treated 
> equally.
> 
> Maybe we should do the same. We are here to assist; if we cannot offer certain treatment to certain > people, that might be listed as services not available.

I didn't see any mention of an "injured hiker" previously, only unprepared ones that were "cold" (and expecting 'help': a long ride to a 'free' refuge) - you're talking apples and oranges, they are not the same thing...  There is a huge difference between someone 'needing' help versus someone 'wanting' help - and someone undertaking a PCT thru-hike should not 'want' nor 'expect' help along the way...  If one is going on a multi-month, 2600 mile journey, they SHOULD be informed, prepared, and equipped in advance - back to that 'common sense and logic'...

Are these early examples in the '08 season of the "entitlement" issue that has been raised in the past?
I will have to read some more journals to try and better understand some individual 'philosophies' out there on the trail...  Or maybe I shouldn't read ANY journals - perhaps I will become even more disappointed and disgusted if I do...
Some of these discussions have me rethinking the idea of putting out trail magic - maybe I will skip it this year (and in the future)...  Maybe I won't even visit the PCT in far NorCal this summer - that will probably depend on where my son is working in the backcountry at the time (and if I decide to spend the $$$ on plane fare, too!!)...  "Wait and see"...

So, go ahead and HYOH - but ONLY if it doesn't negatively affect someone else!!  Be safe out there, too...
Happy trails!!!
PITA