[pct-l] the fuss about prepardness

[Bill Batchelor]

Mark,

I concur.  Expecting L-Rods assistance, both ways - out and back - that does
seem to be part of the crux here ...  I am all for calculated risks.
Sometimes they don't work out and when we sign up for the calculation we
should think through the downside options.  Sometimes things turn against us
and we should try to play those scenarios out in our heads - best we can.
Donna and Jeff give so freely, I think it might be easy for hikers to get
blind to what is appropriate.  It can be difficult to determine how much
water is too much when the river seems to flow so freely - especially if
they perceive their backs up against their calculations.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of mark v
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:13 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] the fuss about prepardness


I can't and won't speak for the hikers in question, but since i'm stuck in
Mojave nursing some sort of bizarre venemous bite on my foot,  i will
mention that some of the hikers who have sent their tents and/or raingear
home are the most experienced ones...the ones i know who did it are AT vets.
When there is the opportunity to travel lighter, and when you know you have
bailout points (roads, ranger station bathrooms,
etc.) if conditions turn bad, it can make a lot of sense to pack light.
This is NOT what they'll do in the Sierra or North Cascades.  

It sounds to me like the real error is in calling on someone who is busy
giving of herself to hikers at her home, and hoping/expecting she give
herself more by driving to pick someone up.  I know i wouldn't have the gall
to call up L-Rod to ask that of her.  I don't
know how she manages her time as is!   Still, when i
limped off the hills today, i didn't hesitate to ask the car pulled over if
i could get bailed out.  I hope nobody blames me for asking.  I could have
come prepared with a heavy and thorough first aid kit including novacaine
cream so that i didn't need anybody's help, but when one knows one CAN get
to a road and get out for help, well...that's what happens.
 The key is being prepared for when you can't get
help.   Here's to hoping that my PCT class and me are
ready for that.


      
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