[pct-l] Northen CA in October

[Jeffrey Olson]

What does that mean in terms of gear, aside from usual cold weather 
supplies (clothes, bag, etc.)? Should I carry an ice axe, mountaineering 
crampons, something else? I'm also a bit concerned about losing the 
trail if there's a significant amount of snow and no other footsteps to 
follow in the snow (happened once on the AT).
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A friend and I were caught in a blizzard in mid-september in the 80s 25 
miles from our car and 18 miles from a roadhead.  We spent four nights 
and three days in his warmlight tent - not recommended for 31 degree 
temps - condensation was out of control.  When the storm finally petered 
out, there was 20" of snow on average on the ground - wet, heavy good 
Sierra snow.  It was so hard to just lie there as it snowed, hour after 
hour.  All the emotional fear demons and wild speculations played their 
way through us and at times I found myself quivering.  I looked at my 
best friend  - my 10 year old dog - as potential food. 

The best defense against this sort of event is good sense.  Just stay in 
the tent til the storm blows over.  Maybe even stay an extra day if it 
warms up quickly.  Wait it out - let it start melting... 

When you're ready to hike, be sure you and your map and compass are 
simpatico.  Experience and good sense are your best friends in the 
situation you describe.  Momentary emotions destroy both...

Jeffrey Olson
Martin, SD