[pct-l] High Sierra Snow: Leaders and followers

[Eric Lee]

Diane wrote:
> I was cheated out of the trail by my fears which were partially
> inflamed by the hyperbole on this forum. So please, be realistic.

Yeah, being realistic is good.  I guess the reason it's so hard to achieve 
is that every hiker on the trail experiences a different reality, since 
conditions are always changing.  Sometimes the passes *are* covered with 
steep icy snow.  Sometimes they're not.  Sometimes the rivers are raging 
torrents; sometimes they're not.  Most often they're not.  But every once in 
awhile things get interesting.

I guess my definition of "reality" is to try to understand the reasonable 
*range* of possible conditions and understand, as much as possible, how to 
approach each set of circumstances in a safe and well-prepared manner. 
Sure, most people won't face super-extreme conditions on the trail.  But 
there are a few who will, and it's worthwhile to know the lessons that the 
hiking/climbing community has learned over the years.  Know what to do with 
an ice axe.  Know how to assess avalanche conditions.  Know why it's a 
really bad idea to tie on to a rope as an safety anchor when crossing a 
swollen river.  And then relax because you probably won't have to use that 
knowledge, and take comfort in the fact that you can *always* turn around if 
the going gets sketchy.  There are very, very few situations in which you 
have no choices.  Choose life!

I guess the trick is to be realistic about best-case *and* worst-case 
scenarios without resorting to hyperbole.  If anyone figures out the magic 
balance, let me know.  :-)

Eric