[pct-l] Where are the hikers? ... They're at Sonora Pass

[Hank Magnuski]

I just returned from three days of trail magic at Sonora Pass (July 1st to July 
4th). In that time I met a total of 59 thru-hikers, and a section southbounder 
told me that in the week previous to July 1st he met about 50-60 hikers in the 
stretch between Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass. That's close to 120 members of the 
Class of 2009 in the area.

It was great to meet so many 1000-milers on the trail. Of special note, Blue 
Bird was hanging in there, even though she still had a cast on her right wing.

Also, senior hikers Ridge-Runner and 2weeks-3days were still going strong.

Here are a few photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Hank.Magnuski/SonoraPassCafeJuly2009?feat=directlink

The main complaint was the army of mosquitoes attacking every hiker in the 
stretch out of Tuolumne Meadows. Don't leave without some form of protection. 
It's really bad.

Other than that, trail conditions were reported to be quite good, and many 
hikers ended up glissading down the snow bowl into Sonora Pass.

If you have a question about a specific hiker, please email me off list.

Hank - The Owl