[pct-l] JMT in late August with poncho rainfly

[Hernandez]

I've hiked and camped in the Sierra since I was 3 (in 1978, if you want to
know my age.)  Hiked the JMT Southbound in '06.  Weather at higher
elevations can change quickly, and if you're above tree line when the
weather fouls it's no bueno.  I think, though, that you will be "ok" in a
tarp tent.  My experience of August weather in the Sierra is that you'll get
a rain shower, daily, starting at 3 or 4pm, and lasting for about half an
hour.  I'm serious, it's like clockwork.  If you see a rain cloud heading
your way, and you can see the other end of the cloud, I'd throw a pack cover
on, but not bother with the rain gear; if you keep hiking, you'll be warm
enough and dry soon enough.  Of course, if you can't see the other end of
the storm system, layer up.   You may save some weight by going tarp, but I
highly recommend you bring layers.  I want to reiterate two excellent points
made by previous posters older and wiser than I: 1. practice with your gear
before heading out.  2. Camping location is key.  I like to camp up and away
from rivers and standing bodies of water, but below treeline, and ideally
near a fast running rivulet, the tiny, tiny, seasonal kind ignored on most
maps.  The mosquito count is gonna be related to the amount of snow, and the
rate of snow melt, which lead to standing ponds and quagmires.  '06 was a
bounty year for skeeters.  I forgot to bring a bug head net, and was so
upset that I almost quite before the first pass (Donahue).  However, I
gritted my teeth and stuck with it, bought a head net at Red's Meadow, and
then proceeded to not need it South of Red's Meadow (the landscape is
considerably drier as you head South).   Oh well.  Sorry for the long, long
answer to a simple question.  Have a Happy and Safe Hike!

H.R HuffnPuff


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of RJ Lewis
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 2:15 PM
To: mattjolley at comcast.net; pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] JMT in late August with poncho rainfly

Woke up one morning -- 4th of July in fact, in Tuolomne Meadows, to 6" 
of fresh powder!! Mind you, it didn't last, but whatta wake up call!! 
*LOL* That was back in my 20s-- way back when, when we used to hike in 
Yosemite, and didn't care what trail we were on- we just hiked- spent 
the entire summer in Yosemite Park. Whatta summer!! Ahhhhhhh the 
memories.... :)


SoulSista



mattjolley at comcast.net wrote:
>   I have heard from people who have experienced it  that you can get
snowed in any month of the year in the Sierras. 
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bill Thoms" < wthomsjr at comcast.net > 
> To: < pct-l at backcountry.net > 
> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:05 PM 
> Subject: [pct-l] JMT in late August with poncho rainfly 
>
>
>   
>> To offset the weight of a bear canister and extra food I am thinking of 
>> doing the JMT southbound beginning in late summer without my 4 lb Clip 
>> Flashlight tent.  My backpackers poncho can be rigged with my trekking 
>> poles, two stakes and two guy lines with two more stakes into a long slim

>> rainfly.  I have a headnet and will obtain a piece of plastic for a 
>> groundcloth.  I imagine I'd be all right but not if I encounter frequent 
>> or 
>> heavy rain and wind.  Comments? 
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, I've gone a week with no stove and only cold food/drink.  Will two 
>> plus weeks be different? 
>>
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