[pct-l] Kick-Off/The Herd/& associated angst

[dsaufley]

For the record, we had three nights this year where we reached 50; one night
we spilled over to 51.  We had to turn away five hikers one evening when we
reached our limit, three of whom came back the next day and stayed with us.
This happened the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, exactly four weeks after
the ADZPCTKO; a month is the average time it takes to get from the border to
here (at least when Section D was open!). Word was hikers were trying very
hard to spread themselves out, and when they recognized that they were in
the middle of the large groups, they either sped ahead or slowed down.  

Prior to setting our limits, the peak of the season (driven by
you-know-what-event) was bringing numbers approaching 65+ approaching 70,
even with a two night limit on stays intended to keep people moving through.
What we see now are three distinct waves of hikers:  those who left a week
before the ADZ to avoid the crowd, the people who started on or near ADZ
weekend, and the people who waited about a week after the KO, also wanting
to not travel in a herd. FWIW, there are many hikers who WANT to be in the
crowd and enjoy the party atmosphere it creates. 

For us, the rest of the season just hums along without these big influxes.
We will have 30s and 40s in the weeks before and after the peak. But don't
let any of these numbers scare you . . . we've got lots of space and when
the numbers are 50 or less, most hikers say that they were unaware how many
hikers were around.  Hikers have often said that they did not realize they
were in The Herd while on the trail . . . they didn't see how many others
there were until they all arrived at our place.  Ours is one of the few
places on the trail where almost everyone stays.  

I do think you make an excellent point -- people should start when it suits
them best and when the weather window is optimal. This coming year will be
interesting because of the closure of the majority of Section D (with
potentially a 45 mile road walk around the closure).  

2010 hopefuls should keep their eyes on the Sierra snows to determine when
it will be best to enter the Sierras.  This year people found too much snow,
and tried to bounce around, only to find a lot of snow further north as
well.  Being prepared to travel over snow and for variable spring weather is
a really good idea if you want to do a contiguous northbound thru-hike.

L-Rod
Hiker Heaven, Agua Dulce


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Matthew Edwards
Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2009 5:31 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Kick-Off/The Herd/& associated angst

Hey!
I just wanted to point out a way for 2010 Thru's to avoid "pileups" at
places like the Saufley's
In reality there are almost never more than 50 hikers there at a time. The
timing of the Kick-Off has some concerend that a "pileup" could occur. Hey!
These Folks help us from the goodness of their own hearts!
What some of us did last year 2009 was begin the week early and hitch back
to the ADZPCTKO.(Yes, I conciously chose to begin before the KO.)
 TRUST ME!
 You will not have a problem with the hitch eighther way(Thanks to Evie and
the "Six Pack").
I am not even going to touch on the whole "Herd" controversy. I personally
never saw a problem.
Just want to offfer a suggestion. Essentially leave whenever and if
neccesary hitch back to the KO.
Seriously, whenever you get to KM is gonna be Too early. As PCT thru's we
hike the Sierra Hella early and atop snow. As far as timing your hike; Yea,
check the snowpack, but ultimately this "Sierra Crossing" buisiness Pales in
comparison to the entirety of your thru hike.
Hey, I know some folks that would love to see the likes of Donna Saufley at
the KO again!
We all are adventurers, hikers,Angels,strangers. Let us tighten up as a
community. Let's help our futire friends along the PCT
Anyhow, for Y'all just starting out on thePCT...!
Consider a random date. Personally, I was in the "Hella Early" catagorey.
Don't matter which, I'd  just as soon started June 1... Daylate did and
finished with me on Sept 12th.
You are in this for the "Long Haul" the timing of the start becomes a small
variable in the face of the scope of your thru hike.
Class of 2010... You are my Heroes! 
Go Thru You Fools!
I Love You Alll!
Cheers-Iceaxe PCT'09

Sent from a Peek email device
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