[pct-l] Do hikers just go through the snow on Mt. Jacinto, Big Bear etc.? What are your plans?

[gwschenk at socal.rr.com]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Joel Fisler
> Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 11:21 AM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Do hikers just go through the snow on Mt. Jacinto, Big Bear
> etc.? What are your plans?

> And to be honest: I dont want to walk in the snow, I dont want to camp in
> the snow, I can have snow in my home country (Switzerland) from about
> October to May, I didnt come to Southern California to hike in the snow,

> 
> What are your thoughts? I am not planning to do a Through-Hike so I am kind
> of flexible... Any thoughts? What are the people doing that started two or
> three weeks ago and must now reach or have passed Idyllwild already?

Well, if you don't want to hike in snow you're in trouble. North of Kennedy Meadows you'll be entering a major mountain range and crossing 4000 and 3000 meter passes in spring conditions. You'll be encountering a lot of snow. With the weather we're having this year, the Sierra may not melt out until July.

Hopefully others will chime in with conditions along other parts of the trail. I would imagine the Cascades are loaded with snow right now, also. It's only April.

Maybe you could regroup and explore some desert ranges for now. Or hang out at Redondo Beach? Good luck to you.

Gary