[pct-l] revision no. 75 to hike plan

[Jim Bravo]

Fellow Hikers:

Sorry to disturb your planning, training, and drinking time (you know who you are), but I've made the 75th, AND FINAL, revision to my alternative plan for jumping past the high sierra snowpack, and I knew you'd want to hear it because it's right on, plus I want your valued opinions in case I'm completely wrong. Done in Q and A format for clarity.

Q #1: A jump over the high sierras from KM or Walker Pass should go where to maintain the highest average daily mileage pace?
A: Donner Summit. Best combination of low latitude and low elevation. Bar none. No question. Done deal. Even with the current 115% snow increase it beats the tar out of Oregon. Then go North until you want to do the high sierra. (Maybe jump back from Dunsmuir with that nice train station.) Then resume towards Canada within all due alacrity.

Q #2: I want to finish the whole trail, but I'm a big baby sometimes and don't want to deal with potential late Sept/October snow storms in WA. What do you suggest? -OR- What if I have gone slower than I anticipated and will arrive in Canada around mid-Oct?
A: After you do the high sierra, do a SOBO from Manning Park. (Or flip up there whenever you realize you're running late). Nice option to have in reserve.

Q #3: But I want to finish at Monument 78, even if it's October 15th. I want that famous NOBO/Monument 78 photo. Don't you agree it would be cool?
A: Yes, at least cool. Maybe cold. Likely freezing. If you're on schedule, great. If not, maybe the weather will cooperate, maybe it won't. The risk of not finishing is increased.

Your valued input desired, just be nice.

Stray Wolf
Director
PCT Analysis Center
Somerset, CA