[pct-l] Ice axes and starting early

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Just to recap:

- an ice axe is a tool to help you maintain your balance while walking on 
snow/icy traverses or while ascending steep snow slopes to Passes. It is, 
also, handy as a rudder on those wild and fun descents from the Passes.
- it can be used in ascension as a self-belay anchor, for chopping 
foot-holds in ice when your shoes simply won't get a grip and you can't turn 
around, or for self-arrest after your feet slip and down you go. They make 
good pack props, too, and as a back support to sit against while cowboy 
camping under the stars (think Colin Fletcher).
- it is no good unless you know how to use it and have practiced the body 
mechanics for reflexive self-arrest.
- is no good unless you recognize the need for it and stop and take it off 
the back of your pack before continuing on.
- they are unsafe if not certified. (Yes, potty trowels do break when used 
for self-arrest).
- short ones are lighter, but not as versatile for balanced 
chopping/chipping, not long enough for self-belay in spring snow, and 
usually forgotten altogether on the back of the pack.
- long versions with baskets can double as a walking pole and will always be 
at the ready if you should fall.

Will I need one from the border to Kennedy Meadows? For the most part, no, 
but for those areas where there will be snow and no small amount of it 
(Desert Divide, San Jacinto, Fuller Ridge, San Bernardinos, San Gabriels), 
you may wish you had one with you and knew how to use it. Of course, it 
depends on whether you are post-holing in wet spring snow or fighting to 
hold an edge on icy/crusty snow. The soft stuff does not require an axe, 
unless you fall on a steep traverse, ascent, or descent and need one to help 
you come to a stop. (If it's really soft stuff, your divot or "stizmark" 
will be all you'll need to stop!). During your Planning and Preparation 
stage, it is you who must decide what is your priority, the weight of the 
axe and traction devices or your health and safety should you fall and slide 
into the rocks or trees below. If measured in miles of SoCal March or April 
trail, there will be few times where you will be happy that you had your 
axe, but this is one tool where few other devices will accomplish the same 
job.

I started the Divide and Crest with an axe. When I suddenly realized that I 
needed it (looking at the ice ahead), I was oh so glad I had it, otherwise I 
got used to the weight and used it for other things around camp.

Regarding starting early, we definitely promote the idea for the reasons 
already mentioned by others as well as lowering your required daily mileage, 
going through the desert while it is yet cool, and reaching Manning before 
the early season powder snows start flying (powder is much harder to wallow 
through and walk over than the consolidated stuff you saw through the 
Sierra).



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert E. Riess" <robert.riess at cox.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2010 5:54 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Ice axe


>I was surfing the net to buy an ice axe, and the Univercity of Google 
>routed me to the PCTA website.  I know they monitor PCT-L, and since I do 
>not have their address, I'll forego CC'ing the PCTA.
>
>>From the PCTA website:
>
> Q. As a PCT thru-hiker will I need an ice axe, crampons, climbing rope, 
> skis, or snowshoes?
>
> A. Depends on season and snowpack. Many north-bound hikers carry an ice 
> axe starting at the Mexican border to provide an extra margin of safety on 
> high steep snow slopes in early season - this assumes you are already 
> qualified in the technique of self-arrest. Consider mailing your ice axe 
> home or ahead when you get through the high Sierra.
>
> Starting in 1999, I have hosted over 500 hikers with starting dates 
> between March 17 and May 15.  I have seen only a couple of  ice axes in 
> San Diego.  In 10 ADZPCTKO's I have seen maybe two more.  Am I missing 
> something? Or are they all hiding them in their pockets?  I know hikers 
> cannot fly with one unless it is in checked baggage and 80% of my hikers 
> arrive by air.   Is there much need of an ice axe south of Kenndy Meadows?
>
> Hike on!!  Bob Riess at the trailhead.
>
> Liberals love humanity in the abstract, but hate people, especially those 
> who disagree or refuse to submit.
>
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