[pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 34, Issue 37

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Hey, Monte!

Great to hear again from "Nanuuk of the North!" We never forget, do we, and 
each new trip touches that same spot...



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: "Monte Dodge" <montedodge at msn.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 3:19 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 34, Issue 37


>
> 33 years from my finish!!  ( Well Oct. 11th was anyway )   7 Years to 
> retirement and hopefully a 40 year " Yo-Yo ",,,
>
>> From: pct-l-request at backcountry.net
>> Subject: Pct-L Digest, Vol 34, Issue 37
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:10:51 -0500
>>
>> Send Pct-L mailing list submissions to
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>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. August PCT section journal (Dana Law)
>> 2. Re: farewell.... (Ron Dye)
>> 3. THANKS ALL (Brenda Murray)
>> 4. Re: foot ware and Spring run-off (ned at mountaineducation.org)
>> 5. June 1st 2011 start date (Dale P)
>> 6. foot ware and Spring run-off (Wes Rose)
>> 7. Re: June 1st 2011 start date (Austin Williams)
>> 8. from San Diego's U/T newspaper (jape1 at cox.net)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:03:46 -0700
>> From: Dana Law <mindreader at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] August PCT section journal
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <AANLkTi=VEKrcxqP9+0MHFQyf7H+C-67nosp-WdHvgqX2 at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> I updated my blog <http://pctdanalaw.blogspot.com> for this years 
>> section,
>> my 25th, Belden to Castle Crags. A hard, amazing and bittersweet trip.
>> Check out the video.
>> See you on the trail.
>> Dana Law
>> San Diego
>>
>> -- 
>> "Age is a high price to pay for maturity."
>> Tom Stoppard
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:06:49 -0500
>> From: "Ron Dye" <chiefcowboy at verizon.net>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] farewell....
>> To: "'giniajim'" <jplynch at crosslink.net>, "'Nitnoid1'"
>> <nitnoid1 at yahoo.com>, <Trekker4 at aol.com>
>> Cc: bobbnweav at gmail.com, pct-l at backcountry.net, lbergeron at pcta.org,
>> info at pcta.org
>> Message-ID: <003601cb6bc2$31be8cb0$953ba610$@net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>>
>> As sad as I am to hear that Brenda is leaving, folks, we need to remember
>> that (1) this is an employer/employee relationship and (2) we don't know,
>> nor have the right to know all the details. For my part, the PCTA HAS 
>> been
>> responsive when I've called them. With that I wish Brenda all the luck in
>> the world and hopefully she'd land an even better job.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net 
>> [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
>> On Behalf Of giniajim
>> Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 9:31 AM
>> To: Nitnoid1; Trekker4 at aol.com
>> Cc: bobbnweav at gmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net; lbergeron at pcta.org;
>> info at pcta.org
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] farewell....
>>
>> What is PCTA? And why should anyone join? (I realize that I could 
>> probably
>> google it, but thought I'd pulse the list). I live on the east coast and
>> belong to various AT organizations. They seem to be pretty responsive at
>> least in my limited experience. What's the deal with the PCTA?
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: Nitnoid1
>> To: Trekker4 at aol.com
>> Cc: bobbnweav at gmail.com ; pct-l at backcountry.net ; lbergeron at pcta.org ;
>> info at pcta.org
>> Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 10:23 AM
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] farewell....
>>
>>
>> Ditto Firefly's and Bob's comments. You would think the PCTA is being run
>> by the US government, making decisions like this. Yes, please explain the
>> reason(s) for this decision, PCTA. Do I expect a response from the PCTA?
>> Absolutely not! Surprise me.
>>
>> The Incredible Bulk
>>
>> On Oct 14, 2010, at 6:18 AM, Trekker4 at aol.com wrote:
>>
>> > I second everything Firefly said about Brenda. Well said, Firefly.
>> >
>> > Perhaps if PCTA could give the list a detailed explanation of what's
>>
>> > behind their decision, I might be more inclined to accept it. Without
>> that
>> > explanation, PCTA, I'll be a lot more reluctant to renew my membership
>> after
>> > I finish the PCT, next summer if the snow melts in WA. I know times are
>>
>> > hard, but you owe the hikers, who know and love Brenda, an explanation.
>>
>> > Besides, who else can truly represent PCTA @ ADZ...?
>> > I've always felt that PCTA was rather aloof from the hikers, without
>>
>> > whom there's no need for the PCTA; this only reinforces that feeling.
>> (As an
>> > example, over the past 4-5 years I've sent 2 emails, with suggestions,
>> to
>> > PCTA, one specifically to Liz Bergeron; neither was ever answered.)
>> >
>> > Bob "Trekker" Brewer
>> > Big Bend Desert Denizen, and...
>> > Naturalized Citizen - Republic of Texas
>> >
>> > "Government cripples you, then hands you a crutch and says, 'See, if it
>>
>> > wasn't for us, you couldn't walk.' " -- Harry Browne
>> >
>> > "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it
>> > costs when its free." -- P J O'Rourke
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > In a message dated 10/14/2010 12:51:23 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
>> > bobbnweav at gmail.com writes:
>> >
>> > Brenda...
>> > WHAT!!!!! Brenda, I'm so sorry! Whatever are they thinking of? The
>> P.R.
>> > you have brought to your 'clients' can never be replaced.... You have
>> to
>> > be
>> > the epitome of a true Office Manager, there for everyone, not just
>> office
>> > staff. The tremendous job you do at Kick Off and wherever else you're
>> > needed is so reflected in the love any hiker/trail angel etc. who has
>> come
>> > into contact with you feels for you. The person/machine that
>> signs/stamps
>> > permits (and manages your office, how does an organization of any size
>> get
>> > along w/o one?) from now on will never bring to that job what you've
>> added
>> > to the organization as a whole. I listen to hikers a lot...I have
>> ample
>> > time and opportunity to do so, and when the PCTA is mentioned, you're
>> the
>> > person those folks name as, in most cases, the only one in that office
>> > they've ever talked to. That you take the time to answer/get the
>> answers
>> > to
>> > the questions they have. That others may have hiked the trail/parts of
>> the
>> > trail too, but that you* really know*!. Whomever made the decision to
>> > eliminate your position (and you) must not have a clue how many folks
>> may
>> > well reconsider the gift they were about to make and just pay their
>> dues
>> > instead. What a shame! What a loss!
>> > Love you dearly....,
>> > FireFly (aka Georgi Heitman, for those who don't know me as well as you
>> do)
>> > P.S. I understand a bit about the world of 'modern business', but you
>> in
>> > your position have done so much to 'market and sell' your agency...I
>> think
>> > the powers-that-be need to do some re-thinking about the elimination of
>> a
>> > position (to say nothing of the person in that position) that has
>> created
>> > so
>> > much good well (and possibly the $$ that follow) for so many years.
>> The
>> > funds you and your position have raised over the years just by doing
>> what
>> > you've done may not be huge flash-in-the-pan kind of grants that make
>> for
>> > good headlines in the Communicator, the one of a kind stuff?...but in
>> the
>> > long haul add up in loyal membership and gift-giving that continues
>> over
>> > years to come. Great Office Managers make for smooth-running offices,
>> for
>> > that matter. Good luck without one...or maybe O.M is part of the job
>> > description for the new fund raiser?
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Pct-L mailing list
>> > Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> > To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>> >
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>> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
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>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:48:02 -0700
>> From: Brenda Murray <murbre at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] THANKS ALL
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <AANLkTinWZy56KdQUa3X93FUDmr9XQLQi7E3kgHuydjg7 at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> I would like to thank all of you for your kind words of support. I would
>> also like to say my love for the PCT will never diminish, nor my respect 
>> for
>> the work PCTA does for the trail. The trail is looking better each year 
>> due
>> to the efforts of all who volunteer as well as PCTA's field staff. I am
>> saddened only by the loss of the personal touch and the corporate path 
>> the
>> organization seems to be taking. Keep in mind it is the trail we all love
>> that is or should be our focus.
>> I look forward to seeing all of you at KO in my new role!
>> Sqwiggle....hey does this mean I have to find a new trail name??
>> -- 
>> My love and God's Light be with you in all that you are and in all that 
>> you
>> do
>> Brenda
>> "The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating
>> every fiber and cell of our bodies, making them glide and sing." - John 
>> Muir
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:17:19 -0700
>> From: <ned at mountaineducation.org>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware and Spring run-off
>> To: "CHUCK CHELIN" <steeleye at wildblue.net>
>> Cc: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>,
>> pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <9024A7FDB23542D89174644FBE4682E1 at PacificCrestPC>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>>
>> Steel-Eye,
>>
>> I really don't know how it worked, but that it did. We even have some 
>> pictures of Captain Growler shin-deep in the creek above Big Pete where 
>> he simply just splashed through it rather than do the rock-hop, but I 
>> don't think they're posted in the Mountain Education Facebook Album; I'll 
>> have to go through the 1200 stills to find it. We've probably got it on 
>> video as well, but we're still wading through those 20 hours of HD 
>> tape...
>>
>> In a deep crossing like the South Fork of the Kings, where the water was 
>> thigh-deep and rushing by, there was no hope for dry boots, just be 
>> careful about your footing, stay balanced, and pick your way across. We 
>> did find that, since the big crossing are down below snowline, the wet 
>> boots combined with new, dry socks, dried out before reaching snowline 
>> again. Again, I don't understand either the engineering of the boots nor 
>> the physics of how they dry out so well, but they did and for each of the 
>> three of us with the same non-custom boots from Limmer. So, with the 
>> exception of the deep crossings, we always had warm and dry feet through 
>> the snow and trail splashing from Olancha Peak to Evolution Valley.
>>
>> Got to add that this Spring's run-off and thaw was late and sudden. As 
>> you can all see from the posted stills, we still had zero-degree nights 
>> and snow storms until the base of Forester on May 24th where after we 
>> exited over Kearsarge on May 26th for a funeral. Compare the shots of the 
>> Bullfrog Lake area then to when we returned June 15th, almost three weeks 
>> and three-feet-melted-off later, and you'll realize that water was 
>> running everywhere. You couldn't go anywhere in the canyons without 
>> hearing the roar of water falling off rocks and down creeks around you! 
>> The trail was often a creek, itself, and where it wasn't it was a major 
>> mud trough. After awhile, you just got tired of it and chose to hop the 
>> rocks along the sides, instead....
>>
>>
>>
>> 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: CHUCK CHELIN
>> To: ned at mountaineducation.org
>> Cc: Jim & Jane Moody ; Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes ; 
>> pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 8:44 PM
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware
>>
>>
>> Good evening, Ned,
>>
>>
>>
>> Footwear that always remains dry under all conditions -- whether from 
>> slop and wading or from perspiration ? for weeks at a time is truly 
>> remarkable. Further ? and even more remarkable ? is a pair of gaiters 
>> that keep shin-deep water out of one?s boots.
>>
>>
>>
>> I am monumentally embarrassed that I?m so far behind that technology 
>> curve.
>>
>>
>>
>> Steel-Eye
>>
>> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT ? 1965
>>
>> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
>>
>> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 11:58 AM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hey, Mango!
>>
>> Let me add that our boots used between KM and the MTR in the months of 
>> May
>> and June when there was six diminishing to two feet of snow nearly
>> everywhere above 9,000 feet did exceptionally well, not only for 
>> certainty
>> of footing but in staying dry and keeping our feet dry, especially when
>> there was water running everywhere!
>>
>> Of course, through the shallow creek crossings (water up to mid-shin), we
>> wore our heavy weight tall gaitors, which kept the water out, but on the
>> sections of trail which were, literally, mini-creeks, where each footfall
>> was a huge splash onto the other foot, we didn't and still the boots kept
>> our feet dry.
>>
>> Because the boots were maintained as needed on-trail with a waterproof
>> manufacturer-supplied treatment, they never got wet enough to freeze at
>> night, even when at the base of Forester when we had a zero-degree night
>> where every water container froze solid.
>>
>> Good comment about loosening laces of wet shoes on nights where you
>> anticipate a freeze! Trying to get your feet into a stiff boot in the
>> morning is sometimes challenging!
>>
>>
>>
>> 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: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
>> To: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
>> Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:19 AM
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware
>>
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > I disagree with a portion of Diane's post about footwear in the Sierra
>> > (below). Heavier boots were much preferred in the Sierra this past 
>> > year,
>> > which had a much higher than average snowpack. Kicking steps in trail
>> > runners on a steep traverse (e.g., Mather Pass) requires a shoe that is
>> > sturdy with an actual heel and firm sole, which trail runners / 
>> > sneakers
>> > do not have. For those who hike the Sierra when the snow is gone, then 
>> > I
>> > guess sneakers would suffice.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > The "dry out quicker" argument is also specious. This year the Sierra 
>> > had
>> > so many creek crossings that nobody's shoes dried out, boots or 
>> > sneakers.
>> > However, if they freeze overnight, then trail runners are easier to get
>> > on, especially if you forget to loosen the laces on your boots.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Her comments about the sandals in the desert seem like great advice, 
>> > from
>> > personal experience.
>> >
>> >
>> > Mango
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" 
>> > <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
>> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> > Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:08:14 AM
>> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Boots are actually a liability in the Sierras because they don't dry
>> > as quickly on your feet while you walk. Of course, if you're a
>> > traditionalist, you'll reject that assertion on some notion of
>> > needing protection or support or shoes that don't wear out quickly,
>> > or shoes that can handle the supposedly super rugged conditions
>> > (seemed like a regular trail to me). That's fine.
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Pct-L mailing list
>> > Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> > To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
>> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>> >
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>> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
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>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> Pct-L mailing list
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>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:23:10 -0700 (PDT)
>> From: Dale P <pbprider at yahoo.com>
>> Subject: [pct-l] June 1st 2011 start date
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <789838.61761.qm at web112506.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>
>> Hi all,? new to the forum.?Looking for advice on how to hike the trail if 
>> I have a june 1 start date?and plan on taking about 4.5 months.?I don't 
>> know if that is too late to go Northbound.
>> ?
>> Thanks,? Dale
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:15:04 -0700
>> From: "Wes Rose" <wb104475 at sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: [pct-l] foot ware and Spring run-off
>> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Message-ID: <9533DCE88CB641A597F1B5A446F6BE62 at rose>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>> Hi Ned,
>>
>> Thanks for sharing your photos. 
>> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35009&id=157155614308934&ref=mf
>> There are two particular photos that grabbed my attention. A scale-shot, 
>> presumably a before and after picture;
>> with and without backpack. Unweighted is roughly 170lbs and weighted is 
>> 260lbs. Are you packing 90lbs out
>> there normally? I am assuming that the exterior-framed pack is yours, and 
>> it does appear that it is quite heavy.
>> Ourside of food and water, what are you packing in? Thanks in advance for 
>> your reply.
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 7
>> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:47:53 -0700
>> From: Austin Williams <austinwilliams123 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] June 1st 2011 start date
>> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID:
>> <AANLkTikpvdyp6OH4zgKBUCWwb8eS3dA_pY5OoD2L5pn0 at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Yep, that's way too late for a northbound start. But just right for a
>> southbound one. Check out:
>>
>> http://planyourhike.com/planning/southbound.html
>>
>> to learn about the differences between a northbound and southbound hike
>> (it's more than just walking a different direction).
>>
>> :)
>>
>> -- 
>> Austin Williams
>>
>> www.PlanYourHike.com
>> Info on PCT gear, resupply points, maps, movies, etc.
>>
>> "Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway."
>> -John Wayne
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 8
>> Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:10:44 -0400
>> From: <jape1 at cox.net>
>> Subject: [pct-l] from San Diego's U/T newspaper
>> To: Austin Williams <austinwilliams123 at gmail.com>,
>> pct-l at backcountry.net
>> Message-ID: <20101015121044.HY8EY.1299255.imail at fed1rmwml30>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>> This, made me think about future anthropologists who might research the 
>> unexplicable human wandering phenom of the late 20th, early 21'st 
>> centuries.
>>
>> And, for what it's worth, most of us know hikers who've wandered farther 
>> <g>
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/2fd3bys
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>> End of Pct-L Digest, Vol 34, Issue 37
>> *************************************
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