[pct-l] Ice/Snow

[Katica Dias]

Thanks for all your responses ... particularly those who said not to  
worry too much!  I think stepping over that fear and letting it become  
part of the adventure was what I needed.  It was also good to hear  
that a more flexible approach helps - that helps me to orientate my  
mind to accepting change more readily.  I will check out Ned's  
programs because as much as I would love to put faith in a light snow  
year, snow is such a mystery to me that I think it will be useful to  
poke around in it a bit beforehand.  The support and sense of  
community on this forum suprised me ... hats off to all of you who  
create this.

On 29/10/2010, at 7:03 AM, Katica Dias wrote:

> I am seeking advice on whether snow/ice skills are realistically  
> needed on a PCT thru-hike.  I am comfortable in the outdoors, have  
> done other long walks, but as an Australian, I have walked in snow  
> for a total of 2hrs in my entire life!  I am drawn to the PCT (over  
> the Appalachian) for the longer daily distance and fewer people but  
> I also need to be realistic about whether it is honestly feasible to  
> thru-hike the PCT without experience in snow and ice.  I was, for  
> example, considering delaying my start on the PCT for a few weeks  
> after the traditional start time to try and avoid the snow, but am  
> not sure is sufficient?  If I am being too idealistic, I would  
> rather know that now, so I can go walk the Appalachian successfully,  
> rather than attempt and fail the PCT due to snow conditions.  Any  
> and all advice happily received.