[pct-l] optimal conditions

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Sep 7, 2010, at 12:38 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Again, we teach "snow sense," winter skills and techniques that  
> keep you warm and dry and allow you to safely enjoy the Fourth Season.
...
>
> So, without knowing the credo of the UL, I guess that is what most  
> thru hikers hope for, ideal conditions and timing, and just "deal  
> with it" otherwise.

The typical PCT thru-hiker does not hike during the 4th season.

A lightweight hiker will choose the gear needed for the season they  
are hiking in.

I would hope that even a winter hiker would check the weather report  
before heading out and not go out in a really bad storm.

Curious, what would you think of someone carrying heavy 4th season  
winter gear while hiking in the backcountry to the immediate north of  
Santa Barbara/Ventura/Fillmore in July or August? Better prepared?  
Better able to handle whatever conditions may come his way? A little  
foolish but probably going to be okay?

I'll answer that. It'll likely be 110 degrees during the day. There  
likely will be very long stretches without water. The flies will  
drive you insane. The scrub will be tinder dry and might catch fire  
if you look at it funny. Laden with 65lbs of snow gear, you're going  
to be one unhappy, overheated, dehydrated camper and it's not  
farfetched to say that you might actually die. People do die back there.

I do not force the gear or strategies I would recommend for hiking in  
the Santa Barbara/Ventura/Fillmore area in July or August on PCT  
hikers. It makes no sense. Just as snow tables and snow caves and  
carrying huge dromedaries so you don't have to dangle over an ice  
bridge doesn't make any sense for a PCT hiker coming through  
Desolation Wilderness in July.

Diane