[pct-l] Stream crossings

Tue Jan 18 09:12:21 CST 2011

I learned to face upstream, plant my poles, and side step across. Haven't taken a dunk yet ;)

It's wise to compare and evaluate all methods, but instead of focussing on differences, maybe it would be better to look at what all of these techniques have in common. I think everyone agrees you should go slowly to ensure stable footing. Using a hiking pole or stick also seems to be a common recommendation. 

All my respect to Mtn Ned and Steel Eye. Perhaps you're both right. :)

Misspellings and typos brought to you by iPhone.

On Jan 18, 2011, at 7:40 AM, CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net> wrote:

> Good morning, All,
> 
> It’s probably clear that Ned and I disagree on almost everything:  He’s a
> “heavy” and I’m an ultra-lite; he advocates tall, heavy boots while I wear
> sneakers; he uses a stove inside a tent but I never do, etc.  That’s why I
> use the term “bookends” to describe our philosophies.
> 
> The technique of using poles when fording a stream is another example:  He
> advocates placing the pole downstream while I recommend placing it upstream.
> A more complete description can be found at
> http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=265511 plus there is supporting
> information at  http://www.equipped.org/fm3-0570.htm in Chapter-17, Items 9
> thru 11.
> 
> 
> 
> Years ago when I first viewed the fording scene in Squatch’s great video my
> first reaction was, “This guy’s doing it bass-ackwards.”
> 
> 
> 
> Differences in opinion are common in every direction.  Each hiker should
> gather information to make intelligent, well-reasoned decisions for
> him/herself.
> 
> 
> 
> Steel-Eye
> 
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
> 
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
> 
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 8:21 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:
> 
>> Hi, Bruce!
>> 
>> This subject comes up every year and we are happy to talk about why we do
>> what we do.
>> 
>> As you may know, we teach Wilderness Skills, mostly Snow Safety Skills, so
>> that hikers need not be afraid of it. We also teach summer skills like
>> crossing swollen creeks. Squatch has even captured us doing just this on DVD
>> ('06?) in a creek just north of Kennedy Meadows!
>> 
>> Facing the opposite bank allows us to minimize the amount of our body that
>> is pummeled by the torrent, to seek foot placements we can see and feel in a
>> natural manner moving forward, to easily select a route across, and to use a
>> long branch or walking stick as a "third foot" immediately downstream for
>> balance. I believe we have some of our own video shot last Spring of us
>> doing just this along the PCT north of Mt. Whitney. We're still trying to
>> get all of this footage onto our new and future website for the school...
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> "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: Bruce 'Buck' Nelson
>> To: ned at mountaineducation.org
>> Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 5:13 AM
>> Subject: Re: Stream crossings
>> 
>> 
>> Hi Ned,
>> 
>> Very good.  The "topic within the topic" I'm interested in is why you
>> folks face the opposite bank when crossing solo, rather than facing upstream
>> which is what's usually taught.
>> 
>> I've actually got a lot of experience crossing tough spots, on the PCT and
>> in Alaska (I live in Fairbanks) and elsewhere. I face the opposite bank
>> also, and I've got my theory as to why it works best for me. What are your
>> reasons?
>> 
>> No need to cover the whole stream crossing topic if you'd be so kind as to
>> give me your theories on the this one facet.
>> 
>> I hope the course goes well today. There are a lot of close calls on the
>> PCT, I saw some myself last year!
>> 
>> Thanks Ned!
>> 
>> Buck
>> 
>> 
>> On Thu, Jan 6, 2011 at 6:44 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:
>> 
>>   Hi, Buck!
>> 
>>   You can watch the way we teach it on one of Squatch's "Walking" videos
>> from the trail taken in 2006 out of KM, or I can just tell you that we
>> encourage group crossings, but if that is not possible, and you've ruled out
>> all the "better and dryer" ways to cross, use your poles together as a
>> "third leg" downstream and face the way you're going.
>> 
>>   There is so much to tell on this subject and I do not have the time
>> right now, but remind me to get back to you as we are teaching another of
>> our Snow Skills Courses starting tomorrow and have to go pack up!
>> 
>> 
>>   "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: Bruce 'Buck' Nelson
>>     To: Info at mountaineducation.org
>>     Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2011 5:04 PM
>>     Subject: Stream crossings
>> 
>> 
>>     Hi,
>> 
>>     I've asked many people about their stream crossing techniques, and
>> have read quite a bit of advice from experts. People tend to agree on most
>> of the basics, like finding the easiest crossing point, considering the
>> consequences if you fall, etc.
>> 
>>     I'm curious what you advise as to which direction a solo hiker should
>> face in relation to the current, all things being equal. Or, which is
>> better, facing upstream or toward the opposite bank.
>> 
>>     I've actually got a lot of experience,  but I do some things
>> differently than others and I'm trying to figure out if I should change my
>> ways!
>> 
>>     Thanks!
>> 
>>     Bruce aka Buck, Trail name: Colter
>> 
>>     --
>>     www.bucktrack.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> www.bucktrack.com
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