[pct-l] Stream crossings

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Jan 18, 2011, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
>
> I've been wondering if anyone carries some of this paracord for  
> snow or
> stream help on thru-hikes.

I can't imagine what paracord would do for you in the snow. And I  
think it's made it into the wisdom nowadays that using rope to cross  
a creek is not safe.

I do pretty much what I think Ned says. I face toward the opposite  
bank and make my way slowly across, using my trekking poles or a  
stick to brace myself with the water. I don't point my sticks down  
stream, though, if that's what he said (for some reason I'm not  
getting all the emails lately). I point at least one of them up  
stream. If the water is cloudy, I use one pole to search for deep  
pockets I could sink into or boulders that could trip me while the  
other is helping hold me steady. If any creek is too dangerous, I  
don't cross it. I chicken out, bail out, hop on the bus and come back  
at a better time of year. Yep, I'm a big creek crossing WEENIE.

Same goes for snow. I'm not embarrassed to chicken out.

People like to ask about the dangerous snakes, lions and bears on the  
trail, but really the most dangerous thing on the trail is water:  
liquid or frozen.