[pct-l] [John Muir Trail] Donahue 07/02/11

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good evening, Hikes & Bikes,

I understand what Ned means – I think – it’s just that I, and others, don’t
believe what he describes is good practice.  In fact, our views are
diametrically opposed relative to stick usage.
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=265511

Perhaps Ned can more fully explain what he means, on a solid technical
basis.  I would be interested.

Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 4:36 PM, Hikes and Bikes <hikingis4me2 at yahoo.com>wrote:

> "Solo crossings should always utilize both poles downstream of your body
> (which is facing the way your are going) for resistance against the
> current's force to push you that way."
>
> Ned I'm having trouble visualizing the above .   If your body is facing
> where you want to go, then how are both poles downstream.  Are they in the
> same hand or behind you?
>
> Thanks.
>
> --- On Tue, 7/5/11, ned at mountaineducation.org <ned at mountaineducation.org>
> wrote:
>
>
> From: ned at mountaineducation.org <ned at mountaineducation.org>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] [John Muir Trail] Donahue 07/02/11
> To: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com, "PCT MailingList" <
> pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Cc: TheTahoeRimTrail at yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 12:12 PM
>
>
> Snow doesn't mean "you can't get through." It just means at this time of
> year that you need to slow down and ever-mindful of your traction, balance,
> foot placement, and route (got to look up and around once in a while!).
>
> The pictures in Erin's Picasa album show above-8,000 foot conditions
> typical of right now all along the Sierra crest, and most of these were
> taken above timberline (down in the trees either you still have lots of snow
> or nothing, depending on elevation, aspect, and exposure). The suncups are
> getting bigger and more slippery, too!
>
> Again, plan your nights below snowline if you're not prepared for
> snow-camping and get over the passes before the afternoon post-holing
> starts!
>
> Her pictures of the creek-crossings are frightening! The group crossing
> showed everyone crossing independently of each other (not the best). When
> you're able to cross in a group, utilize one or two others to cross with you
> for support. Link arms-behind-backs and synchronize movements to help each
> other get across safely. Your feet will go numb because of the cold.
>
> Wear foot protection to prevent injury-reactions like stumbling and loss of
> balance should you stub your toe into a rock or step on something abrasive
> or sharp under water. Keep in mind that the whitewater may prevent you from
> visualizing where to place your feet while crossing, so expect to
> "hunt-and-seek" with your feet to find good places for each foot placement.
>
> Solo crossings should always utilize both poles downstream of your body
> (which is facing the way your are going) for resistance against the
> current's force to push you that way. Some people who don't use two hiking
> poles, find sturdy branches on the forest floor to help them in this way.
> Within seconds of immersion into a creek surrounded by snow, your feet will
> feel extremely cold and then go numb. Just get across safely. Although you
> don't want to take your time focusing on balance and secure footing because
> of this, do it. The consequences of a hasty crossing could be total
> immersion after a fall, the loss of all your have, and the sudden
> realization that you could loose your life and drown as the current
> (although only two or three feet deep) pushes you around and under a log or
> branch downstream. Plan for shorter days if you see on the map long-canyon
> creek crossings on any given day to allow for the searching of dry and safe
> crossings.
>
> This is not a normal summer out there, folks! Those of us who are out on
> the trail bringing back trail condition reports don't have to dramatize what
> we see to make our points, the creeks are nasty below snowline, the trail
> may have drifts across it to the depths of one to 6 feet between 7,500 and
> 8,000, the creek crossings in this altitude band may still have snow bridges
> (got to search them out if in the trees), and the snow should be solid above
> 8,000 depending on aspect, trees, wind, and exposure.
> www.mountaineducation.org has a series of pictures showing the PCT/TRT
> right now at these elevations and aspects. Go forewarned and prepared. Slow
> down and expect delays, localized struggles over obstacles like creeks,
> suncups, and blow-down, and increased appetite if you're out for more than a
> week.
>
>
>
> "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
>
>
>
>
>
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