[pct-l] Ned's TRT snow course July 8-9

[Karen Keller]

After a very harrowing Fuller Ridge experience this year, I knew I had a big
choice to make. I either had to avoid snow altogether or get over it (both
literally and figuratively!) I decided that I was unwilling to give up
seeing the high Sierras before I die without a fight, to that end I enrolled
in Ned's snow course on the Tahoe Rim trail last weekend. Even though most
of the trail would be dry, Ned knew that there would still be enough snow in
patches and on the northeastern slopes to practice the skills
I desperately need to learn. While on Fuller, I swore I would just as soon
walk a tight rope over Niagara Falls as ever travel over snow and ice again.
I was so anxious that even after I drove to South Lake Tahoe all the way
from Idyllwild, I nearly backed out the morning we were to begin the class.
Thankfully, I did not because, although some moments were intense, I learned
so much!! Ned has the patience of a saint! He carefully observed me, asked
questions about my experiences in the past, listened and made suggestions
that were so useful and helpful to me as I struggled to control my fear. He
watched me walk while we hiked and with his background in sports movement,
he even gave me some very valuable suggestions to help me increase balance
agility and speed on dry trail, too. This was not even on the curriculum!!
Thank you, Ned, for all of your hard work and dedication. I
have definitely benefited from his passion to keep hikers safe. While I am
not quite ready for Forester pass, I am a heck of a whole lot closer than I
was a month ago, that is for certain. I will be practicing what I have
learned over the winter, working hard and, God willing, return for a more
advanced class in the Spring. One day I will stand on Forester Pass. When I
do it will be in part because of ned at mountaineducation.org . If you have any
doubts, take the course. You won't be sorry!
Special K