[pct-l] PCT thru timing for 2012

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

While I do not agree with postholer's delivery, I do agree that a  
March start date can be too early. The trouble with the San Jacinto  
area is that it's not like the Sierras at all. The chaparral makes it  
impossible to go cross-country in many places. You don't have the  
luxury of just saying to heck with the trail, the easiest way is that- 
a-way. There are steep drop-offs and in my opinion, the trail is  
poorly routed in many places. Yet there aren't clear alternatives.  
People get lost and die up there almost every year. Same goes for  
Baden-Powell. As locals we know it as the mountain where boy scouts  
go to die. Additionally, most hikers aren't really fit yet when they  
get to San Jacinto, and for many, the trail legs are only barely  
setting in around Wrightwood. For many they are breaking down around  
Wrightwood with shin-splints and other problems caused by weeks of  
blisters or whatever. I really think that for a successful and  
enjoyable thru-hike, it's better to start a little later in a high  
snow year and simply keep a steady, moderate pace with fewer zero  
days. Most people take way too much time off to party in So Cal.  
Also, most hikers have this unrealistic idea about Oregon, that they  
can make up for any slow-downs with big miles in Oregon. The fact is  
that after Sierra City, if you can't make big miles then, you can't  
make them in Oregon. It's not any easier in Oregon except maybe for  
two days up near Mt. Hood.