[pct-l] PCT Thru-Hike Southbound

[David Thibault]

Tavin,   If you have a set start date in mind I'd consider hiking the AT
instead of the PCT.  For a September start date it works much better.  You
will have to rush to get through the Whites and then the Smokeys may present
some problems later in the the hike but generally it will be a much more
doable hike.   You will also have to contend with hunters so I would wear
bright orange if I did the AT southbound starting at that time.  Anyway if
the goal is to thru hike verse thru hike the PCT give this some thought.

Best of luck with whatever you deside to do.

Day-Late



> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:04:15 -0700
> From: "Donna Saufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCT Thru-Hike Southbound
> To: "'Tavin Cope'" <tavinc253 at gmail.com>,       <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <001801cc4311$3a310d60$ae932820$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="us-ascii"
>
> Tavin,
>
> What I've heard is second hand information from those who've been in the
> Sierra backcountry in early winter.  They related that the snow cover makes
> surfaces slick and treacherous, especially over passes.  By spring and
> early
> summer when most nobos move through the snow has accumulated and there is a
> solid base to move over, at least until the melt-out. But when the first
> snows cover the rocks and trail, then melt and freeze, it's an
> unconsolidated slippery mess.
>
> Logistically you also must consider that the resupply depots in the Sierras
> that hikers depend upon will probably not be open when you get there, and
> the roads that lead out to civilization will also be closed. The amount of
> food you would have to carry would be enormous, adding to the difficulty
> exponentially.
>
> I know one hiker who did make it through the Sierras in early winter,
> crossing Forester Pass mid-November.  He hired a mountaineering guide (to
> the tune of $300 a day) to get him through it. The conditions transformed a
> hike into a full-blown mountaineering expedition.  It was very slow going.
>
> To use an overly-used phrase (reference to the Nat Geo PCT film), it's
> "EXTREME!"
>
> L-Rod
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Tavin Cope
> Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:05 PM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] PCT Thru-Hike Southbound
>
> Hello Hikers,
> I've been seriously debating/ researching thru hiking the pct starting
> around Sept. 1 2011 southbound. I've completed several ultramarathons, some
> of which include one day pushes around st.helens, hood, and a two day trip
> on the wonderland trail (rainier). On the pct, like the other hikes Ive
> done
> I'd like to complete it ultralight and (fairly) fast 3-4 months. I realize
> that the pct is nothing compared to what Ive done, and that I have less
> than
> optimal preperation time. My question for the experienced masses, is this a
> difficult and daring plan, or just plain stupid? My two main concerns at
> this point are 1) weather and trail conditions in the fall months,
> especially in the sierras with the oncoming of snow and cold weather. The
> other obviously, 2) my resupply strategy and what resupply points are
> crucial. Any information on these concerns/ questions would be invaluable
> to
> me. Thank you.
> Happy Trails
> tavinc253 at gmail.com
>
>
>
>