[pct-l] Advice to a beginner about crossing Sierras

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

We respect what Shroomer has to offer in saying, "If no one in your group 
has experience, I say wait."

True, but imbedded in that advice is the attitude among thru hikers that "if 
I find out along the trail that something I'm going to have to do is risky 
or for which I am not prepared to deal, I'll just hang with someone who does 
and learn from them." This scares the heck out of us. Groups don't always 
stick enough together during the day to stay cohesive or attentive to each 
other's inexperience.

What happens in reality is the inexperienced travel with the supposed 
"experienced," somewhere, often, back in the group as they fly up the trail. 
The experienced leader, out in front, for the most part does what he does to 
negotiate the hazards over the snow and isn't aware of the skills 
limitations of those with him. We have watched groups go through the Sierra 
last year like a marching band (at least the core group that could keep up 
with each other), unconcerned about even the members of their own group who 
were struggling with a creek or Pass crossing miles back or more.

So, this is just a "caution" to the unprepared and inexperienced who assume 
that "it will all work out" when they step foot into the unknown and wild. 
The help you hope will be there when you need it may not be. Is that ok with 
you and are you prepared for that possibility?


"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
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Williams" <baidarker at gmail.com>
To: "Cosmic Cat" <cosmic.cat144 at gmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>; "Jen Sun" <succubus05 at hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2011 10:08 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Advice to a beginner about crossing Sierras


> If no one in your group has experience, I say wait, or just hike somewhere
> else.  I've just spent several days backpacking in and around the Grand
> Canyon and am on to Canyon Lands to hike some more.  It's absolutey
> gorgeous, and not nearly as cold and snowy as last year's, or this year's
> PCT transit of the High Sierra.  There's lots of places to hike that are 
> not
> nearly so dangerous.
>
> Shroomer
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