[pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, ,

One of my personal heroes, survival expert Nick Rowe, carried three
“survival kits”:  A shoebox-size first-line kit was in his pack;  the
cigar-box size second-line kit was attached high on the back of his web gear
(military -- like pack straps without the pack); and finally the
Band-Aid-box size last-line kit remained in his shirt pocket with his
folding knife.

I certainly don’t carry that much reserve gear, but based upon his expertise
and experience the caution is understandable.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_N._Rowe

Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

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

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Wed, Mar 30, 2011 at 9:35 PM, <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com> wrote:

>
> It would be advisable to carry survival gear attached to your body such as
> a
> small hip pack or ditty bag in case you lose the pack in the river.  i.e.
> so
> you could hunker down at that trail location with a fire if things went
> bad.
> Particularly if solo.  Also, seems advisable not to cross the radical spots
> solo if it can be avoided.
>
> A word of caution when walking across high logs, particularly to the young
> and bold.  I fell off one in Idaho 25+ years ago with a heavy pack and
> landed on my feet about 8 feet down. Permanent back and neck damage. Son of
> bitch still hurts today. Wish I had a "do over" on that one. I would have
> waded the stream.
>
> Ps. Unbuckle your hip belt in case you fall down.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of ned at mountaineducation.org
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 7:33 PM
> To: jamesfmiller at hotmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Cc: johnmuirtrail at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings
>
> Do not use rope tied to yourself while crossing a nasty creek! If you fall
> in, it will only cause you to go further under and keep you there.
>
> A rope tied between two trees and held onto by hand for balance would be
> the
>
> only way we'd suggest the use of rope during a river or creek crossing.
>
> Learn how to avoid crossing while the flow is highest. Seek out the driest
> crossing upstream or downstream on rocks or logs or simply hopping the
> narrower tributaries that feed the main stream. Choose the shallowest
> crossing with the least whitewater and where you can see the creek bottom.
> Choose which way you want to cross, facing the opposite bank or facing
> upstream. Find a reliable way to have a "third leg," utilizing a long stick
> or the use of your poles for balance. Decide what you're going to use to
> protect your feet while you're sliding along the creek bottom between
> granite rocks, sticks, and stones. Be prepared to change socks, at least,
> once on the other side. Figure out a way where your feet will be able to
> dry
>
> out in order to stay warm and dry once back on the snow.
>
> Leave the rope at home.
>
>
> "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: <jamesfmiller at hotmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 6:53 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] Rope for spring stream crossings
>
>
> > I've pretty much settled in my head that the 'infamous' Sierra stream
> > crossings are absolutely the scariest part of our hike. Particularily
> > concidering the amou t of runoff that will be running off.
> >
> > Anyone ever carry a 30' 3/8" rope for safety?
> >
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