[pct-l] SOBO Planning

[brian_f_b at yahoo.com]

There are several resupply locations along the PCT that are
only open during
the summer.  Some
close (in part) as early as Labor Day, others extend into 
September, but all will close by mid-(ish)-October.  Unfortunately, pinning 
down exact dates is hard -- due, of course, to unpredictable
weather. 
Below is a list you should be cognizant of with approx.
close dates.  If you’ll
be cutting any of these close (“close” being a week or two
or three), be sure 
to call ahead and double check with someone.  
 
Echo Lake Resort – 
2011:  Services
greatly reduced after Labor Day, could still pick up resupply
package between noon and 2pm through late September.
 
Kennedy Meadows (“North” - Sonora Pass) – 
2011:  Closed October
10.
 
Tuolumne Meadows – 
2011: PO/Store closed September 27.
 
Red’s Meadow – 
2011:  Closed October
1.
 
Vermillion Valley Ranch – 
2011:  Ferry stopped
running approx. Oct. 1; intended to keep resort open 
until approx. Oct 15 (I think). 
 
Muir Trail Ranch – 
*2012*:  Listed close
date:  September 22.
 
Of this list, Vermillion Valley and/or Muir Trail Ranch would
be the worst 
deadlines to miss.  Although the other resupply locales would present a 
somewhat challenging hitch, at least hitching there would be
an option. 
 
Finally, this list isn’t all inclusive:  section hikers, for example, would
probably face similar closing if tackling Oregon in Sept/October,
as I don’t 
imagine Big Lake Youth Camp remains open into the fall.