[pct-l] severe dehydration danger on the trail

[shon mcganty]

What's going on out there?  How is it possible that so many need medical assistance at mile 15 or 20?  
Could some at the KO be dehydrated from drinking too much?  But the one at Hauser Canyon??  That's only a 1/2 or 3/4 day of hiking, on day one!  How could you get into trouble so soon? 
Makes me wonder how many people attempting the PCT are not "hikers."  Here I'm defining 'hiker' to be someone who hashiked a lot in the past. 
I am just so surprised to learn how many people attempt a long trail with no experience.  I wish when people with no experience at all decide to do a long hike, a year before hand they take two week long vacations, one in the summer to hike a 5 day backpacking trip in the mountains, and a second vacation and a seond trip in a dry, desert climate.   There are so many great places to choose from in the good old USA.  You need to learn about the challenges out there, learn your body, food and water needs, your gear choices, and whether you even like to backback. 
 

________________________________
 From: Ken Murray <kmurray at dr.com>
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2013 10:47 AM
Subject: [pct-l] severe dehydration danger on the trail
  

At the KO and immediately after, there were 5 people who required medical intervention for severe dehydration. Three required ambulances, including one evac'd from Houser, where there is no water.
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