[pct-l] SOBO Questions

[T.Rem]

Hi all! After completing my 2012 NOBO thru-hike I stayed in Washington, got
a job, and started day-dreaming about the next big walk. Since I'm already
so close to Canada I've been entertaining the notion of trying a PCT SOBO
attempt this summer.  I'm aware that SOBO can be more challenging and I had
a few questions I was hoping some of the good folks on pct-l might be able
to help me with.

I read that mid-June is usually the average start date- depending on the
snow of course- any thoughts?  Unless there are some more big storms on the
way (you never know) it's been a fairly mild Winter in Washington- this
could end up being a good year for a early SOBO start.

The water caches in So-Cal- can  I expect them to still be maintained?  If
so, for how long?

Do trail angels usually still take in SOBO hikers or will they totally be
burned-out from the NOBOs by the time I come along?  Not that I'd blame
them!

Is there anyone out there that lives in Washington and who might be willing
to give a guy some mountaineering and/or orienteering lessons?   I learned
a lot from my NOBO but last year was a cake-walk as far as snow goes.  I
started April 6th so I probably ran into more then the rest of the herd
(especially in Oregon) but I'm not sure if I'm feeling cocky enough to solo
my way through some of these Washington passes without some more experience.

Thanks!
Pockets
pct-footfalls.blogspot.com