[pct-l] SoCal closures

[chiefcowboy at verizon.net]

I just returned from visiting the Forest Service in Idyllwild.  I had read 
so many entries regarding this area and was a bit confused so I went to the 
"horses mouth" so to speak.  First of all, from my home, a few days ago, the 
mountains appeared to be encased in snow.  Turns out they had 4.6 inches of 
rain that turned to ice and that is what I saw.  The few streams I could see 
from the roadway are trickles  and not much water is evident.  There was NO 
snow at the 7,000 level (except in some shaded areas).

I spoke to Jana from USFS.  The trail is closed from Cedar Springs 
northward.  I had thought it might be possible to hike some secondary trails 
to the west of it, but learned that the fire had actually started near the 
Keenwild Forest Service Station and moved eastward and somewhat north.  NONE 
of that area is open.  Simply put, this are is closed to us and there is no 
chance that it will be open for this season.  Several of the trail crews 
have expressed concern for their safety about working in this area due to 
the many many hazards that exist.  At one point, someone suggested hiking 
more eastward toward the Andreas Falls, but trust me when I tell you this is 
not the route to take.

The answer is simply to accept that for 2014, this part of the trail is NOT 
part of the trail.  Hitch to Idyllwild and rejoin the trail at Saddle 
Junction after hiking Devil's Slide.

Regarding a possible roadwalk, let me say this.  From the trail to Hurkey 
Creek, there is ample shoulder and driver visibility to make this viable. 
HOWEVER, once you leave Hurkey Creek and start toward Highway 243, the road 
is twisty, narrow and dangerous.

The answer is simply to hitch to Idyllwild, be safe and resume your journey 
from there.

Jana told me she had people calling her from out of state saying they had 
heard there were "exceptions" for PCT hikers.  Let me ask you:  Does that 
even begin to make sense?   What is unsafe for one is unsafe for all.

Good hiking to you all.



-----Original Message----- 
From: enyapjr at comcast.net
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2014 10:52 AM
To: pct-l
Subject: [pct-l] SoCal closures

> I agree with you and plan to walk the same route, taking good maps. The 
> route that Hikin' Jim laid out is
> very clear on Google maps in satellite view, so these are well-travelled 
> tracks.

FWIW, some of those "tracks" are on private property, too...
Hikin' Jim has repeatedly stated that his "routes" have not been checked out 
on the ground - and if one
looks closely, some of his routes are NOT on "well-traveled tracks" in some 
areas - and some of the
tracks that are power or phone line 'roads' do NOT mean that they can be 
used by the 'public', either.

Hopefully an alternate route off the highways as much as possible will 
'soon' be scouted out, but, if not,
remember that each individual hiker is a representative (or ambassador) of 
the PCT hiking community,
so please respect private property and do not trespass.  "HYOH" should NOT 
apply in this case!

Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubscribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.