[pct-l] Steep Snow Travel

[Sebastian Opalko]

It'll be a great year Marmot. I’m so glad that we’ll most likely have more water sources this year. I have a very bad lower back with two slipped disks. I cannot carry more than 20 pounds. It’s extremely difficult to get base+food+water+gas under 20 pounds. I paid so much money to get every piece of gear at the lowest weight. I’m so thrilled and happy for all that snow and that my chances to complete the trail are actually higher now.

All I want to say - nothing is really good or bad. It’s all about how you look at things. So much snow might bring new risks and difficulties but it’ll also give us great benefits like unforgettable memories, struggles that lead to new strengths, and of course WATER to drink that allows a lighter backpack for people with any kind of joint issues.

See ya’ll on trail.

> On Feb 8, 2017, at 6:19 PM, marmot marmot <marmotwestvanc at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> These snow years are more like the mid 90s. Excepting of course '94. Please do not go out there without the proper gear and the knowledge of how to use it. You can do it-- just learn how before you get to that steep slope covered in icy snow. 
> Many of you live within driving distance of a ski mountain. Take a lesson with someone who has ice axe skills. Spend a day throwing yourself off a mountain backwards,upside down,face first,flailing awkwardly. Get used to it so your body reacts automatically. 
> Pretending that you won't be the one who slips is a bit---well, naive. My first rule for my hikes was not to do the dumb thing that caused someone else to be in danger because they came in to rescue me. I maybe was not always successful but that was my goal. 
> That included carrying enough water-- not as much of a problem this year. I imagine that there will even be water in the first 20 miles and at Chariot Canyon. It's going to be a great year to do the trail!!!!
> Marmot
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Feb 8, 2017, at 2:31 PM, Town Food <pctl at marcusschwartz.com> wrote:
>> 
>> This reminds me, my experience was that the descent into Sonora Pass was
>> much, much more dangerous than any of the "famous" Sierra passes
>> (including Forester).  Is this normal?  Sonora Pass was much more steep
>> and slippery than any other pass on the PCT for me.
>> 
>> Since I'd heard lots of fuss about Forester, Muir, etc., I sent my
>> Microspikes home at Red's Meadow.  It turned out the one place I
>> would've liked them most was north of there, at Sonora Pass.
>> 
>> -=Marcus
>> 
>>> On 02/05/2017 08:44 AM, Gary Schenk wrote:
>>> While my inclination would be to carry an axe in the Sierra in early
>>> June, it doesn't seem like there are bodies piling up at the bottom
>>> of Forester Pass.
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