[pct-l] what a year on the PCT!

[David Hough reading PCT-L]

As winter closes in

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=48.5179&lon=-120.7348#.YXIqxptlD0M

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.3114&lon=-121.2274#.YXIqLptlD0M

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.7726&lon=-118.3762#.YXIqoJtlD0M

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.0515&lon=-118.1291#.YXIrF5tlD0M

one can only hope that no northbounders are still out,
and southbounders are at least past Kennedy Meadows.    No questions asked
about how they got as far as they got, considering all the closures in
effect and all the objective dangers from fire, smoke, and dried up water
sources.

Fire led to one disappointment and replan after another for me, and I ended up
with - one overnight backpack trip from Gumboot to Dog Trail in section P.
Everything else was closed or converted to day hikes to minimize fire danger.
Compared to last year, at least, covid was the last thing on most minds.

What will be a "good PCT year" in the future?   Despite the ravages of old
age, I got some time in sections A and B in April, 
finished E in May, finished R in June, finished P in July,
had to content myself with some bits of the Tahoe Yosemite Trail in August,
and with groves of giant Sequoias in September.    All these areas were
subsequently closed, so I count myself lucky.

This winter seems to be off to a good start at least, so maybe next year will
be less of a trial.     But lots can happen before then.
Persons "planning" a through hike next year might consider planning for 
flexibility and frequent replans.

David Hough