[pct-l] Foot Support

[Montedodge@aol.com]

 Different strokes for different folks was never truer than when talking 
about boots. Large
hikers generally need more support. As I hardcore winter camper, I wouldn't 
think of
heading out in the snow with running shoes. I've seen how fun frostbite can 
be!!!  The
Sierra's and early summer are kind of like Mt. Everest, when the weather 
holds, everybody
looks good!!  When the weather turns ugly, everything goes to hell in a 
handbasket. Ask
77 hiker Nancy Gardner how frostbite feels. Of course the earlier you hit the 
Sierras, the
bigger the chance of some winter backlash. A good hiking boot is waterproof 
and has a
certain amount of insulation. Top this with a good set of gaiters and you 
shouldn't even
have wet feet. I have yet to see any hikers between the months of Dec. and 
March in the
Washington Cascades in running shoes. Reason, FROSTBITE!! The Sierras carry 
the
same danger through mid -june. Maybe  for five years , no hikers has any 
problems, but
like on Everest, a storm can sure blow away your plans. I like to error on 
the safe side. Of
course I was one of those whack-O's who stocked up for the Y2K as well. ( You 
can raft
the Grand Canyon without a life jacket or hike the early summer Sierra's  
without boots,
but not without risk!! )  Different strokes different folks  ps  The more 
time you spend in
and around snow, the more you respect it. ( and it's damages!! )  Monte
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