[pct-l] Greetings All

[calliger@infolane.com (R.J.Calliger)]

Ah-- no apology necessary-- Someone could teach you ice axe
use for SA or follow along in Freedom of the Hills...it is not rocket
science, just remember to keep your axe and pick uphill of you
at all times (or as much as possible) - that means switching hands
as you traverse succeeding "z-legs" up the slope (switchbackin up the snow).

In 30 years of climbing I needed it only 2-3 times even on the "steep"
passes and couloirs.  Only once was a true accident- the wind gusted
to over 50 MPH and blew me over (Mt Shasta)- other times it was plain
carelessness- slipping on snow when I should have not taken a step
unless it was from a position of stability. (One key item in use
of an ice axe- never move one foot on a steep slope unless the
other is stable).

All my courses have essentially replicated FOT Hills book.

One of the other more important things is to practice a few falls
on a safe slope (with good run-out/no rocks) with your PACK ON!
fall down on your back a few times, then your face, then downhill
head first and try to arrest yourself as the book indicates.

Call me if you'd like a few minutes tutorial.

209.586.5555 or email me if I am on line (ie it does not answer or
accept a message).

Rich



At 8:19 AM -0800 3/30/01, Kevin Mulligan wrote:
>Ah yes...the archives. Damn. I have already broken a cardinal rule: Don't
>ask questions until you search the archives.
>Though I am quite savvy with computers, I haven't participated in a list or
>a newsgroup in several years. My apologies.
>
>Thanks for response.
>
>-Kevin
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From:	R.J.Calliger [mailto:calliger@infolane.com]
>Sent:	Friday, March 30, 2001 11:06 AM
>To:	Kevin Mulligan; PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
>Subject:	Re: [pct-l] Greetings All
>
>A course is most likely overkill unless you plan to do some
>serious peakbagging (sidetrips).
>
>I recommend you search the PCT archives wherein there are
>a lot of good posts re Ice Axes. I seem to recall it is a recurring
>thread here. (I speak from one who has taken many mountaineering
>and technical climbing courses; however I do "serious peakbagging").
>
>The archives are located at:
>
>	http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>
>
>
>Rich
>
>
>At 7:15 AM -0800 3/30/01, Kevin Mulligan wrote:
>>Greetings everyone-
>>
>>I just joined the list a couple of days ago and have been quietly observing
>>the various conversations. But I must confess that I have felt like an
>>eavesdropper. So, I am writing this quick post to say hello everyone. I
>will
>>be hitting the trail in April of 2002. Before that time, I am quitting my
>>9-5 desk job here in Boston and driving cross country. With the exception
>of
>>some of the narrow minded postings re: Illegal Immigrants, I must state
>that
>>I am thoroughly enjoying this list and getting pumped about the trail. So
>>thank you.
>>
>>Now, for my first question.
>>
>>Ice Axes: I just finished reading Karen Berger's (sp?) book on the PCT and
>>she exhorts the use of Ice Axes.
>>Though I spent to weeks in ANWR this past summer, I never had to use an Ice
>>Axe even when going over snow covered passes. Is this skill (along with
>Self
>>Rescue) something that I can easily pick up with a demonstration from a
>>fellow hiker. Or would it be wise for me to take an intro Mountaineering
>>class?
>>Somehow, my gut tells me that this might be helpful but slightly overkill.
>>If any of you have thoughts on this subject I would be interested to hear
>>them.
>>Thanks in advance
>>
>>
>>-Kevin Mulligan
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From:	pct-l-admin@mailman.backcountry.net
>>[mailto:pct-l-admin@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Steve Courtway
>>Sent:	Thursday, March 29, 2001 4:47 PM
>>To:	PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
>>Subject:	[pct-l] feeding the immigrants
>>
>>>I feel this issue is way blown out of proportion
>>>and if anyone -hiker, refugee, salesman etc- wants
>>>some water or food from me out there, I'd be happy to share.
>>
>>Judging from the size of some of the groups of MHEs
>>I've been passed by (complete with coyote in lead with
>>mirrored aviator shades and the only backpack), you
>>better bring a double size tarp along for section A,
>>because you're gonna have a boy scout style pancake feed
>>on your hands.
>>
>>
>>
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>>  text/plain (text body -- kept)
>>  text/html
>>---
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