[pct-l] This and that on the CDT

[spiritbear2k@hotmail.com (Ginny & Jim Owen)]

We've had several communications from the CDT lately.  Ishmael called from 
Grants and told us that many of the National Forests in New Mexico are 
closed, but that the rangers are issuing permits to allow hikers to 
roadwalk.  Tom Bombaci has been given a permit to drive in order to 
establish water caches. The forest closings are no surprise, but the level 
of cooperation by the rangers is unexpectedly good news. And this years 
hikers owe a big debt to the Bombacis.

As expected, alcohol stoves are banned.  Apparently there is one stove which 
is permitted, but I'm not sure which one it is.

One of our concerns is that historically many of those who roadwalked New 
Mexico said it sucked, while those who walked through the mountains have 
loved it.  Evidently this years northbounders will all have to roadwalk - 
and will miss the best part of NM.  So far, though, it sounds like everyone 
is enjoying the trip.  I hope so - we considered NM to be one of the best 
parts of the hike.

At this point Ishmael and the McDuffs should be about 2 days north of 
Grants.  Ken and Marsha left Grants this morning(?) and Swiss Miss, Jeff Z, 
Thomas, Lucia, Wandering Bear are at the Bombacis while Starman and Grizzly 
are in town.  Ben and Sly should be there soon.  We heard from Sly last week 
- he sent a postcard from Mimbres.  Haven't heard any more about Joanne 
Lennox.

I haven't followed it closely but someone (here?) reported the snowpack in 
Glacier NP (Montana) at 150% while the snowpack in Colorado is much less 
than normal.  This may be a good year for a straight south to north hike.  
On the other hand, we went through Glacier in June after a 180% snowpack 
year - it's not impossible, just difficult.  How difficult will depend 
largely on the timing and extent of the snowmelt and on your snow 
experience.

One other item - at the moment, Ishmael intends to go north through 
Colorado.  His van is in Durango and he's offered it as transportation for 
anyone who wants to flip-flop.  He'd like to get it to Missoula. If that 
arrangement can help anyone, get back to me and we'll tell him so he can 
call you to make arrangements.

I'll cross-post this to pct-l for those who are interested but not on cdt-l. 
Most of the people out there are former PCT hikers.

Walk softly,
Jim

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