[pct-l] Self-arrest

[m.karon@attbi.com (Marshall Karon)]

Thank goodness that the snow was low in the year I did the PCT because I
don't think I could have every done a self arrest, even with the short
training I had. Others learn it and have needed to use it. I have heard some
people refuse to carry an ice axe because they know they couldn't use it
correctly. Those will not venture on the snow unless it is soft (which is
something you sometimes don't know until you are half way across a snow
field and find ice).

If you don't get onto the ice early in the morning nor late in the evening,
there is a very good chance that you can get by without ever even coming
close to needing to do a self arrest. And, if you venture out in sunny
weather, you increase your chances of not being in danger. The ice axe could
help you prevent a slide more than stop you.

Where to learn - well, guess you could wait until you find snow on the PCT
and then practice with someone else who had some training. I guess if the
conditions warrant using the ice axe, I'd spend a day on the trail
practicing in a safe place. Or, how about a winter skiing trip to Colorado
and do some training?


Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@attbi.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Nelson" <ted.nelson@zurichlifeus.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 1:27 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Self-arrest


> Hi,
>
> My name is Ted Nelson and this my first posting to this site.  I am
> seriously considering hiking the PCT in '03.  I work for an insurance
> company in Illinois and am in the process of studying to become a teacher.
> Now would be a good (and possibly only) time that I could do this as my
> life is in transition right now.
>
> I have a question about the high Sierras and self-arrest.  Yogi in her
fine
> journal wrote that she advised all hikers contemplating hiking the PCT to
> learn self-arrest before the hike.  Does anyone have information on how
> this technique can be learned.  I live in the Chicago area and the highest
> peaks we have here are moraines.  Is this something I should try to get
> coaching before I go or something I can pick up along the trail  Any input
> would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ted
>
>
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