[pct-l] Poison oak and other nasties

[Tom Rogers" <tom-rogers@attbi.com (Tom Rogers)]

I've done a fair amount of trail maintenance and recreational hiking on and
around the PCT in SoCal.  The poison oak never really goes away despite
periods of drought.  The problem is it's appearance can vary quite
remarkably depending on season and moisture.  Almost every plant that grows
in shady canyon/creek bottoms has a some probability of being a poison oak
variant.  It doesn't necessarily look like the classic tri-leaf bush or vine
that you're on the look-out for.  Early season in SoCal you could encounter
some that hasn't sprouted spring foliage yet, but is just sticks and berries
from the previous fall, especially after a very dry winter.  You may not
find the poison oak, but it'll find you if you're not careful.  If you're
sensitive you can still get a mean contact dermatitis from the dormant
plants.  Just be aware that it is ubiquitous in shady canyons and creek
bottoms.  Don't bushwhack in those areas;  be especially mindful when you're
looking for water in partially dry creeks -- the poison oak will be right
where you want to squat and dip your bottle.

Happy trails, Tom

Hobbit's Hiking Pages ( http://friends.backcountry.net/rogers/ )