[pct-l] tarp, tent or something, but not nothing

[Bighummel@xxxxxxx (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

Eric Ryback hiked from Canada to Mexico in 1971 with only a "blue nylon gro=
und tarp" as shelter.  He had exceptional woodsman experience though and ma=
de shelter from the materials and elements that he encountered occasionally=
.  He started in snow for the first several weeks and was hit by only a few=
 light storms.  He suffered greatly from the mosquitos in the Minks Lake Ba=
sin and southern Oregon when he crossed that area in early summer and found=
 that his repellent often didn't work, or he ran out at the most in-opportu=
ne time.  I believe that in a good weather year (your guess is as good as m=
ine whether 2003 will be one) you too can go all of the way with just a goo=
d tarp system PLUS some sort of mosquito netting system.  Having said that,=
 you run the risk of getting a foot or two of snow dumped on you, or rain f=
or several consequetive days early on or late with only a tarp to shelter y=
ou.  This can be not only dangerous but extremely mentally challenging.  Th=
ose that choose a simple, relatively light weight, double wall tent will we=
ather this weather better, IMHO, with less danger and less mental stress.  =
Only YOU can make this choice.

Good luck 2003'ers!

Greg