[pct-l] tarps?

[natgold@xxxxxxx (Nathan Goldfarb)]

Hi-

I'm thinking about making the big jump from ClipFlashlight to tarp for
our early season JMT hike.  It's partly b/c I'm tired of dripping
condensation onto my bag from poor ventilation, and mostly due to trying
to go lightweight with dreams of oneday even, ultra....my new quest.
 Does anyone have any recommendations for tarps? How does the GoLite
Cave do?

Here are some stupid questions I have about using a tarp:

1.  How do you get your sticks or trekking poles into really hard
ground, if trees aren't avail?
2.  In early June, is the Nest bug netting necessary?  I'm thinking the
extra weight isn't worth it that time of year, but I'm not sure.
3.  What kind of ground cloth is recommended and where do you buy it?
4.  I understand that if pitched properly, getting wet isn't an issue.
 So does this mean I can safely use my down bag with the tarp? I've also
been told the Sierra's are really dry compared to the Appalachians so
this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Thanks everyone for all the help so far.  This message board has been
really fun and informative.  Keep up the great discussions...it really
helps.

Take Care,
Nate
"JMT 2003"