[pct-l] thru-hiking in 2005

[Lonetrail at aol.com (Lonetrail@xxxxxxx)]

John

I belong to a K-9 hiking group. I would not recommend taking a dog on a thru 
hike on the PC. You will perhaps experience temperatures well above 100 
degrees. You have rattlesnakes sunning themselves right on the trail. One bite can 
finish your dog. I never want to take my dog in temperature over 85 degrees and 
this is with cover. In the low and high desert you will not have cover. I 
live in the LA area and will only hike my dog in the low or high desert in the 
winter. You may find streams that you dog can't cross, snow to deep.  If you use 
a lease you will deprive your dog from finding shade and water. They can 
smell water and find shade that you may not be aware of. I seem people start out 
with dogs and very shortly decide to take them of the trail. You have National 
Parks and Wilderness Areas were you can't take a dog. There will also be 
state, county and city parks that don't allow dogs. Wish you and your dog well. 

lonetrail

> Are you going to bring your dog on the PCT as well?  (The one planning 
> detail I am struggling with (for my '04 thru-hike attempt) is finding someone to 
> care for my dog.)  It will also be lonilier without her.  I ALWAYS use a 6ft 
> leash (never, ever off-leash) and am very responsible.  She is also fairly 
> well suited for this as she runs 5-7 miles/day and is an Alaskan Husky mix.  Is 
> there any way to bring her on the hike????