[pct-l] trail report

[natgold at ufl.edu (GOLDFARB,NATHAN E)]

Hi all-

Thanks for all the help for our JMT trip.  Unfortunately, we had 
to bail due to the snow.  My wife and I just weren't comfortable 
with traversing very steep and VERY exposed snow fields, ice ax in 
hand, on Whitney ( as of June 13).  Lots of snow in the Sierra!  
Still a lot in late June! PCT'ers recommended we bail if not 
comfortable with that.  The cables on east face of Whitney weren't 
up, either.  Very dangerous.  To some, these snow fields may be 
mellow, to us they were gnarly! Had a slip on the way up Whitney 
from Guitar lake..was proud that i instinctually assumed self 
arrest position.  The slip was on exposed slope and my wife 
brain-locked.  Fortunately, I stopped slipping or else........

We traveled California (Redwoods, Big Sur, San Fran, LA, Palm 
Springs, Sequoias) and then did the Tuolumne Mead. to Happy Isles 
section.  Terrific!!!

All in all a great hike.  Horseshoe Meadows to Whitney Portal was 
awesome sans the sick snowfields.  Whitney rules!!!  then Tuolumne 
to Happy Isles was killer!  The hike up Half Dome was excellent.  
the cables not for the faint at heart.  And, boy was I sore the 
next day!

Another year, later in the season, I will finish the middle 
section of the JMT.  Evidently Forrester and Muir pass were 
totally snow covered.

THings learned:  the Sierra are dangerous and should be respected
                 the Sierra are not for those afraid of heights!
                 I love the Sierra, but the Appalachians is where 
my heart is.




Signing off for awhile,

Nate
"Katabatic"


--
GOLDFARB,NATHAN E