[pct-l] whitney cables

[calliger at infolane.com (Richard)]

I have seen people slip and save themselves on those
cables!! It is well worth the cost..they have been there
ever since I first hiked that too many years ago...
as compared to rescues and injury cost.

R

At 08:47 PM 7/8/03 EDT, JohnDRandall@aol.com wrote:
>The cables are on part of a long lateral, roughly switchback #50, where the 
>trail is cut into the side of the mountain instead of alongside it, creating a 
>three-walled tunnel if you will.  In early season the section is filled 
>floor-to-ceiling with ice, making the most reasonable climb the old route
up the 
>snowfield instead of the trail.    The section, which is approximately 40
yards 
>long, has cables along the northern--open--side.   Without the cables, the 
>general public would be prevented from using the trail until mid-july most
years.  
>While not terrifying, a fall would be a real bugger.  In fact, if the cables 
>weren't there, I doubt if the Forest Service would allow use of the trai until 
>it was clear.  It's a reasonable addition to the trail, considering its use.  
> In my opinion, it wouldn't be a bad idea to close the Whitney Portal trail 
>down for a generation, but I know that won't happen.  I think the Forest 
>Service folks are doing the best they can given the circumstances and the
funding.
>
>If you pass a CCC trail crew repairing some of the riprap, water bars and 
>switchbacks--hard work done by good young people--stop and thank them.
>
>john randall
>birmingham, AL
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