[pct-l] Re: pct-l Digest, Vol 4, Issue 31

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

I am a section hiker, we just got back from 30 plus miles from Steven's Pass 
to Pass Creek and 30 miles between Hart's Pass and Rainy Pass.  Between 
Steven's Pass and Pass Creek, we saw no thru hikers (Aug. 24th-26th).  But between 
Hart's Pass and Rainy Pass we talked with Rydog and Graham, who should be out 
by now.  We saw them on August 28th, going up to Hart's Pass.  We also spoke 
with a gentleman at Rainy Pass who was waiting for his wife, and 3 others.  
Their names were Cliffhanger, Steady, Shutterbug and Sunburn.  The gentleman said 
they were doing well.  Rydog said he had been doing 30 mile days, and was 
trying to slow down and enjoy the scenery.  We handed over some of our food as we 
had more than we needed.  Graham said he was having trouble with tendenitis 
and plantarfacisitis.  He said he would be glad to be done.  

Trail condition and weather was great last week on both sections.  We 
especially liked the blasted out section just north of Pear Lake on the newer section 
of trail.  What a view.  And of course the trail between Hart's Pass and 
Rainy Pass was magnificent.  Hikers were a little dry between Cutthroat Pass and 
Snowy Lakes, as most of the water in that section has dried up.  So, make sure 
if you are heading up to Snowy Lakes from Rainy Pass that you have 2 liters of 
water each to get you to Snowy Lakes.  Then fill up again at Brush Creek,as 
the water is scarce with only one supply down off the east ridge after you get 
to the top of the pass and head toward Tatie Peak.  

Also, we heard from Laughy Taffy and Troll.  They left Cascade Locks heading 
north on August 28th.  They are doing great.  We missed them since we were 
hiking.  

Sparrow and Blind Pig