[pct-l] Washington Floods and the Big Blow Down.

[captain at eskimo.com (James LaJocies)]

Many of you have already heard of the floods and the big wind storm that 
blew through the North Cascades leaving behind a considerable amount of 
damage to the PCT. This is of a particular interest to me sense I live 
in Washington and plan on doing a full sectional trek through the state 
of Washington in 04. Now I am sure that between now and say early July 
of 04, all reasonable efforts will be made to restore the damaged areas 
of the PCT and/or alternate routes will be set up which will reconnect 
to the PCT and then onto Manning for the 04 season.

But I can not help but to wonder just how bad it really is. From what I 
am reading in this forum, it would seem that the Northern Cascades were 
washed away from the effects of the floods and the 'Big Blow', (that's 
what we called it out here.) I am beginning to wonder if I should plan 
on using Washington for my first sectional trek or maybe I should start 
off with Oregon? I have a certain fondness for wanting to start in 
Washington, since this is where I live and I have trekked  some of the 
PCT before, (areas north of Stevens Pass) and because of those 
adventures, the PCT has been on my mind nearly everyday now. Yea, I 
know, maybe I should get a life, but I am simi-retired and right now the 
PCT has become part of it.

So I ask of you, those who know of how the trails are managed and the 
efforts that go into restoring the problem areas of the PCT or to those 
areas of the PCT that are beyond being a small problem. Just what should 
I expect? Is it reasonable for me to expect that some of the bridges 
that were used to ford rivers or some of the roads that were important 
resupply routes would be repaired even if it is by a footpath? Would 
sections of the trail be closed off with posted alternate routes 
circumventing the damaged areas?

In your opinion, maybe it would be a good idea to complete Oregon first, 
allowing a year for the North Cascades trek to get back into shape. But 
then again, a year of winter can bring on the same terror to the North 
Cascades has the early Fall has so far this year. Then again, maybe I am 
just worrying too much. I understand the concept that whatever trail 
your on at the time, that is your PCT trek. But I am the type that likes 
to plan ahead, do the research all before planting one foot in front the 
other. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't care about my plans.

Any good, honest feedback is appreciated. --  James