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

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

Who knows what next year will bring, but this year's rain and wind were
probably exceptional and won't be repeated at this level again for a while.
I hiked the trail 10 years ago and then in 2000 - same trail but most stream
crossing were a little different. But nothing that couldn't be handled. This
time could be different. If you go next year you will witness what happened
and may need to take an alternate route - might be exciting and even more
adventurous. It could be the best thing you ever did.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "James LaJocies" <captain@eskimo.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 11:46 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Washington Floods and the Big Blow Down.


> 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
>
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