[pct-l] Sierra runs

[Steven.Setzer at Colorado.EDU (Steve Setzer)]

I've read several articles including the recent Backpacker article.  They
all seem to agree that treating is probably not necessary.  But this is
confusing if several thru hikers are getting sick in the Sierra.  I guess
it could be from poor hygiene but that wouldn't explain why this only
happens in the Sierra.

I'll look into this pink snow thing and get back to everyone (I know lots
of drinking water/environmental scientists).  We have it in CO and its
never gotten me sick.  But I do most of my backpacking after the big
snowmelt.

Steve

> lakes and streams, he said the Sierra water is virtually giardia free!
> When asked if I should treat my water along the trail he said it's
> probably not necessary. Common sense is the best approach he said.
>
> Also, the latest Backpacker magazine has an interesting article on
> Giardia and other waterborne bugs. The article states the Sierra water
> as being mostly safe as I recall. I don't have the article in front of
> me, so I can't quote any numbers though.
>
> I'll be on the trail next spring too, and plan to treat most of my
> water, especially in S. CA and in the lower elevations... In The Sierra,
> I'll probably be less concerned about it.
>
> I have never heard about the pink snow possibility... Interesting!
>
> Brian
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
> [mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Steve Setzer
> Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 1:25 PM
> To: Edmond Meinfelder
> Cc: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Sierra runs
>
>
>
> To those who have hiked the PCT (or hike in those areas) ... would you
> recommend treating the water in the Sierra?  What about outside of the
> Sierra?  I got the impression that the Sierra was the area I should be
> least concerned about but that doesn't seem to be the case.
>
> Steve
>
> >
> > Regardless, the effect is the same. I can name a dozen hikers form the
>
> > class of '02 who got it bad in the Sierra. Before the Sierra, I can
> > think of only one person who got the runs.
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