[pct-l] re: ice axes

[kkinneen at dc-cares.org (Kelly Kinneen)]

I list-lurk a lot, so I thought I'd just throw in my two cents:
 
When I arrived at Kennedy Meadows in mid-June, I had not brought an ice
axe (I do, however, have training in how to use one). I was told by
several thru-hikers that I was courting death not to have an ice axe
through Forrester Pass (which we finally crossed about 6/22).
 
Terrified, I got out at Lone Pine and spent $50 on an ice axe that I
never pulled out. Not once. I was hiking with two others, and the three
of us were never in a situation where navigating the snow fields and
approaches required more than careful and deliberate stepping. If I did
it again, I think perhaps I'd carry trekking poles through the area, a
la Sly (see entry below). Peace of mind is a valuable thing, but an ice
axe for me was one step too far. 
 
If I had to advise someone like me, who'd never hiked in the Sierra, I'd
say: Relax. There are post-holes. You can time your approaches. Even if
you do decide that you want to carry an ice-axe, don't fret: learn how
to use it, but know that you probably never well.
 
Kelly
The Hiker Formerly Known as Detour
 
 
Actually since I didn't have training prior to my start and nearly took
off 
my shoulder off during practice on the trail, I felt much more
comfortable 
crossing steep snow with both poles, one shortened on the up hill side,
the other 
lengthened.  This way it was much easier to maintain my balance.
Perhaps the 
most important factor, I also timed my passes to reach snow when it was 
softened and not icy.  I could also prod along well in front of me to
test for icy 
"trail".
 
YMMV,
 
Sly