[pct-l] Night time temps

[magicalnexus at yahoo.com (Magical Nexus)]

To Mike S and crew....
The San Felipes are hardly an example of a high stretch. The San Jacintos are above 6K ft and last year there were snow fields, we walked through them. If it is clear and windy as is often the case at altitude, expect it to be cool. Polypropylene underwear, gloves and a hat are helpful.
There can be warm stretches but I would never be caught out there without some decent cold weather stuff.... I warn you all that I have been caught in a two day snow storm on top of the San Gabriels on the begining of June and without cold weather gear we would have been in a world of hurt. 
It is one thing to hike ultra lite, it is another to hike naked and unprepared. I wouldn't suggest ignoring the possibilities. 
There was snow and high winds above Warner Springs last season as we climbed over the hump down to Anza around 8May. Yet that night in the desert behind Anza we walked in a fairly warm and comfortable temp zone in the moon light and it was just wonderful.
 
Several days later we were above Idyllwyld and in snow fields, and the trail was icey and cold for another 20 miles beyond. 
 
Clear nights at altitudes above 5k are predictably cold, guys, don't underestimate it.
 
And every time we ended up at altitude above, say, 5500ft, it was cold enough to sleep with a hat, gloves, long underwear and sox...
 
Tedster

		
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