[pct-l] Re: jmt in first half of september

[RBALCORN at cs.com (RBALCORN@cs.com)]

We've section hiked parts of the JMT in Sept and Oct several times, and I've 
thru hiked JMT in August.  Fording is not a problem - only one above the knees 
would be Evolution Creek. I assume you are going North to South.  South side 
of the passes in Sequoia-Kings Canyon tend to be dry - you might walk 4 to six 
hours without good water if you camp at the last place with water on the 
North side of the pass each night.  We try to be in a position to get over the 
pass in the morning to avoid the risk of afternoon thunderstorms (based on 
previous bad experiences).  A liter and a half will get me between any two water 
points on the JMT.  Normally I carry about a liter, and pump once during the day. 
 If we plan a dry camp to get a better start the next day, then we have to 
carry about 4 liters between the two of us.

One problem in late Sept and Oct is that the nights are very long - dark at 
6, and too cold to stay out of the sleeping bag.  Even in early Sept the 
temperature sometimes drops to 20.

Ralph Alcorn
www.backpack45.com
Shepherd Canyon Books
Publisher of We're in the Mountains, Not Over the Hill: Tales and Tips from 
Seasoned Women Backpackers