[pct-l] Re: Ice Axe Experience Question

[bharve at dslextreme.com (Bruce Harvey)]

>From the west coast I certainly can't suggest local instruction sources for 
you.  However, I'll suggest some excellent written instruction.  It is in 
the book titled 'Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills', ISBN 
0-89886-827-0 in hardcover and 0-89886-828-9 in paperback.  If a copy is 
available to you at a library or elsewhere, study the section on self-arrest 
with an ice axe.  You could study it with a friend and then go out and 
practice together, alternating as safety observer for each other.  You'll 
need a slope with snow hard enough (early in the day) and steep enough to 
promote continue sliding after a fall.  The fall line of a practice slope 
should be clear of hazards like protruding rocks or brush, and have a safe 
runout area at the bottom.  For the PCT, the self-arrest section of the book 
is likely the most applicable snow travel section for a majority of the 
hikers.

On the PCT most hikers follow in footsteps of earlier hikers who have 
chopped or stomped tracks through snow sections.  Most later hikers can 
confidently step in those tracks.  You can get a flavor of how much ice axes 
are needed on the PCT by reading a lot of journal entries where crossing 
snow is discussed.  You can find some journal pictures of hikers with ice 
axes strapped to their pack, trekking poles in hand, and stepping in tracks 
made by earlier hikers.

Finally, regarding insttruction I've been told that the Sierra Club has 
discontinued ice axe and crampon instruction following a serious accident. 
I suppose that doesn't auger well for finding instruction in your area.   If 
you don't find any, invest your time in study, and practice if you have 
suitable location.
Regards


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AlohaAnn" <AlohaAnn@adelphia.net>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 3:49 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Re: Ice Axe Experience Question


Aloha All!

I've been lurking in the background and first, want to thank all for their 
invaluable advice.  As with everyday, I've learned tons.  Mahalo.

My question:  Does anyone know of a place near central Virginia/DC where I 
could possibly find someone to teach me how to use an ice axe?  As an AT 
completer, my current goal is the PCT in '05.  I'm a warm weather gal and 
know little to nothing about snow or ice axe and crampon use.  I own a cabin 
not far from Bayse Ski Resort and plan on chatting with them but after 
checking them out last year I'm not holding my breath for anything more in 
the lesson category than bunny hill skiing.  (Something I also have never 
done.)  Anyway, should you know of someplace in the vicinity I would 
appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you to all that share.

Aloha! Ann

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<<  If you don't know how to use crampons or ice axe, you could do yourself 
real harm. >>
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