[pct-l] Forests to Close Until Rainfall

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@sprynet.com)]

The National Forests (all of them in So. Cal) will close at midnight tonight.  Interestingly, the word is a "state of emergency" is being declared in the Forests, which if true would be unprecedented when there are no major fires occurring (to the best of my knowledge anyway, corrections welcome).  Residents in the San Gabriel Nat'l are being evicted and businesses will close, which poses for some a devastating hardship.  IMHO, counties in Florida are in a "state of emergency."  So. Cal forests are in a "precarious position."  But then, I digress from my self-imposed policy of not opining.  

On a related topic, Scott Williamson is on his way South, having reached the Canadian border on 8/9, and stands a very good chance of making it through the Sierras if good weather prevails.  In his last note he indicated he was in Cascade Locks on 8/23 and anticipated being in the Sierras in early October, and here in Agua Dulce toward the end of the month.  Should the planets and the weather finally align for Scott's first ever yo-yo of the PCT, having hiked over 4,500 miles to reach the affected forests, what a shame it would be if arbitrary government policies stop him from this monumental accomplishment.  

Scott mentioned passing three other south bounders.  For the last two years, and it looks like this one may be a third, south bounders have not been able to complete the PCT due to forest closures.  I for one would like a pro-rated refund on my Nat'l Forest passes, which I have purchased for years without complaint.  

There is a silver lining in all of this though.  The forests are closing just as hunting season opened for another year.  Rack one up for the critters.

-=Donna Saufley=-