[pct-l] Rain Theory

[campydog at verizon.net (Campy)]

> Ref: Message: 17
>
> From: Dan Schmidt <danjschmidt@gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] rain theory
> To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>
>  I lived in Portland, OR for many years as a commuter
> cyclist and quickly gave up on any rain gear for prolonged rides and
> instead just got wet and the ride kept me warm.  Of course, there was
> always someplace warm to end up.  I was wondering if a similar theory

Back when I was climbing I would wear running shorts and carry extra 
clothing only for the head and torso. When it rained I just continued 
with what I was doing and I never felt as cold on the legs as when wet 
pants or chaps were being worn. But the legs would soon begin to turn 
red, almost glowing, indicating lots of circulation reaching the 
surface. This led to comfort, but could have been ominous. Particularly 
if I had been alone, since cooled blood returning to the core can lead 
to a kind of shock. We have all heard of rescued seamen who would 
suddenly go into shock and often would die soon after being rescued and 
when rapidly returned to a warm environment. This is why modern 
hypothermia re-warming protocol follows the rules: rapid onset 
hypothermia = rapid re-warming; slow onset hypothermia = slow 
re-warming. The contexts being: falling into a frozen creek vs. 
spending many hours exposed to a cold downpour.

==^======================
Campy
Central California Trail Coordinator
"Home of the High Sierra Trail Gorillas"
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Bishop CA  	Tel.: 760-872-2338

http://www.trailprojects.com  click on PCT

Time spent doing trail work shall not be deducted from your life!
==^