[pct-l] I-10- to Big Bear in November?

[tahoe.cat at verizon.net (Cathy)]

Hi Peter   I wouldn't think you would have a problem from the I-10 up until
you got into the higher elevations around mission creek camp. My grandson
and I plan to hike from hwy 18 to little bear springs on thanksgiving
weekend depending on the snow. I heard that they are getting some right now.
As long as we can find the trail we will hike it. We plan on doing this over
night. It will be below freezing at night but not sure on how low.The only
trouble would be finding the trail anywhere in the snow. I'm hoping that it
will melt some by then. Starting at the I-10 you might have trouble crossing
the river and the creeks but still should be doable. Once you start from the
I-10 there isn't any road to get to 38 until you get to 38. Once you got to
38 you could hitch a ride to Big Bear there is usually plenty of traffic.
Good Luck  Ground Pounder Bill ----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter" <peter@onthecrest.com>
To: "'pct'" <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Cc: <wildski@msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 11:24 AM
Subject: [pct-l] I-10- to Big Bear in November?


My son and I are going to be in Palm Springs, and we are looking at hiking
from San Gorgonio to Van Dusen Canyon Road--64 miles--beginning on the
afternoon of 11/15. The problem is we have only 5 days and I understand from
talking to National Park folk that there's already 2-3 feet of snow on most
of the distance. While my son is a fast hiker, I'm slow. Which sparks these
questions:

-- Is the 64 miles totally unrealistic, given the snow conditions?

-- How easy would it be to get to Route 38? How long is it likely to take?
Is that road passable? Is there sufficient traffic to viably hitchhike to
Big Bear?

--Is there any other road that comes close to the trail, by which we might
leave the trail and get to Big bear in an easy 5 days?

-- Are the conditions such that it'd be advisable to carry an ice ax? A GPS?

-- If this part of the PCT is not viable, given our time constraints, can
you suggest an alternative 30-40-mile hike from Big Bear north? How about
Big Bear to Hwy 173?

--Are there any N to S vs. S-N slants?

I would very much appreciate any suggestions regarding the above.

Peter "Powerful Tiger" Haskell


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