[pct-l] Hiking the Southern California PCT in winter

[Leemarsden at aol.com (Leemarsden@aol.com)]

I am pretty new to the PCT -- I just finished my first section, from Campo to 
Idyllwild in late November.  Because of my job I will have to do most hiking 
in 100 to 200 mile sections in non-optimum seasons.  Despite the snow in the 
San Jacintos, I enjoyed this last trip, though, and think if I had crampons, 
snow shoes, warmer clothing, etc. I would enjoy winter hiking.  

Is there anyone out there who has done much of this?  I am curious how far 
you can push things with better equipment and what the conditions are really 
like in at higher elevations Southern California in winter.  It looks like going 
north from Idyllwild might be doable with snow shoes, crampons, etc.  

Am I crazy?  I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has done 
this or has some experience with equipment and these sections of trail in 
winter.  

Thanks very much

Lee Marsden