[pct-l] The Sierra Boogeyman

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

With all this talk about crampons, snow pack level,
etc..etc, thought I'd add my .05 worth. Take advice
for what it is worth and since it is free, maybe it
ain't worth too much. :D

** Again, it is three months until June. We can't
predict what Ma Nature is gonna due between now and
then. It could melt, it could dump more. Point is,
anticipating what you'll need for June via March
levels is not the best route. Good to have an idea of
what to do, but don't assume that is going to be the
way. Planning is good, not altering your plan based on
real world variables not so good

** Find the best way to go over passes is anytime
between late morning and mid afternoon. The snow is
soft and makes it easier to gain footing. Yes, you may
posthole more but it easier and safer

** If you do go in the early morning (when the snow is
hard), or at night (when it is freezing), then
crampons and an ice axe would be useful (esp. if the
snow levels are really that high). FWIW,  did the"
wait until mid-morning strategy" and did days in the
low 20s arounf June 8th. I was also one of heads of
the pack - I did cross one pass in the morning, forget
which one. 
YMMV

** If you do take an ice axe and/or crampons, be sure
you know how to use them. Otherwise they are just
tools taking up weight. MOUNTAINEERING: FREEDOM OF THE
HILLS is a classic and has great illustrated use on
ice axe use. Of course, nothing can beat practice. As
you are hiking along and see a snow bank of suitable
size, practice with your ice axe for a bit. Again, if
you do not know how to use an ice axe, it is a useless
tool. 

** What is a safe for one person is not safe for
another. Forget the mileage..be safe. I hiked the
Whites in Winter and live in Colorado (and do
backcountry falling..er skiing, too. :D) Transversing
mountains with snow was not as much a problem for me.
If you are not comfortable going through snowy passes,
then waiting for mid-day to mid-afternoon may be
helpful. Anyway, it is the Sierra. If you "only" do 15
miles a day, that much more time to enjoy it.

** Finally, don't sweat it. Enjoy the hike. There is
always a way. What we don't know is often scarier than
the reality of when we actually do something. Think
back to when started driving, doing another long trail
or dating someone (wait..that still scares me! :D).
All events that seemed scary and full of anticipation;
all events that you were not as bad as your fear made
them to be.

Enoy the adventure, enjoy the trail, enjoy life!



************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com