[pct-l] The Melt is on...maybe

[scourtway at bpa-arch.com (Steve Courtway)]

climbing on snow towards the pass with no trail in sight at 11,000 ft.,
runoff cascading all around - huffing and puffing and maybe even a little
slobber, it doesn't get any better than that.....

s.c.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Cox" <richardlcox@gmail.com>
To: <dsaufley@sprynet.com>
Cc: "Don Wilson" <don_wilson@mac.com>; "PCT Mailing List"
<pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2005 10:19 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] The Melt is on...maybe


> Don't put too much effort into worry or planning about the snowmelt
> yet. In 2003 we there was much concern about record levels of snow at
> the kickoff. There was talk of bouncing to give more time for the snow
> to melt.
>
> Early people did have some trouble, but a big part of the pack left on
> June 14 - one day BEFORE Ray Day. As we had struggled on through the
> desert, the Sierra had record high temperatures and it turned out to
> be a farily normal year by the time we got there.
>
> By the same token in a "normal" snowfall year, cooler temperatures and
> late precip could leave you with more snow than expected.
>
> The trail will also provide you with fires, lighting storms while you
> are on a ridgeline, and plenty of other things that you could worry
> about. But the hike will be what it is no matter how you plan or hope
> for things to be different. It is very zen in that way.
>
> I think Yogi was the first person who told me to think of the hike as
> a series of small hikes - just to the next landmark or town stop. If
> you think of it as walking to Canada it is too big an can overwhelm
> you.
>
> Much the same with snow and weather. You only have to deal with the
> heat of today, crossing the snowfield in front of you, or getting out
> of the rain at the moment. And at the time it won't be as big as
> "CROSSING THE RECORD SNOWMELT IN THE SIERRA" - it's a day with a wet
> ass and cold fingers.
>
> There are struggles and victories every day on the trail. The trail
> will provide what you need, just when you need it. It is a wonderful
> lesson in living in the moment - because that is all you can really do
> out there.
>
> At least that is how I see things. Everyone has their own journey to take.
>
> Boy, now I want to hike it again. That always happens. :)
>
> HYOY
>
> The One
> PCT 2003
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