[pct-l] Getting Into Trouble on the Trail

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

One thing I forgot to mention is the one common denominator of most of the 
stories I have read about trouble in the wilds.  SNOW.  That is true of the 
mountainmen and John Muir.  I hate snow on the PCT.  I try to avoid it at all 
cost.  I will not go hiking if I think there is more than enough to make a few 
snow cones.

If you are a thru hiker and think post holing, white water, ice axes/campons, 
and snow melt are part of the great experience, then good for you.  And have 
fun.

I went into Lyell Canyon (Yosemite NP) on the PCT late May last year.  One 
day I am happily hiking along in my sandals with blue skies, white clouds, and 
green spring all around - maximum fun.  The next day I am fighting my way out 
through a gigantic snow storm.  The road into Yosemite is now closed.  It is 
hard to see green anywhere.  Snow is coming down faster and faster.  Oh, by the 
way, the helpful rangers at the Toulumne Meadows Ranger Station did not give 
me a weather warning when I got my permit or rented my bear canister (I won't 
mention that I did not ask them about the weather either, heh, heh).  Yes, it 
was very beautiful.  Yes, it was kind of neat to hike in a snow storm in the 
high mountains.  Yes, it added a little more adventure to my trip.  Yes, I could 
have holed up in Lyell Canyon and eaten my pack animals/dogs if I had some or 
bought some from LlamaLady if she came along.

I have gone over Glenn Pass on the PCT where the trail was melted to the 
ground, but the snow on both sides of you was 10 feet high.  Just a narrow path to 
walk through.  Unbelievable.

Snow and ice will get me someday out on the trail.  I am sure of it -- it is 
after me.  I am just trying to avoid it as long as possible.  It seems every 
time Mother Nature sees me out on the trail, she says lets cook up a nice storm 
for good old Switchback.  Sometimes I feel like Pig Pen in the Peanuts comic 
strip with the cloud following him around.  Can you imagine what will happen 
to me on the top of Mt. Whitney later this summer when I campout -- nice 
knowing all of you.

Your fair weather hiking buddy, Switchback