[pct-l] Trail Markings

[cmkudija at earthlink.net (cmkudija@earthlink.net)]

coming in a bit late to this conversation, I thought I'd add $0.02  to Mags'
comment (referring to a trail runner's experience)
<<"For a person used to well marked and controlled environment (such as a
racing course) and has limited outdoor skills, the PCT is probably a bit
daunting>> --

While I might become annoyed at the lack of trail markings in some areas -
or the apparent total disregard of the PCT in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP
(lovely carved "John Muir Trail" signs but no indication of the Pacific
Crest National Scenic Trail) - I also think that a bit of "dauntingness" is
appropriate to the PCT, and unless there's a safety concern, it adds to the
adventure.  An hour off-trail, to me, is part of that adventure.
Frustrating, yes, but doesn't losing the trail once in a great while and
finding it again contribute to the hiker's awareness of her surroundings and
to her navigation skills?

Disclaimer - yep, I'm on the PCTA Board and this is my own opinion, not the
PCTA's.   Bark at me if you'd like.

Christine "Ceanothus" Kudija
PCT partially '94

www.pcta.org
Join Now!

Never measure the height of a mountain until you have reached its top.  Then
you will know how low it was.
                                                                     Dag
Hammarskjold

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net]On Behalf Of Monty Tam
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 1:41 PM
To: Paul Magnanti; PCT MailingList
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Trail Markings

I don't mind that, Mags.

Perhaps mis-directed is the wrong choice concerning these markings..
I'm talking about clearly, without a doubt directing a person left instead
of right.
Off the trail for quite a while with an hour hike back.
Overall direction close enough to even fool a quick glance at a compass.
Without those markers, none at all, would have been beautiful.  Maybe
they'll disapear next year.

I don't claim to be a super navigator, but many of us Sobo's this year did
a bit of "Creative Hiking" at these same spots because the signs pointed
the wrong way.








> [Original Message]
> From: Paul Magnanti <pmags@yahoo.com>
> To: PCT MailingList <pct-l@backcountry.net>
> Date: 11/14/2005 12:40:44 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] Trail Markings
>
> >>I think I hear things are pretty much cool the way
> they are.
> >>(although Washington has some big mis-directions for
> Sobos)
>
> >>Thanks for correcting me Mags
>
> Naah..not correcting you. Just adding my own (very
> opinionated :D) viewpoint.
>
> There is always room for improvement..but I'd hate to
> see a total "connect the dots" series of markings ala
> the AT. Heck..even on the AT you have to pay attention
> at times.
>
> For a person used to well marked and controlled
> environment (such as a racing course) and has limited
> outdoor skills, the PCT is probably a bit daunting.
>
>
>
> ************************************************************
> 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
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