[pct-l] Ice Axe Standards

[jolson at olc.edu (Jeffrey Olson)]

I'm curious.  Isn't how most thru-hikers use their ice ax the bury the 
shaft up to the ax part, and take a step.  Then, while very secure in 
footing, move the ax and bury it to the hilt again, and then step and 
kick a secure foothold?  Isn't the wrist strap to ensure that if you do 
slip and fall, that you are not only holding onto the ax head, but are 
"strapped in?"  

I know that while in Washington in mid-June this year the only call for 
an ice ax was to be used in this manner.  Is there something I'm missing 
here?  Is it any different  on the passes in the Sierra in June?  Isn't 
it "Plant and kick a foothold, plant, and kick a foothold???

Jeff Olson
Martin, SD