[pct-l] Re: PCT-Prep

[tahoe.cat at verizon.net (Bill & Cathy)]

Hi L-Rod   I want to take this course too but I can't do it this year. I
hope to do it next year if at all possible.  Remember "Be Prepared" Ground
Pounder Bill  "Semper Fi"
----- Original Message -----
From: "dsaufley" <dsaufley@sprynet.com>
To: <Mtnned@aol.com>
Cc: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2006 8:31 AM
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Re: PCT-Prep


> Yes, we (or at least I) want and need to do this.  The snow camping is
> another one we're interested in, but I'm thinking we'll push this off to
> next year given all the time we're taking off this year.  A few of my
> friends from work might be interested, too - and I hope anyone out there
in
> list land who can and wants to join us will plan to do so.  I'm thinking a
> four day weekend (Friday through Monday), one of the last two weekends in
> March.  I'm assuming this will be in the Tahoe area.  We will pin down the
> exact weekend and make this happen.
>
>
>
> Thanks much, Mtnned.  I'm feeling more confident just knowing I'll be
taking
> this course - looking forward to it!
>
>
>
> L-Rod
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: Mtnned@aol.com [mailto:Mtnned@aol.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 12:29 AM
> To: dsaufley@sprynet.com
> Cc: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Re: PCT-Prep
>
>
>
> Hi, Donna!
>
>
>
> In essence, what the thru-hikers are doing over snow in the High Sierra is
> nontechnical mountaineering.  Navigation over snow, above timberline, in
> high, rugged terrain, over ice, suncups, and crappy mush, post-holing for
> lengths at a time, getting soaked and sunburnt, scrambling around tree
wells
> while packs are being snagged by branches and legs cut by rocks, fording
> waist deep torrents of creeks, sleeping in already wet clothing and bags,
> starting every day with frozen water and boots, all the while trying to
> follow the right canyon up and over yet another 11,000 foot pass is
> mountaineering.
>
>
>
> The Clinic you're interested in is PCT-Prep, our four-day shakedown cruise
> for the thrus. As I was just telling "Ironlegs," the areas taught or
> emphasized are those you'll need to know and practice for your trip,
> including, and most importantly, ice axe use and self arrest techniques as
> they apply to the thru hiker and avalanche awareness, snow condition
> recognition, and avalanche avoidance.  Lots more practical, hands-on
skills
> are shown and supervised so you'll be more prepared before setting out
from
> home and more confident once on the snow.
>
>
>
> Much of this I learned from a similar program I attended before my hike.
> That one weekend was a heck of a test and contributed to many schedule and
> equipment changes before I left mid-March of 1974.  I was in snow from
> mid-April on the Kern Plateau, on and off all the way to mid-August at
> Rainier N.P.. And that was just the Crest, the Divide was another story.
>
>
>
> Let us know when you'd like to go.  Your schedule is tighter than ours as
> your start date is coming up. The more people, the less expensive, as
these
> are nonprofit clinics benefiting each current class of thru hikers. Group
of
> eight max. Under that we'll put the group together and confirm the date.
> Early March to KO is best but not necessary.
>
>
>
> Yes, there is a list, but you already have it!  This is your snow
shakedown
> cruise.  Bring what you will be carrying when you're on the snow.  This is
> your opportunity to test it and you (under supervision in case you don't
> know how to use it or it doesn't work out for you) under the conditions
> you'll have when you're up there.  Prior to our meeting at the trailhead,
> we'll have plenty of phone conversations to get you ready!
>
>
>
> Any further questions, RSVP.
>
>
>
> Mtnned
>
> _______________________________________________
> pct-l mailing list
> pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> unsubscribe or change options:
> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l