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[pct-l] 413 and 414
- Subject: [pct-l] 413 and 414
- From: Dave Gomberg <gomberg@wcf.com>
- Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 22:42:15 -0800
Subject:
pct-l-digest V1 #413
Date:
Mon, 9 Mar 1998 00:00:06 -0600 (CST)
From:
(pct-l-digest)
Reply-To:
pct-l@saffron.hack.net
To:
pct-l-digest@saffron.hack.net
pct-l-digest Monday, March 9 1998 Volume 01 : Number
413
In this issue:
[pct-l] Celluloid Heroes, Guns, and Peanut Butter
[pct-l] Re: Southern PCT, Santa Ana and other winds
[pct-l] You should consider using metal toothpicks to help you
promote sales of your bags
[pct-l] ice axe
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 00:52:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Craig Giffen <cgiffen@teleport.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Celluloid Heroes, Guns, and Peanut Butter
RE: Filming the PCT (slight rambling rant)
I hope a film on the PCT doesn't have a negative effect on the trail.
Films
or media coverage tend to skyrocket participation in certain things.
Remember how Air Force enrollment went up after the "Top Gun" movie?
Remember how after the 1996 Everest tragedy, the guide servies were
flooded
with people who didn't know you could simply pay a fee and climb Mt.
Everest?
As much as I hate to say it, the PCT is going to keep getting more
popular...it won't just be "our secret". In the grand scheme of things,
the
PCT is relatively unknown in the mainsream world. There is a big
paradox
with the PCT. On one hand, the increased numbers of hikers will help
keep
the forests standing along the trail, and keep other lobby groups (i.e.
Dirt
Bikes) off the trail. The downside of the increased numbers is what
happens
to anything when it becomes mainstream...it becomes commercial and
"polluted". A PCT journey would be quite different if there were 2000
thru
hikers every year. If you use the figure (a PCT lister's)... that 10%
of
any group are arseholes, there would be your littered beer cans, soap in
your lakes, disgruntled townspeople, and Dorito dependent chipmunks for
you.
Things like PCT planning programs, guidebooks, and photo journals don't
bother me. They help out the hiker. Things like daily airlifted
resupply
drops (I'm not kidding) and features on the Regis and Kathy Sweatshop
Show
attract the wrong element. Not to say that I'm better than anyone, but
watch the commercials during any episode of "Cops" or visit a shopping
sprawl mall and you will see what I'm getting at. Some people would
welcome
a Mt. Whitney McDonalds with open arms.
To whoever was filming the PCT, keep in mind it has already been
done...on
video at least.
RE: Roger C's post about Guns
> A long distance hiker
>is exposed to such things as weather, fording creeks, falls from steep
>trails or mountains, avalanche, equipment failure, accute illness, and
the
>list goes on. Your personal safety is not guaranteed out there on the
>trail!
Amen, you couldn't have said it better. Warding of hypothermia was a
bigger
problem for me than any animal I might need to shoot. For the extra
POUNDS
that a gun requires, those extra pounds could be better utilized in the
form
of extra warm clothes and food. There were three times on the trail
where
my body fat was so minimal (and I was exhausted) that I thought I was
going
to freeze to death. This is not when I was thinking "oh, I'm cold", but
was
when the paranoia would start to creep in. This is not fun by any
means.
Ken Marlow wrote:
>Craig, I used the same technique of covering my pack in chunky style
Skippy
>at resupply points. It worked great. I take it you didn't use this
tactic in
>bear country.
If you are going to cover you pack in peanut butter, I'd recommend using
creamy style peanut butter, it spreads much easier than chunky.
Craig
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 11:09:18 -0700
From: "William C. Speers" <bspeers@email.msn.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Re: Southern PCT, Santa Ana and other winds
In preparing for my PCT hike, I'm reading a book on the California
deserts.
It says that in April and May there are strong consistent winds blowing
from
the west with considerable force that carry snow and rain, and Santa Ana
winds blowing from the north and east that are hot and dry. Does anyone
on
this line have any thoughts with regard to the existence of such winds
and
the effect they would have on a hiker along the southern PCT?
Specifically,
should I expect to have to add a windbreaker to my rain and other gear,
thus
increasing the weight of my load? Should I expect to have to hole up to
avoid blowing sand, chill, etc.? The guy who wrote the book I'm reading
says that San Gorgonio Pass is a "great draught channel" and that the
winds
blowing through are strong enough to etch car windshields and take the
paint
off cars and buildings; is wind a problem in other areas south of
there?
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 08 Mar 1998 15:05:45 -0600
From: Marvin <toothpic@mindspring.com>
Subject: [pct-l] You should consider using metal toothpicks to help you
promote sales of your bags
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
- --------------23741911491E
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Every bag should have one Metal toothpick
as an added inducement to promote the sale of the bag.
$2.00 each
$12.00 dozen
$108.00 per gross
These Metal toothpicks are guaranteed five years.
They clean out the smallest teeth gaps.
We have been in business 53 yrs. Our price is right and
our service is the best, (fast )
Marvin Enterprises, 7101 Fair Oaks Ct.,Montgomery, Al 36117
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- --------------23741911491E--
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 21:00:31 -0700
From: "Duncan M. Moran" <dunc@avicom.net>
Subject: [pct-l] ice axe
Question for people who have hiked the PCT before: Where would the best
place be to start carrying an ice axe? Do the trail conditions this
season,
because of a heavy snowpack, warrant an axe in the San Jacinto's and/or
at
the Mt. Baden Powell area? Or, could the axe be best received at
Kennedy
Meadows? Or, not until Lone Pine?
Thanks, Jim
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------------------------------
End of pct-l-digest V1 #413
***************************
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Subject:
pct-l-digest V1 #414
Date:
Tue, 10 Mar 1998 00:00:10 -0600 (CST)
From:
(pct-l-digest)
Reply-To:
pct-l@saffron.hack.net
To:
pct-l-digest@saffron.hack.net
pct-l-digest Tuesday, March 10 1998 Volume 01 : Number
414
In this issue:
[pct-l] filming
[pct-l] Re: pct-l-digest V1 #413
[pct-l] Re: Southern PCT, Santa Ana and other winds
[pct-l] Ice Axes and Guns
[pct-l] PCT or OST?
RE [pct-l] Ice Axes and Guns
[pct-l] PCT-L admin note
[pct-l] PCT or OST?
[pct-l] Mt. McLoughlin & Oregon Cascades
[pct-l] Desert winds
Re: [pct-l] boots
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 09:38:28 +0000
From: Richard Burnberg <dazier@powernet.net>
Subject: [pct-l] filming
I apologize for my post in capitol letters.I was not aware of the local
customs. I am much more at home in the backcountry than here in
cyberspace.
Good luck to all of you backpackers and we hope to meet you on the
trail.
smile and be happy
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 11:58:35 -0600
From: "Mark Janowiak" <mjanwia@madison.tds.net>
Subject: [pct-l] Re: pct-l-digest V1 #413
> Question for people who have hiked the PCT before: Where would the
best
> place be to start carrying an ice axe? Do the trail conditions this
season,
> because of a heavy snowpack, warrant an axe in the San Jacinto's and/or
at
> the Mt. Baden Powell area? Or, could the axe be best received at
Kennedy
> Meadows? Or, not until Lone Pine?
>
> Thanks, Jim
>
Jim,
I used an ice axe from Campo. It was a very good dog deterrent in
southern
California.I didn't really need it until after Kennedy Meadows though.
Are
you going to need care boxes? I'm always happy to trade chocolate for
postcards.
Mark "Stinky" Janowiak PCT-84
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 12:36:58 -0600
From: "Robinson, Brian A" <brian.robinson@Tandem.COM>
Subject: [pct-l] Re: Southern PCT, Santa Ana and other winds
> From: William C. Speers
>
> In preparing for my PCT hike, I'm reading a book on the California
> deserts.
> It says that in April and May there are strong consistent winds
> blowing from
> the west with considerable force that carry snow and rain, and Santa
> Ana
> winds blowing from the north and east that are hot and dry. Does
> anyone on
> this line have any thoughts with regard to the existence of such winds
> and
> the effect they would have on a hiker along the southern PCT?
>
There's potential for lots of wind all along the PCT. Some of
the best parts of the trail follow ridge tops! These offer fabulous
views in good weather, but little protection from storms when the
weather gets bad. I hope your rain gear offers wind protection as well.
You shouldn't need two solutions.
The PCT goes through several wind farms, the first of which is
at San Gorgonio pass. (Where Interstate 10 goes through.) These
places are so consistently windy that power companies generate
electricity with wind mills there. The strongest winds you'll run into,
though, will come with storms. They can happen at any time. One storm
in '97 had gusts strong enough to blow us off the trail. I estimated 70
mph!
All that said, I don't consider southern California wind to be
one of the major obstacles on the PCT. In hot weather, wind is a
definite plus!
Brian
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 14:25:29 -0800
From: Greg Hummel <ghummel@hydrogenburner.com>
Subject: [pct-l] Ice Axes and Guns
> Question for people who have hiked the PCT before: Where would the
best
> place be to start carrying an ice axe? Do the trail conditions this
season,
> because of a heavy snowpack, warrant an axe in the San Jacinto's and/or
at
> the Mt. Baden Powell area? Or, could the axe be best received at
Kennedy
> Meadows? Or, not until Lone Pine?
>
> Thanks, Jim
>
Jim,
I have the solution to both the ice axe question and the problem of
illegal
immigrants in the southern area possibly preying upon unsuspecting
PCT'ers!
Carry an ice axe from Campo! With the heavy snow falls of El Nino in
southern California you are bound to need it through the San Jacinto,
San
Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains (and of course the High Sierra's)
and
when yielded with an angry face it will provide a healthy deterant to
those
focusing on making off with your possessions!
Heck, I Live In L.A. and don't own a gun. But I do own two ice axes!
Greg "Strider" Hummel.
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 15:08:48 PST
From: "Jorj Laing" <jorj_laing@hotmail.com>
Subject: [pct-l] PCT or OST?
In the section beginning at Windigo Pass (Jut outside of the Mt.
Thielsen Wilderness Area, there is the option of going to Summit Lake or
Crescent Lake. I was wondering who has taken the Oregon Skyline Trail
cut off and weither or not they would suggest it to the (high and Dry
PCT route to Cascade Summit...
Just wondering
Jorj Laing
PCT 98'
jorj_laing@hotmail.com
Seattle, WA
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 15:52:39 -0800
From: Kevin Corcoran <kevin@hughes.net>
Subject: RE [pct-l] Ice Axes and Guns
RE Ice axes and Guns:
....Note for the heavy metal rock fans on the List: the Ice Axes
and
Guns reunion tour will be playing the Hollywood Bowl on Memorial Day
weekend!....get your tickets before they sell out!!! .....
;-)
Kevin Corcoran
Palmdale CA
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 16:14:50 -0800
From: Brick Robbins <brick@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: [pct-l] PCT-L admin note
As you noticed there have been a couple of spams posted via the list.
There
is a mechanism that can restrict this, but as with all security
precautions, it comes with problems and inconvieneces.
This involves limiting posts to only those exact addresses of people who
are members. Majordomo gets this address from your e-mail headers when
you sign up. Occasionally the mail systems at large organizations such
as
universities or corporations will be reconfigured causing a slight
change
in your mail headers and WHAM! You can't post to the list any more.
Depending on the feedback I get, I can invoke this additional security
if
the list wants it but it may be easier to hit the delete key than to
force
a part of the group to sort out mail problems. If the frequency of the
spams increases, we can reconsider. I guess it depends on how much the
spam
offends you.....
Please let me know how you feel.
- ----
Brick Robbins
PCT-L List Admin
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 18:20:16 -0600
From: "Robinson, Brian A" <brian.robinson@Tandem.COM>
Subject: [pct-l] PCT or OST?
> From: Jorj Laing
>
> In the section beginning at Windigo Pass (Jut outside of the Mt.
> Thielsen Wilderness Area, there is the option of going to Summit Lake
> or
> Crescent Lake. I was wondering who has taken the Oregon Skyline Trail
> cut off and weither or not they would suggest it to the (high and Dry
> PCT route to Cascade Summit...
>
I chose the PCT in this section and the views were well worth the extra
altitude. It's maps D8 - D13 for those looking at the guide book. I
can't comment on the other route.
In general, I think choices like this should be made on the spot.
You'll end up adjusting your plans anyway. There are several similar
choices in Oregon. Usually the PCT is shorter, but not always. Usually
the PCT follows more ridges while the OST goes by more lakes. If you're
worried about a storm, have too much snow at higher elevations, or need
water, choose the lake route. If you've got good weather and little
snow, or want fewer mosquitoes, go for the better views. There's plenty
of miles of lakes and trees in Oregon.
Mark the alternates on your maps so you'll notice them. When you get
there, you'll know which way you want to go.
The exceptions to this are where an alternate affects your resupply,
like Crater Lake. Volume 2, maps C9-C12 show the PCT avoiding the rim.
That's now marked as the PCT route for stock. The route marked as an
alternate that goes by Mazama campground, Crater Lake Post Office, Park
Headquarters, Rim Village, etc. is now marked as official PCT, but for
hikers only. Depending on the exact route you choose, you'll be walking
some roads. As the guide book says, if you've never seen Crater Lake,
don't miss it. (I've seen it 3 times now and I'd go again in an
instant!)
Another exception most people plan on is the Eagle Creek trail in
section G. (Vol. 2, G5 - G7) Almost everyone takes the Eagle Creek
alternate. You should too! It's one of the highlights of the trip.
Brian
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Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 10:10:27 -0800
From: "Robinson, Brian A" <brian.robinson@Tandem.COM>
Subject: [pct-l] Mt. McLoughlin & Oregon Cascades
> From: Jorj Laing
> : [pct-l] Mt. McLoughin & Oregon Cascades
>
> I was wonderinf if anyone knew what time the trail to the top of Mt.
> McLoughin clears up. I was thinking this would be a good side trip to
> look over the Sky Lake Wilderness Area, and wondering if catching it
> in
> realative snow free condition is possible by Jardinian Time Tables...
> *:o)
>
> Jorj
> PCT 98'
>
I side-hiked Mt. McLoughlin on my PCT hike last year. I got there
August 14th and there were only patches of snow on the peak. (I left
Campo May 4th, and got to Manning Sept 20th.) There's a great view from
up there. You can see all of Sky Lakes Wilderness and even the rim of
Crater Lake if you know what you're looking at. As the guide book says,
if you get there on a clear day, don't miss it.
Here's a clarification though. The guide book's description ( Vol. 2,
map C1) says the hike takes 2-3 hours. This is true, but I thought that
meant a round trip. It took me 2.5 hours to get to the top. With an
hour break on top, the round trip took me about 6 hours.
Yeah, it took just as long to come down as go up. That's thru-hiker
shape for you. Without my pack, I didn't need much rest on the way up.
On the way down, my perpetually sore feet kept me from going too fast.
Brian
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Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 17:37:17 -0800
From: rogercar@pacifier.com (Roger Carpenter)
Subject: [pct-l] Desert winds
William Speers wrote:
>>In preparing for my PCT hike, I'm reading a book on the California
deserts.
It says that in April and May there are strong consistent winds blowing
from
the west with considerable force that carry snow and rain, and Santa Ana
winds blowing from the north and east that are hot and dry. Does anyone
on
this line have any thoughts with regard to the existence of such winds
and
the effect they would have on a hiker along the southern PCT? <<
During the thru-hiking seasons of '95 and '96 I experienced both wind
patterns. Just prior to the start of my hike on 5/8/96, the Santa Ana
winds
raised the temperatures well into the 100s. The benefit was the
complete
melting of the snow on San Jacinto and Baden-Powell. Once the winds
subsided, it was not quite as hot, but still pretty hot. For
thru-hikers
starting their journeys this spring, the Santa Anas will be very
welcome!
Around 5/14/96 I was hiking on the desert divide with westerly winds
blowing
cool fog over the divide. Just to the east it was clear and much
warmer.
About a week later, it snowed in the San Bernardinos while I was
resupplying
in Big Bear City. The hot weather returned after the storm, as it
usually
does. My point is that a hiker ought to be prepared for both extreems:
blistering hot, and even a light snowstorm. In '96 some of the
thru-hikers
who packed extreemly light were taken by surprise and hurried into
Wrightwood. The guidebook warns hikers of this possibility in this
area,
and snow occasionally falls on thru-hikers in So. Cal.!
William also mentioned the winds in San Gorgonio pass. In both '95 and
'96
the area had the extreem winds. I'm glad I did not camp there! The pass
is
one of those areas most hikers just get behind them, looking forward to
better environs ahead. Luckily, the blowing sand was not much of a
problem.
In '96 I camped on the trail just above the Snow Creek area, on the
southern
edge of the pass, where wind was not a factor. If you want to camp near
the
pass, Don Middleton lives in one of the homes in the "subdivision" just
north of I-10, and he often lets hikers stay in a cabin he has on his
property. Once through the San Gorgonio Pass area, northbound hikers
are
rewarded with the connifer forests above Mission Creek! Quite a
contrast!
The strongest wind I ever felt on the PCT? Just north of Tehachapi Pass
I
almost got knocked to the ground by wind gusts that exceeded 50 or 60
mph.
They didn't put those wind turbines there for nothing!
roger carpenter
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Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 19:34:38 -0800 (PST)
From: "Bob Turner" <bturner@enaila.nidlink.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] boots
ken, I too had poor ankles before our trip last year. I chose the Vasque
clarion
mostly on their fit. These boots served Joy and me very well. I turned
my
ankle a number of times during the first 2 months, after that hardly
had
any
trouble. BTW I haad so severely ruined my left ankle that in '91 I had
to have
surgery to correct the "drop", a result of all the torn ligaments. my
ankles
really did strengthen during the trip... or else I finally learned to
walk.
Bob
Bob Turner,Coordinator, ALDHA-West
American Long Distance Hiking Association-West
http://www.gorp.com/nonprof/aldhaw
http://www.nidlink.com/~bturner
Hikers supporting hikers!
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------------------------------
End of pct-l-digest V1 #414
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FormMaestro <http://www.wcf.com>
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