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[pct-l] Re: pct-l-digest V1 #498
Michael,
Regarding weather on the JMT in July: I did the JMT last September and
it was snow free. Early Fall can be one of the best times to be in the
Sierras. I prefer to walk the trail when there is no snow, and it
sounds like you do, too. As you know, this is an unusual year and there
has been a lot more snow than usual. This will not be the best year to
do the JMT, but you'll definitely have better luck later in the Summer.
I, myself, have decided to spend two weeks in the Canadian Rockies this
summer instead of the Sierras, due to the snow pack.
If you want more advice on the JMT, I've got plenty!
dsloan@hotmail.com
pct-l-digest wrote:
>
> pct-l-digest Wednesday, May 27 1998 Volume 01 : Number 498
>
> In this issue:
>
> [pct-l] fwd:BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from [drufner@u csd.edu (dan rufner)]
> [pct-l] fwd BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> [pct-l] fwd: BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from [Craig Gif fen <craig@newestindustry.com>]
> [pct-l] Hotel closed I-5 and 138 (fwd)
> [pct-l] Auga Dulce box drop (fwd)
> [pct-l] JMT weather (fwd)
> [pct-l] Muir Trail Ranch supply drop note
> [pct-l] Section F Trail Conditions
> [pct-l] High Sierra Snow (sob)
> RE: [pct-l] Auga Dulce box drop
> [pct-l] TednDeb - Cascades in May
> [pct-l] Seattlites - PCT at Snoqualmie
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 22:32:48 -0700
> From: Brick Robbins <brick@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] fwd:BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from [drufner@u csd.edu (dan rufner)]
>
> >From owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net Thu May 21 12:01:56 1998
> Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 12:01:56 -0500 (CDT)
> From: owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> To: owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> Subject: BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from
> [drufner@u
> csd.edu (dan rufner)]
>
> >From owner-pct-l Thu May 21 12:01:54 1998
> Received: from mail.ucsd.edu (ucsd.ucsd.edu [132.239.1.1]) by
> saffron.hack.net (
> 8.8.5/8.7.3) with ESMTP id MAA09815 for <pct-l@saffron.hack.net>; Thu, 21
> May 19
> 98 12:01:53 -0500 (CDT)
> Received: from [132.239.26.56] (saschasmac.ucsd.edu [132.239.26.56]) by
> mail.ucs
> d.edu; id KAA17985
> sendmail 8.8.5/UCSD8.3 via SMTP
> Thu, 21 May 1998 10:01:48 -0700 (PDT) for <pct-l@saffron.hack.net>
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> Mime-Version: 1.0
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> Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 10:01:10 +0100
> To: pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> From: drufner@ucsd.edu (dan rufner)
> Subject: quick answer
>
> I haven't responded in awhile, in part due to the fact that the topics
> haven't been of much interest to me lately due to much politicing going on.
> Thanks for getting back to trail topics.
>
> Michael wrote in with the snippet and question:
>
> "I am planning a trip on the Muir trail beginning July 1. The original
> plan was to hike South to North and starting at Cottonwood pass (and
> then approaching and climbing Whitney from the West), but when I called
> the Whitney Ranger station in Lone Pine, I was advised that there would
> probably still be snow at the peak and other passes.
>
>
> My hiking partner and I do not have technical experience with crampons
> or ice axes, and my guess is that Whitney is probably not the place to
> learn!
>
> Unfortunately the question wasn't answered by anyone. In fact there was no
> type of answer to any type of question about hiking the PCT at all.
> Someone said that was not the norm, so I guess I'll hang in there. If
> anyone has an answer to the question posed by the gentleman I quoted, I
> sure would appreciate an answer."
>
> The reason you may not have heard is some people reply directly to the
> sender. Also, a number of people on the list have begun summer journeys.
> And, unfortunately, a number of knowledgeable people have dropped the list.
> So I'll add my thoughts and I know you will get more.
>
> Normally in July you will run into some patchy snow in the Sierras but
> nothing too technical. However, this year seems to be a bit more than
> normal with predictions (at least ones I've seen) having heavy snowpack on
> the passes into August. If this is true, a number of the passes and peaks
> could pose interesting challenges. True, a number of people should have
> passed through so it will be passible without equipment, but being
> unprepared for mistakes would be ugly.
>
> I personally don't rely on my crampons much, only on very cold, icy snow or
> on steep slopes. At the time you are going through there should be steps
> and, if not, the snow should be soft enough to kick step through. Crampons
> would just ball up with soft snow and be of little use. An ice axe,
> however, is what I would consider a necessity, both for ease in walking, a
> cane to get out of postholes, and to self arrest in a fall.
>
> However, just carrying an axe does no good if you don't know how to use it.
> I was amazed in '96 at the number of thru hikers carrying axes that had no
> training and very little idea how to use it. Some were even teaching
> others bad information while sitting around fires at Kennedy Meadows. Find
> a friend who is comfortable teaching or pay the small price to enroll a day
> clinic that will teach the skills. If you have trouble finding some
> consider starting your trip at the north end as either the Yosemite
> Climbing guides or a number of companies in Mammoth or Bishop may still be
> offering classes late (mountaineering) season. Without instruction you'll
> just be carrying extra weight that may cause more damage if used
> inproperly.
>
> Good luck and don't let the snow hold you back - it's much more fun!
> Dan
>
> Dan Rufner
> Outback Adventures Customer Service Manager
> 9500 Gilman Drive -0004
> La Jolla, CA 92093-0004
> (619) 534-0684
> drufner@ucsd.edu
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 22:21:40 -0700
> From: Brick Robbins <brick@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] fwd BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net
>
> Subject: BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from ["JP
> Const
> rucoes e Montagens Ltda" <jpcm@merconet.com.br>] Admin request of type
> /\bunsu
> bscribe\b/i at line 1
>
> From: "JP Construcoes e Montagens Ltda" <jpcm@merconet.com.br>
> To: <atml@trailplace.com>, <pct-l@saffron.hack.net>
> Subject: See y'all
> Date: Sat, 23 May 1998 19:32:33 -0300
>
> Well, my time in Brasil has come to a close, and I must un\subscribe to the
> lists. My departure is a bit early, as my computer crashed today, I
> actually still have 10 days hear. Any rate thanks to all for the good
> commentary. Hope to rejoin soon.
>
> Best regards,
> Andy Somers
> Bald Eagle GA->ME '95
> S=E3o Paulo, Brasil (soon to be Huntsville, AL; USA) =20
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 22:49:33 -0700
> From: Brick Robbins <brick@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] fwd: BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from [Craig Gif fen <craig@newestindustry.com>]
>
> Message 48:
> >From owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net Tue May 26 00:26:52 1998
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 00:26:52 -0500 (CDT)
> From: owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> To: owner-pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> Subject: BOUNCE pct-l@saffron.hack.net: Non-member submission from
> [Craig Gif
> fen <craig@newestindustry.com>]
>
> >From owner-pct-l Tue May 26 00:26:50 1998
> Received: from smtp5.teleport.com (mail1.teleport.com [192.108.254.26]) by
> saffr
> on.hack.net (8.8.5/8.7.3) with ESMTP id AAA27041 for
> <pct-l@saffron.hack.net>; T
> ue, 26 May 1998 00:26:49 -0500 (CDT)
> Received: from cgiffen.teleport.com (pdx82-tcr-06.teleport.com
> [204.202.169.212]
> ) by smtp5.teleport.com (8.8.7/8.7.3) with SMTP id WAA10557 for
> <pct-l@saffron.h
> ack.net>; Mon, 25 May 1998 22:24:18 -0700 (PDT)
> Message-Id: <3.0.5.32.19980525223302.0082f330@mail.teleport.com>
> X-Sender: cgiffen@mail.teleport.com
> X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.5 (32)
> Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 22:33:02 -0700
> To: pct-l@saffron.hack.net
> From: Craig Giffen <craig@newestindustry.com>
> Subject: Phone Numbers
> Mime-Version: 1.0
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I have most of the PO phone numbers on the PCT planning program. They
> should be correct, but I haven't checked all of them.
>
> http://www.newestindustry.com/pct/pctprogram.html
>
> Craig Giffen
> Portland, OR
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 09:34:59 -0400 (EDT)
> From: "Milt Webb, IQ Software" <milt@iqsc.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Hotel closed I-5 and 138 (fwd)
>
> - ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sat, 23 May 98 03:09 EDT
> From: PCT-L Guest Post <milt@saffron.hack.net>
> Reply-To: 104031.167@compuserve.com
> To: milt@iqsc.com
> Subject: Hotel closed I-5 and 138
>
> * Message posted to PCT-L from the National Scenic Trails Website
> * by our guest Pete Grass <104031.167@compuserve.com>.
> * Please use <104031.167@compuserve.com> to reply to the sender.
>
> East of the town of Wrightwood in So. Cal, there is a road junction called Cajon Junction where I-5 and 138 cross. The trail guides mention a hotel at this junction that can be used as the PCT crosses here.
>
> Guess what? The hotel is out of business.
>
> Make other plans.
>
> Pete
>
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 09:35:36 -0400 (EDT)
> From: "Milt Webb, IQ Software" <milt@iqsc.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Auga Dulce box drop (fwd)
>
> - ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sat, 23 May 98 03:13 EDT
> From: PCT-L Guest Post <milt@saffron.hack.net>
> Reply-To: 104031.167@compuserve.com
> To: milt@iqsc.com
> Subject: Auga Dulce box drop
>
> * Message posted to PCT-L from the National Scenic Trails Website
> * by our guest Pete Grass <104031.167@compuserve.com>.
> * Please use <104031.167@compuserve.com> to reply to the sender.
>
> I'm part of the support team for a pair of hikers who called in from Wrightwood tonight. Their next stop is in Auga Dulce and hopefully their box will be there - somewhere. Rumors are all over the hiker "camp" that the Century 21 office has been closed for six weeks plus and the fate of supplies are ???
>
> SOme think that the boxes are being held at a general store nearby by the name of Ray or Richard (?) Canyon Market. Lots of rumors, few facts at this point.
>
> As my box hasn't RTS yet, I'm hopefull it is there for them somewhere.
>
> Let's post the right address here...
>
> Pete
>
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 09:38:05 -0400 (EDT)
> From: "Milt Webb, IQ Software" <milt@iqsc.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] JMT weather (fwd)
>
> - ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sun, 24 May 98 09:14 EDT
> From: PCT-L Guest Post <milt@saffron.hack.net>
> Reply-To: skwright@sure.net
> To: milt@iqsc.com
> Subject: JMT weather
>
> * Message posted to PCT-L from the National Scenic Trails Website
> * by our guest Scott Wright <skwright@sure.net>.
> * Please use <skwright@sure.net> to reply to the sender.
>
> Thanks
>
> Scott
>
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 07:58:34 -0700
> From: Brick Robbins <brick@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Muir Trail Ranch supply drop note
>
> http://www.muirtrailranch.com/Backpacker.html
>
> Says:
>
> >>SPECIAL NOTE FOR 1998 SEASON
> Due to the extremely heavy snowfall this year, we are uncertain of when we
> will be able to open the ranch. Our opening date could be as late as July,
> since the road over Kaiser Pass, our only way in, may not be plowed at its
> usual time (mid to late May). Please contact us by phone or email for the
> latest information regarding our storage of your food cache. <<
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 14:23:34 EDT
> From: Charcholla <Charcholla@aol.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Section F Trail Conditions
>
> Hikers,
>
> Friends (Cher, Trish, Jan, Jim) and I just returned from day-hiking the PCT
> from Robin Bird Spring (Map F6) south to the Cameron Road overpass (Map F1) on
> Highway 58 near Mojave. For this part of the PCT, there was snow visible on
> the Piute Mountains above us, but none on the trail. Hikers wearing running
> shoes should have their boots with them for the miles of rocky road / trail 14
> or so miles from the Zond Wind Farms to Golden Oaks Springs.
>
> For other section hikers, the access from Kelso Valley up Jawbone Canyon Road
> to the PCT was open for 4WD, high-ground-clearance vehicles. We drove up on
> Piute Mountain Road and turned south on Jawbone Canyon Road to reach Robin
> Bird Spring and the PCT. That section of Jawbone had many ditches from excess
> water crossing the road. There is also a "large" rock blocking half the road
> (in the middle). We were able to pass with Explorer-width vehicles by driving
> with our wheels on top on the road's berm. I doubt that a full-width vehicle
> could get around the rock. Ford Expeditions can forget driving around the
> rock.
>
> When we returned on Monday to retrieve shuttle vehicles, we drove Jawbone
> Canyon Road from the south (up Geringer Grade) to reach Robin Bird Spring.
> There were many washouts across the road, but we managed by crossing the
> washouts on the high side of the road. Crossing some washouts even on the high
> side was "marginal," but the low side would have been impossible (some
> washouts were 3-5 feet deep on the low side of the road).
>
> Available water through this 34-mile section is still limited to Golden Oak
> Springs and Robin Bird Springs (our trailhead). There was a small creek with
> adequate flow (on May 24) about 1/2 mile south of Golden Oak Springs, but it
> is insignificant because of its proximity to the springs.
>
> North of Robin Bird Springs, hikers should find running streams (seasonal, I
> suspect) north as far as Landers Meadow near Piute Mountain Road).
>
> Hiker Sightings: For anyone following the progress of Claudette and Roger
> Stevens (Washington), we met them on the road just south of the Zond Wind Farm
> on Sunday (5/24). About 20 minutes later, we met Jason and Gary Williams
> (Orange Co. CA / Yosemite area). Claudette and Roger mentioned that they had
> not seen anyone on the trail since leaving Agua Dulce. I assume Jason and
> Roger probably caught up with the Stevens at Golden Oak Springs.
>
> We also met the Russian family of five just a few minutes south of Golden Oak
> Springs.
>
> Everyone was doing great; looking healty and happy.
>
> Happy hiking,
> Charlie Jones
> San Diego
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 14:18:28 -0700
> From: Dave Gomberg <gomberg@wcf.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] High Sierra Snow (sob)
>
> According to the Yosemite back country permit guys, the High Sierra got TWO
> FEET of snow last night. They predict a long snowy spring/summer. Take
> your ice axe!
>
> - --
> Dave Gomberg mailto:gomberg@wcf.com
> FormMaestro <http://www.wcf.com>
> - -----------------------------------------------------------------
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 17:51:51 -0600
> From: Earl Needham <kd5xb@amsat.org>
> Subject: RE: [pct-l] Auga Dulce box drop
>
> I did a quick internet search for Ray Canyon Market, Richard Canyon
> Market, Rich Canyon Market, and just Canyon Market, all in California.
> Only the last try produced any results, but it did include one listing in
> Agua Dulce. Here are the results. I tried to call tonight to see if
> that's the place and if they are keeping the boxes, but I got a modem tone
> at the listed number.
>
> Also, here's the link to the page giving the phone number and address.
> Maps and directions are also available there.
>
> http://http://switchboard.mapquest.com/sb/mqcustomconnect?iconid=3D11&var61=
> =3Dww
> w3.switchboard.com&var44=3DName&var41=3D1&MEM=3D1&lat=3D344937&lng=3D-118326=
> 0&var1=3DCan
> yon+Market&var5=3D33301+Agua+Dulce+Canyon+Rd&var7=3DAgua+Dulce&var8=3DCA&var=
> 6=3D9135
> 0-4640&var2=3D(805)268-8164&var34=3D|=EA=EF
>
> Earl
>
> Canyon Market 33301 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350-4640
> Phone: (805)268-8164 <Picture: Map> <Picture: Directions to>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > Date: Sat, 23 May 98 03:13 EDT
> > From: PCT-L Guest Post <milt@saffron.hack.net>
> > Reply-To: 104031.167@compuserve.com
> > To: milt@iqsc.com
> > Subject: Auga Dulce box drop
> >=20
> > * Message posted to PCT-L from the National Scenic Trails Website
> > * by our guest Pete Grass <104031.167@compuserve.com>.
> > * Please use <104031.167@compuserve.com> to reply to the sender.
> >=20
> > I'm part of the support team for a pair of hikers who called in from
> > Wrightwood tonight. Their next stop is in Auga Dulce and hopefully their
> > box will be there - somewhere. Rumors are all over the hiker "camp" that
> > the Century 21 office has been closed for six weeks plus and the fate of
> > supplies are ???
> >=20
> > SOme think that the boxes are being held at a general store nearby by the
> > name of Ray or Richard (?) Canyon Market. Lots of rumors, few facts at
> > this point.
> >=20
> > As my box hasn't RTS yet, I'm hopefull it is there for them somewhere. =20
> >=20
> > Let's post the right address here...
> >=20
> > Pete
> >=20
> >=20
> >=20
> > * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info
> > http://www.hack.net/lists *
> >=20
>
> Interested in the Continental Divide Trail Mailing List ?
>
> Contact KD5XB@AMSAT.ORG for more information.
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 19:50:37 -0700
> From: Ted Williams <TedWi@Attachmate.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] TednDeb - Cascades in May
>
> Well, we survived our 3 night(Fri,Sat,Sun), 3 day (Sat,Sun,Mon) trial in
> the Cascades. Although we didn't get out to the PCT (our hiking buddies
> were leery of the snow), our trip was very educational. We set personal
> bests for distance travel on one trip, 35+ miles! It was a bit short of
> our goal, but we were still pleased.
>
> First, a lightweight tent is not the plan. Sunday night it POURED for
> our last our on the trail. We were soaked! And there wasn't enough
> room to effectively dry off in the microscopic vestibule. So we ended
> up getting the inside of the tent a bit wet. Pitching our tent went all
> right, and we stayed plenty warm, but we weren't able to get anything to
> dry out. Our lightweight tent (Kelty Zen, similar to the flashlight by
> SD) has a waterPROOF fly, so we didn't get a lot of ventilation, even
> with the door wide open. Hence, nothing inside our tent or under the
> fly dried out at all. Our sleeping bag (synthetic fill) had been
> slowing capturing moisture, and was now noticeably damp, even though we
> had been very careful to keep it dry. Despite being a bit clammy, it
> was definitely warm. With the moisture so high in the ten, the wall of
> the tent were finally getting damp, even though they weren't touching
> the fly. It was just too moist in our tent. We both agreed that a open
> air tarp, be it colder, would have been the better choice (yes, we do
> have experience with pitching a tarp). Bottom line: the three extra
> pounds of the ten vs. the tarp just aren't worth it in rainy weather.
> Although the tent will be our shelter of choice in bug country.
>
> Our food was jammin'!!!!!! Most everything was tasty and easy. The
> pretzels were are good source of sodium, but my wife didn't think they
> provided much energy. Our ZipLoc cooking worked like a charm (as
> always). The crackers didn't fair too well by the third day. Anyone
> have some suggestions as to how to preserve crackers in the pack? For
> those of you who have our food list, we went with the Stuffing, Mashed
> Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese days, minus the Jerky and Logan Bread.
>
> By Sunday our shoes were soaking wet, but our feet held up pretty well.
> My feet, in running shoes, poly liners, and rag wool socks, were fine.
> Much to my amazement, I didn't develop a single blister! I did notice
> some SERIOUS swelling Tues A.M. when I put on my regular shoes, WOW! My
> wife Deb struggled to keep her feet as dry as possible, which caused her
> tremendous grief. Her hiking sandals (Chaos, or something) worked great
> when dry, but caused blisters when her feet were wet. She also had some
> problems with her poly liners bunching up in her fabric boots (Vasque).
> She came home with two small blisters.
>
> We had a bit of trouble getting everything in our pack and maintaining
> some sort of organization. The food was a bit bulkier that I thought it
> would be. The tent was a new acquisition, and too up quite a bit more
> room that the tarp. I did experience some upper back strain because my
> pack (arcteryx Bora 40 ~ 3200 ci) wasn't riding properly. I'm not sure
> if it was overloaded, or the up and down of the trail were straining my
> back, or if it was from the increased hours lugging the thing around. I
> didn't weigh it (oops), but it seemed to weight around 40 lbs. My
> training weight has been about 30-35 lbs. My wife had no problems with
> her REI pack (1500ci). It was pretty heavy at 25 lbs, but she was
> carrying some extra junk with her. Man, I thought we were doing really
> well on weight...NOT!
>
> I only have one thing to say about hygiene, bald is beautiful :)
>
> The ranger station at North Bend (near Snoqualmie) said that the trails
> were snowbound at 3100. We got up over 3000 ft and didn't see a trace
> of snow. According to the Snotel Sites, the snow is still below normal,
> and should be clear a week or two early this year. My wife has the next
> two weeks off, so hopefully she will have a chance to check out the
> trail in person.
>
> My sister promised to have our web site up and running before we leave
> June 8th, so keep your eyes to the CPU, and we'll post the URL as soon
> as it is available.
>
> I'm so excited I could just pee!!!
>
> TednDeb
> Canada to Mexico 1998
>
>
>
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 19:53:24 -0700
> From: Ted Williams <TedWi@Attachmate.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Seattlites - PCT at Snoqualmie
>
> Are there any hikers who would like to hike from Snoqualmie this coming
> weekend? We're hoping to hike 30 miles total Sat & Sun.
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of pct-l-digest V1 #498
> ***************************
>
> * From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *
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