[pct-l] Canada to Mexico isn't all that bad

[ted_williams <ted_williams@stockamp.com>]

My PCT attempt this past summer was a Canada to Mexico trip.  It was 
a...,uh..., well, amazing experience.

It was very challenging. The snow in the North Cascades was as bad as I 
expected.  The only problem was the terrain was much worse than I had ever 
dreamed.  There were several passes that we feared for our lives.  Don't 
skimp on Ice Axe Training!  Be confident in your skills.  That is the most 
important thing.  We (my wife and 4 other we met on the trail) left Manning 
Park June 14th and we had heavy snow the second day on.  My memory tells me 
that every other day was deep, pervasive snow on ridges and narrow granite 
passes.  Spectacular, but scary.  We fought to average 10 miles per day. 
 The snow was heavy until we dropped down to Rainy Pass.  From Stehekein 
(sp) it was clear for 15 miles until the first pass, then it was HEAVY, 
DEEP snow until Stevens Pass.  Most people traveling with us bailed out 
before our at Glacier peak, headed for Arlington, and back on the trail at 
Stevens Pass.  After that, the snow wasn't too bad.  After Snoqualmie, it 
was patchy. We finally ditched our axes at the Oregon Border.  After we 
made it past the fear of these shear snow traverses, the toughest part 
became navigation.  If we were more than a day behind the previous hiker, 
we had no tracks to follow.  Lots of compass navigation.  And my altimeter 
was invaluable.  Let me say that again.  MY ALTIMETER WAS INVALUABLE FOR 
NAVIGATION IN THE SNOW.  It's a neat toy on clear trail, but it was worth 
every penny of the $175 I paid.

Now Scott Williamson and his girlfriend Rebecca left about 10 days after us 
and had no problems with snow.  They easily caught us by Mt Ranier Nat. 
Park.

The point of this message is, North -> South is great.  Just plan to start 
much later than "The Book" says and pack light, travel fast!

Good Luck

Ted,
of TednDeb
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