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We encourage everyone to share their experiences, expertise and opinions on topics posted here. Check out this season's question: What is your most effective technique for coping with hiking in the heat?
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The Mail Bag - Fall '98
Chris Bailey & Jenelle Wilhelm, Leavenworth WA (7/27): Just got the May newsletter forwarded to us in Chester, CA where we’ve just gone past the half-way point of our northbound PCT thru-hike.
We started April 26 and were the first and second thru-hikers through the high Sierra. We only know two others to have come through!
We’re pretty happy about our decision to do the Sierras—most hikers skipped or flip-flopped. The trip has been difficult, but rewarding.
Now just got to do the next half in two-thirds the time. See you at Cascade Locks!
Ed: Their journals are posted on their web site (http://www.skydivenet.com/pcthike/).
Roger Carpenter, Vancouver WA (8/20): On August 22 I am leaving for Montana to hike a short segment of the CDT, from Anaconda to Wisdom. Mostly I will be in the Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness. In preparation for my potential CDT thru-hike in 1999, I am going to test out the terrain, weather, gear, etc. on this short hike. It’s been more than 20 years since I have done any significant hiking along the Rocky Mountains or the Continental Divide. My little trip should be fun!
I am experimenting with a couple of meal ideas I received from fellow ALDHA-West member Scott Conover. He suggested I add TVP (textured vegetable protein) to oatmeal. I tried it at home and the TVP added a lot of substance to the normally bland oatmeal. I’m also trying a mixture of potato flakes and refried beans. Both are pretty simple recipes. I normally pack a lot of pasta and cheese sauce dinners.
I liked Kathy Morey’s ideas for one-pot meals (Spring issue of the _Gazette_). For the protein ingredients I am going to try the TVP in place of dried meat, especially with tomato sauces.
Kay Diederich, Incline Village NV (8/27): Last Thursday. I went on a hike on the PCT between Highway 50 and Carson Pass on Highway 88 in CA. Our destination was Bryan Meadow, but we never made it that far.
We started at the CCC (CA Conservation Corps) camp just south of Highway 50 to Benwood Meadow and then toward Bryan Meadow. Within a mile of Bryan Meadow we traversed up some north facing canyons which had ravines filled with ice and snow. The slopes were 45! and more than 500 feet long. With no ropes or crampons or ice axes, we turned around and went back. This would not be a good year to hike the PCT.
It was still a great hike with spectacular granite canyons and sheer rock faces and even a few wild flowers.
Leisha & Garrett Holmes, Friday Harbor WA (8/7): We absolutely loved the Gazette article on Papendick’s version of the trail.
Of course, we will be at the Gathering and would love to help in any way needed.
We still plan to do the CDT next year.
Joe Sobinovsky (7/24): I really enjoyed that story about Martin Papendick’s hikes. Keep up the good work!
Hope to see you this year at the Gathering.
David Porter, Woodside CA (8/23): Kearsarge Pass was marvelous, still a bit of snow left at the high passes, but should be almost completely gone by mid September, when Scott & I will head from Agnew Meadow to Sonora Pass.
Andy & Kristi Ruben, Lafayette CO (8/13): I am unsure if we can make it out to Oregon this year. But it’s because of great news! Kristi & I have a baby on the way (so if you’ve got any connections with baby backpacks...) and we are leaning towards taking a trip to Mexico or Central America right around that time. Which will be our last trip without having to deal with the bambino or a baby sitter.
Ed Talone, Silver Spring MD (6/10): Finished New Mexico May 25 -- 653 miles to Cumbers Pass. Two weeks off in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. 150 miles hiking in Wyoming and Colorado. Then probably Montana. Go Blue!
(6/24): Passed the 900-mile mark (New Mexico and Wyoming/Colorado border to Wamsutter). Jumping up to Montana north of Anaconda Wilderness. I am still with Sue & Gordon and have been joined by Nick Williams from PATC. It will be good to have company in bear country.
Jeff Temple, Mission Viejo CA (8/23): Sheri Megery and I just finished hiking part of the JMT. We stayed one night at the Vermillion Valley Resort, and told Butch (the owner) we were members of ALDHA-West. He perked up and we talked off & on for the ½ day or so we were there.
He wants to send us some goodies, like t-shirts, and hats and things, from the Resort to bring up to the Gathering to raffle off/give away to the members in attendance.