Trails

Hiking

We encourage everyone to share their experiences, expertise and opinions on topics posted here. Check out this season's question: What is one of your favorite trail stops? This could be on any trail.

To submit send to Webmaster

We encourage you to send us some of your images from the trails. We would really like to have a collection that could eventually lead to a photo of the day. To submit send to Webmaster

What a Winter It has been!

Never Fear, There is Hope, yet.

The mountains all along the West Coast have been hammered with snow this winter. Some reports out of California have snow pack in the Sierras at 115 percent to 125 percent of average (as of January 30, 2008).

In the Cascades mountains of Oregon at Mount Hood the snow pack is running about 120 percent of normal. While in Washington State the levels are running from 100-160%.

But, this is just the beginning of February and a lot can change in the next few months. Commonly, the measurement for snowpack is taken around the end of March or beginning of April. One report I read stated that for the California snow pack to end the snow season with average totals, the mountains would need at least four or five more feet of snow and not melt before April 1.

So What does this mean for those of you planning and prepping for this years' PCT hike? Don't give up yet. There is a lot of time and the conditions can changequickly. Besides unless there is a lot of late season snow (May) even a high snow pack will consolidate enough for foot travel by June.

A couple of reputable climatologists have this to say about the upcoming hiking season: "Much depends on how fast La Nina falls apart. Based on what we're looking at now, below 5,000 feet, the snow should be gone. But, above 5,000 feet, snow may linger into early July. The Cascades should have a wetter than normal spring with near normal rain and even some snow in the Sierras. The summer season should be a bit wetter than last year as well."
Provided by Randy Mann and Cliff Harris of Harris-Mann Climatology & Long Range Weather . Check out their credentials and record for accuracy.

In a March 1998 article by Dr. Kelly T. Redmond, a Regional Climatologist (http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/enso/femacal9803.html) he lists the snowpack in the Sierras as of March 1, 1998 as 140-185 % above normal. Although this caused concern for many thru hikers a few of the more intrepid did not let it change their plans and proceeded to press on through the Sierras in an uninterrupted journey northward.

Chris and Jenelle were two of only nine known hikers that went straight through from Mexico to Canada in 1998- Another high snow year comparable to what we have in 2008. You can read about their adventure through the Sierras as published in 1999 in the Gazette.

How to Beat the Winter Doldrums

1. Read:

Here are a few ideas of some good reads. Have some of your own? Let me know and I'll add to the list. Webmaster

Free Ultralight Backpacking Book by Steve Gillman. Free is good. Get the new ebook, Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips), and soon you'll be backpacking in style and comfort - with half the weight on your back. Free is good

Trail Food: Drying and Cooking Food for Backpacking and Paddling by Alan S Kesselheim. Food is always a good topic.

Trail Journals Read and learn from others' experiences.

Fixing Your Feet John Vonhof, Here is a book on anything and everything you want to know about keeping your feet healthy.

2. Build:

You can build tents, packs, stoves, clothes, and even food. Have some ideas and instructions of your own? Let me know and I'll add to the list. Webmaster

Stoves- there are many web sites detailing how to build pop can stoves or "cat" stoves. Here are a few: Scott's Pepsi-G Stove builtby Scott Henderson, Cat Stove by Roy L. "TrailDad" Robinson and the Fallingwater Stove designed and adapted by Ron Moak

Tents, tarps & shelters- How about building your own home away from home? You might look at Bilgy's Tents and Parcho Raingear , or check out Six Moon Designs' Night Wing Tarptent.

Packs- Make your own Gear has several different packs complete with detailed instructions patterns and materials lists.GossamerGear also has a slection of three different pack choices you can build yourself.

3. Volunteer:

One of the great experiences of hiking is giving back to the trail community. Try volunteering for a stint on a trail crew! The work is often rigorous, hot, challenging and dirty, but worth the opportunity.

Contact the PCTA for information on trail work along that great trail.

If you live closer to the Continental Divide then check out trail crew opportunities by the Continental Divide Trail Alliance.

The Appalachian Trail provides a number of volunteer activites try the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or any of the other AT clubs.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Trails and Outdoor Leadership Training on May 16-18th, 2008 at Galena Creek Park,NV The training will feature Maintenance, Construction, and Crew leadership courses with three tracks for beginners, advanced trail builders, and crew leaders. The course will include in-class instruction with a focus on field work experience. Field experiences will be rotated for all trail builders and crew leader trainees will have the opportunity to lead a crew. Mountain bike trail skills will also be incorporated into the field projects.
Contact jillf@tahoerimtrail.org or call 775-298-0239 for more info

Break loose and attend a Trail Fest! Trail Fests offer a chance take in some interesting presentations, attend workshops, get a little entertainment and usually offer a chance to get out and take a short hike. If you happen to live close to Sacramento, CA or Hot Springs, NC check it out!

PCTA Trail Fest , Hot Springs, North Carolina for our 13th annual Trailfest,

Most Importantly:

Plan on attending the 2008 Gathering this Fall!

The 2008 ALDHA-West Gathering will be held at Lake Wenatchee, WA. Just miles off the PCT, and about 110 miles east of Seattle, the Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp once again provides the scenic and peaceful setting for this years' Gathering. Mark your calendars for Sept. 19-21, and the 2008 Gathering!

Other News

Request for Triple Crown recipient photos. Contact Webmaster

Calendar Of Events

Date	Event
Apr. 25-27	ADZ PCT Kick Off, Lake Morena, CA
May 16-18th, 2008	Tahoe Rim Trail Association 3rd Annual Trails and Outdoor Leadership Training, Galena Creek Park, NV
September 19-21	2008 ALDHA-West Gathering at Lake Wenatchee, WA, YMCA Camp