开云体育

I finally got around to reading Sologirl's account in the snow short of Trail Pass on the PCT last June.

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First, it is interesting that we were in that area just weeks earlier teaching our annual Snow Advanced Course from Kennedy Meadows, up and over Forester Pass, and on out Kearsarge Pass to Onion Valley!

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Now, the first thing she did that put her in trouble is not preparing for the worst that can be ahead. In other words, her gear and clothing and training were dangerously insufficient for what the sierra can throw at you! A little pre-hike snow training would have taught her what "works" when things go so badly.

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Second, she should have "read" the storm and sought shelter from the start. Her decision to try to "walk through it" lead to the "exposure," wet conditions, and inability to create both shelter and heat that she later experienced. There is no shame in stopping early on during a bout of precipitation to assess it, plan how you're going to stay warm and dry through it, and what you're going to do if it gets worse. Just pitch while you're still warm and dry!

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We can all learn from the mistakes of others. At least she was humble enough to share them with us so we can!

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Parable of the story? Be Prepared, even if it means more planning, training, knowing yourself, clothing, gear, and weight....

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