[at-l] Helping a Newbie: Update

[Bob C." <ellen@clinic.net (Bob C.)]

"... He is now thinking of leaving Springer between Feb 1 and Feb 15. He doesn't
think  he  wants to start in Harper's Ferry because he won't be prepared for the
Whites so quickly into the hike." reports Shane.

Regardless  of  when  he  starts, the Whites will be two months away. Two months
from  February  1  is  an  impossible  task for someone to do the Whites without
considerable high elevation winter experience.

Two  months  from  an  April  15 start date is very doable. By then he will have
learned all he is likely to need.

Weary

Shane  adds,  ..."He  is obsessed with the idea of minimum pack weight, and says
that he's talked to someone who did the entire PTC (PCT?) with 12 pounds...."

We  need  to  define  terms.  12  pounds  including  food is silly -- especially
starting  Feb  1.  Even  adding  food,  it is marginal and almost certainly will
result in aborting the hike -- at least long enough to acquire sensible gear.

12  pounds,  plus food, is doable, but with a lot of pain, and maybe worse, with
an April 15 start date.

Weary

Who  adds:  I think "Bob" is playing games. It's my suspicion he will never even
start the trail.

Regardless.  I  wouldn't  try  to  coach such a person for a long distance trail
experience, without a lot more information than Shane has provided us.



Bob