[at-l] Winter Hiking

[nealb at midlandstech.com (William Neal)]

One thing you should consider: You might get stranded and snowed-in.  Do you
have the skills to last a long period when you cannot hike out.  Do you have
the money to pay for being rescued -- if they can find you.  I understand
that some organizations (even public ones) are charging for rescues now
(post rescue I would hope).  They are fed up with spending their money to
rescue the totally clueless ones, those who use them as a taxi service, and
those who assume they never have to worry.  And I know that there is some
talk (at least unofficially) in areas along the Southern Appalachians to
charge "tourists" for such services.

Having said that, GOOD LUCK! Wish I could go with Jim.

William, The Turtle

PS   In my college bookstore, they have started selling "cheap" flashing
lights.  Guarenteed for 5 years.  They only have a 1/2 mile range.  And
there are others that have a longer range.  But they might be worth taking
along JIC. Or their big brothers and sisters.
-----Original Message-----
From: L. Clayton Parker [mailto:lparker@cacaphony.net]
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 7:53 AM
To: Jim Brooks
Cc: AT-L
Subject: Re: [at-l] Winter Hiking


On Tue, 2003-06-10 at 16:41, Jim Brooks wrote:
> I too am in the "Education business", however next spring I am taking a 
> sabbatical.  I plan to start
> at Springer in mid December, wait out the "bad snow and ice storms" and 
> continue as long as the time and
> money hold out.
> There has been one person at a local club that has tried to dissuade me 
> from this.  Most everyone else
> takes the position that anything can happen, weather wise, on the AT 
> during the winter months, including
> sunshine.
> I yield to your wisdom and experience.  But, still looking for another 
> crazy person to go the venture.
> hardwood

Hmmm, well the "bad snow and ice storms" may or may not happen. In fact
properly prepared and equipped, they are irrelevant.

Take, and be familiar with the use of: 

Goggles
Crampons
Snowshoes
Mountaineering Axe

It would also be a good idea to practice doing certain things with
gloves on, like tying boots, starting your stove, etc. Ditch the Pepsi
can stove and take a white gas stove instead. Carry extra fuel and extra
food, lots of emphasis on hot soups and energy dense foodstuffs.

A winter shell with capacious chest pockets to stash candy bars and a
bottle of water where they won't freeze is essential. Learn to cook
without getting out of your sleeping bag. Don't forget shorts and
t-shirts though. I have seen it seventy degrees up there in December!

Lee I Joe

_______________________________________________
at-l mailing list
at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l