First Winter PCT through-hike (in progress)

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Dr.Sprock

Boulder climber

I'm James Brown, Bi-atch!

Jan 22, 2015 - 09:53pm PT

i found a toe up by mt lassen,

Bad Climber

climber

Jan 23, 2015 - 06:06am PT

I think this hike is pretty badass. If you read the linked post, they guys had some pretty serious weather up north--lots of storms, looks like some frostbite, overall a hardcore undertaking.

Keep on truckin', dudes! The desert in winter will be sweet reward.

BAd

rocknpow

Boulder climber

eastside

Jan 23, 2015 - 06:34am PT

Had dinner with them last night in Mammoth. Their spirits are high and they are making good time. Regardless of whether the winter conditions are weak compared to our "normal" winters, it is still challenging with the prevalent cold night time temps, terrible snow conditions for skis, and overall logistics since most outposts are closed where food boxes would be sent. They are having to carry much more food to last longer stretches. It was really nice to see them doing well thus far and I hope they make it through the Sierras safely!

dave729

Trad climber

Western America

Jan 23, 2015 - 11:50am PT

110 trail miles (+/-?) Sonora Pass to Mammoth lakes in 4 days in
digit freezing January is fantastic!

And only 10 hours of daylight at this time of year so
traveling that far says volumes about their efficiency and toughness
in doing the sub zero bivy activities under the stars.

Roots

Mountain climber

Tustin, CA

Jan 23, 2015 - 01:22pm PT

Isn't skiing the opposite of hiking?

Skiing PCT...is not the same as thru hiking it IMO.

dave729

Trad climber

Western America

Jan 23, 2015 - 02:14pm PT

Absolutely Roots. Way harder to ski it. Manzanita branches reaching up
out of the snow to trip the dauntless PCT-Thru-Skier trying to get down
into the next canyon. Good lovin god! These guys are the real deal!

Done my share of making turns by stabbing/stiff arming upright trees and scrazzing over exposed rocks and down logs to know its kung-fu fighting
in the backcountry in this years conditions.

apogee

climber

Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy

Jan 23, 2015 - 03:04pm PT

And you oughta try skiing Jawbone Canyon...harder than sh#t to avoid all those damn ORV'ers, lemmetellyou.

Man, the criticisms of these guys are starting to sound an awful lot like the hairsplitting style arguments of Dawn Wall. Let it go, man...however these guys are doing the PCT, it's impressive.

Roots

Mountain climber

Tustin, CA

Jan 23, 2015 - 03:44pm PT

however these guys are doing the PCT, it's impressive.

Agreed and it's their "FA" so they are setting the style for future attempts. My comment was not criticism. It was for clarification purposes...

If they stayed in snowshoes then it's hiking. Skiing is different. Whether it makes it easier, more difficult or is of the same difficulty is what should be debated.

Title says "First Winter PCT through-hike" - I don't believe that's entirely an accurate way to describe their adventure once they switched to skis.

Seems the ST community thinks that most everything that is said here is "hate" by "haters". Sad.

John M

climber

Jan 23, 2015 - 03:55pm PT

I think what they are doing is impressive, but also agree that the skis put it in a different category from snowshoeing/hiking.

apogee

climber

Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy

Jan 23, 2015 - 04:18pm PT

It's not unique to ST, Roots...such is the nature of electronic communication. Simplified responses don't have the depth or context that take (usually) take place in personal communication. Doesn't necessarily make anybody a 'hater'...just don't take it too personally.

dave729

Trad climber

Western America

Jan 23, 2015 - 07:24pm PT

It is worth mentioning:

when skis are needed its like having a cage
fight every few minutes then gliding for a few meters then repeating that total body involvement unlike summer time hiking.

Winter ski-packing energy expenditures are greater than "normal summertime hiking the sun out of the sky".

And apparently they did not take a rest day at Mammoth but continued
south after a quick resupply!

Silver, Selden, Muir, Mather, Pinchot, Glen, Forester!
Be safe guys!

Pappy

Ice climber

Warren, VT

Jan 24, 2015 - 10:34am PT

I'm puzzled about the ski is different thing, too. Maybe it's just because I suck on skis and would choose snow shoes anyway, but just damn, from here to there under your own power is good enough. And I don't see how the skis would be an advantage going over the Sierra passes anyway, I remember them as being a lot steeper than something I would want to skin up (I remember Mather as being a little more exciting than I really wanted to screw with solo in early June, but you gotta do what you gotta do) and I'd just get killed skiing down the other side.

dave729

Trad climber

Western America

Jan 30, 2015 - 11:17pm PT

ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber

extraordinaire

Topic Author's Reply - Feb 7, 2015 - 06:57pm PT

(posted last Wednesday on Justin's FB)

We just got to Walker Pass, CA highway 178! 2000 miles done now and 652 to go, but most importantly we made it through the High Sierras. As usual, they were incredible and breathtaking. Photos and updates to come after we get to town and start our food binge.

http://www.justinlichter.com/blog/

hossjulia

Trad climber

Carson City, NV

Feb 7, 2015 - 07:05pm PT

I still can't get over how fast they are!

Reilly

Mountain climber

The Other Monrovia- CA

Feb 7, 2015 - 11:12pm PT

Well, they're far from out of the woods, so to speak, yet, especially with
all this new snow. Those slopes going up to Forrester could be very nasty.
And I'd like to see them ski down the other side. ;-)
God speed, lads!

apogee

climber

Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy

Feb 7, 2015 - 11:49pm PT

They made it to Walker Pass, right? That means they're out of the Sierra, for good. Nothing but So Cal mountains to deal with, and the recent forecasts mean that should be a slamdunk.

Good on them. Regardless of this year's conditions, they are kicking ass over the typical PCT thru-hiker of today's generation.

ß Î Ø T Ç H

Boulder climber

extraordinaire

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 1, 2015 - 10:11pm PT

From Justin Lichter's FB:

Shawn Forry and I hiked into the Mexican border and southern terminus around noon today, completing the winter traverse of the PCT! It's been a great and challenging adventure. In typical fashion we finished in the rain just like we started in.
Most importantly we would like to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, and motivation along the way. We couldn't have done it without you all! Countless times we would think of your comments and support as we were dealing with all of the challenges along the way.