Here is a picture of the snow at the town where we got off. With five more feet coming in the next week there is record breaking snow coming. Yes, this means that right now we are definitely planning on Campo to Lone Pine, then up to Ashland and then to Canada.
Yes. We have our permits amended for a flip. The PTCA is really good about adjusting permits.
This means that around June 13 we will be back where we were last June. The big difference is there won’t be historic highs for the snow in the north which means that this time Oregon and Washington will probably go as planned.
Our training hikes haven’t had the great weather from last year but we are hoping for almost one good month of practice and training. We may not be in perfect condition but it looks like we are ready for a good start.
Recap:
We got permits to start NOBO in Campo on April 13. Usually that would be perfect.
The desert looks good right now, with the snow melting just in time.
The Sierra section has record breaking snow. They had to change the comparative charts. closing on 300% of normal besides being the highest snow year ever.
That means dangerous cornice conditions and high flood river crossings. Deep postholing conditions. Until August 1 when it melts.
However, Oregon is a normal year. Close to perfectly average.
Our goal is to head north from Ashland, hit those sections of the trail we missed (Lionshead) and the family reunion, Washington and get to Canada ahead of any fires.
Then we head south. Either from Ashland or from Truckee depending on how we are doing, with the goal of getting Lassen done (it was closed last time) and then getting altitude training.
Then we do the Sierra section starting August 1 (more or less, depending on how the snow melt has gone). This gets us through it before September’s cold weather or the late fall snows.
We are looking for a September 5 or earlier finish so Win can start a locum position on September 15.
I’m looking forward to it.
Then we do a section of the CDT next year and maybe a Camino.
The post trail location we are looking at offers weekend hikes in the Shenandoahs and they have Shotokan and the health club my health insurance covers.
So:
Bottom line. The incredible snow continues. Amazingly deep and thick snow.
The positives are the desert section should have more wildflowers than ever, and trail reports have the snow already melting off in the south.
In addition, there is a place to flip to (had the heavy snow hit the entire trail that could have been a problem). Coincidentally it works with our plan from last year that didn’t work.
Should be memorable and a great experience.