Hi,
I have yet to obtain Roper's book, so please bear with me while I ask what are sure to be newbie questions. I've read Skurka's website info and some threads here on BPL, Chris 'Suge' Willet's info, etc.
1. Is S-N easier year-round, or just for early season hikes where north facing snow fields are more easily down climbed?
2. With the inherent scrambling, are trekking poles more of a nuisance?
3. I think that I noticed that Klas and Dave both carried Ursacks instead of canisters–was this a calculated risk on your part in regard to being fined?
4. What was your water capacity?
5. For early season hikes, are traditional crampons necessary, or would something like micro-spikes work?
6. Are early season hikes considered the easiest, as crossing snow fields are easier and less time consuming than scree/talus fields?
7. Do early season hikers ever have to camp on snow?
8. Are late season hikes confronted with problems finding water due to being up so high?
9. Hiking solo, I average 35-40 mpd, what can I expect to cover on the SHR?
A little about my experiences that relate to the SHR:
–I have around 8,000 miles in my legs.
–I've extensive cross-country hiking and route-finding skills as I've thru hiked the CDT and Iceland (northern-most to southern-most tip).
–I have climbed around 1/3 of CO's 14ers in May and early June, so I think the conditions experienced will closely resemble those of the early season SHR.
Thanks for your help.
