Writing related questions...

[purplerabbit]

First, does anyone have an idea of how long it would take a seasoned hiker to cross something like the Sierra's in a time before roads or other modern conveniences? Say how long to walk from where Sacramento is now to where Reno is, say five hundred years ago?

Second, any cunning linguists out there? Truly, I have asked a couple friends for help, but am wanting multiple spellings on some names I struggle to pronounce, let alone spell. The first six come from three different language groups, with a fourth set to come. Though not of our world, they do have their parallels. If you would be willing to listen to me try to pronounce them and then write down best spellings, that would help. Thanks Bat and Maragaret for help so far in this one.

Comments

[bdot.livejournal.com]

i could write them in IPA-international phonetic alphabet. then use that to transcribe them to english... just a thought

[princeofwands.livejournal.com]

Not less than 2 weeks. More likely 16-18 days.

Should one assume any of the following?
(start at assuming 15 days)

That said seasoned hiker is
1) traveling alone?
(add a day)

2) reasonably healthy, rested, fed, and provisioned when departing?
(if not add 5 days)

3) hiking to a someplace in particular (rather than just "to get to the other side")?
(add a day)

4) not on previously trailed routes?
(add 2 days)

5) have any mapping reference?
(subtract 1 day)

6) already familiar with the terrain?
(subtract 2 days)

7) reasonably unencumbered by weather?
(if not, add at least a week)

Conservatively - 10 to 15 miles per day (likely on the low end between elevation and hunting concerns). Take a day of rest for every 5 days hiked. Assume it's about 160mi (maps.yahoo.com reports ~135mi, but one assumes that experienced but inexpert hiker (particularly traveling alone) won't make the best rate path and will lose time and distance to being diverted).