[pct-l] Graffiti on signs since MacKenzie Pass - Sharpie Pen 'PCT ->' has now become graffiti

[Donna "L-Rod" Saufley]

Jeff & I just got back from doing Sections I & J and parts of K, and the "Mad Marker" (as we've dubbed the unknown person) is to be thanked for their contributions to finding the trail.  We, too, found that their PCT indicators were indeed discrete and extremely helpful and we thanked them in abstentia a number of times.  

L-Rod

-----Original Message-----
>From: carl myhill <carl at litsl.com>
>Sent: Aug 19, 2007 10:45 AM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject: [pct-l] Graffiti on signs since MacKenzie Pass - Sharpie Pen 'PCT	->' has now become graffiti
>
>Hi All
>
>I am sorry to have this as my first post on the PCT-L.
>
>Someone has been writing 'PCT ->' with a black marker pen (a Sharpie I
>guess) along the route. This is discrete and is very helpful. I suspect Yogi
>may be doing it but that's just a guess.
>
>Since Mac Kenzie Pass (OR) someone else has got hold of a similar marker pen
>and has decided to change ALL of these 'PCT ->' markings into Graffiti
>adding different arrows and creating general confusion.
>
>Here are some photos of this graffiti...
>http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlmyhill/sets/72157601553821741/
>
>Most people on the trail will do everything they can to help fellow hikers.
>I cannot understand WHY someone would mess around with trail markings,
>albeit informal ones, to make life HARDER for fellow hikers. I hope these
>people are caught and thrown off the trail, after first being marched
>Southbound to fix their mess. I see enough Graffiti in the city I don't need
>to see more in the Wilderness.
>
>I have a strong suspicion about who is doing this too, though I have not
>seen them at it so cannot say for sure. What I do know is this:
>- two people got back on the trail at MacKenzie Pass (I know this because we
>hitched to sisters in the car that dropped them off)
>- there were a couple of Sharpie marker pens in the front of that car (2
>spare from a 3 pack??)
>
>I have not seen them doing this so I cannot say who I think it is. However,
>I have today called law enforcement and told them everything I know.
>
>If this is who I think it is they are heading into Cascade Locks today.
>Anyone North of there should still see the original 'PCT ->' black markings.
>Anyone between Timberline and Cascade Locks will see Graffiti.
>
>I hope we catch the culprit(s) before they Graffiti the whole trail all
>through Washington.
>
>If anyone can help me sort this out or wants to talk about this please call
>me. I have spotty cell reception but am at Timberline right now 775 309
>3353.
>
>Sorry to be the bringer of bad news. This has made me furious.
>
>Carl
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