[pct-l] bounce bucket

[Alden Dale]

Hey,

Another thing to think about is how much you will need this bounce  
box. I was surprised by two things relevant to this discussion when I  
did my 600 mile section.

1) How little I actually needed. I thought about a bounce box, and  
had tons of stuff I might need, but I ended up running out of time  
planning, and didn't bounce anything. If you have a team at home  
somewhere that can hook you up with stuff if you need it (usually if  
you request something at one town, it can be at the next town a week  
later--- there is almost nothing you can't live a week without).

2) How little time there is in towns for all the things that needed  
to get done. I had imagined walking into a town, lazily doing  
everything that needed to be done, and being back on the trail 4 or 5  
hours later. What I found instead was that I would be rushing around,  
getting everything done I needed to (including the big hamburger---  
that is a need thing) and barely making it out before night fell. I  
ended up really screwing myself up, leaving a few places too later.  
So, keep the things that must be done in a town to a minimum will  
make you a happier hiker. I'm glad stopping by the post office,  
tracking down a paint bucket, explaining to the post-person that I  
could resend it for free, and getting it addressed to the next stop,  
was not a part of my routine.

It might be a good idea for some (the ultra-light perhaps?) who have  
no spare gear with them (I took a rain jacket the entire way) but it  
will take a lot of time and effort, so seriously consider if it is  
necessary for your hike, and your hiking style.

As with everything, you need to hike your own hike. Spend some time  
determining what will make you have the pleasantest experience.

God Bless,

Alden