[pct-l] enough with the chicken thread

[Bob Bankhead]

Do protect your permit from moisture and damage. A small ziplock sandwich bag works fine for this, or if you're already using that (or an Aloksak) for your cash, credit cards, and passport), add it to that one.

You WILL need your permit in Yosemite, possibly on Mt Whitney, (and quite likely someplace north of Tulley Hole, if "Ranger Rosie" is patrolling between there and Reds Meadow again this year. So, at either Vermillion Valley or Muir Trail Ranch, move your permit to where it is readily accessible.  After Yosemite, you won't need it again until the Desolation Wilderness up by Lake Tahoe. After that, you can bury it deep; just don't lose it.

A word of caution: either carry your cash, credit cards, and ID or passport on your person at all times or train yourself to NEVER leave them in your pack when you take it off, even for a break. This becomes especially true when hitching, bedding down at night, or when in town. Packs have a habit of walking away, and just try getting on public transportation in the USA without a photo ID. "It's a long way to Tipperrary; it's a long way to go."

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ikem Freeman 
  To: PCT-L 
  Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 8:43 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] enough with the chicken thread


  DP,

  I agree with almost everything you suggested, except for one: #6 laminate your thru permit ... Don't waist the weight!

  In '08, I ran into about 4 rangers, mostly after KM. I had to ASK THEM to look at my thru permit, and quite frankly, none of them wanted to nor did they care! My thought was this ... I've been carrying the silly thing since CAMPO, I at least wanted someone to see it! Don't get me wrong here, EVERY THRU HIKER NEEDS ONE ... just don't add more weight to your pack to laminate it. Rather, bury it deep in the unknown pockets of your back and know that it's safe there, along with your passport and your stash of emergency cash..

  O. Ikem Sofar