[pct-l] caching

[Brian McLaughlin]

First, caching food is a very troublesome and labor-intensive
way to resupply yourself on a thru-hike. I have used it for
section hikes up to three weeks long, but I cannot imagine
how to make it sensible on a 4-5 month hike.

The big problem is that a proper cache requires a sturdy
container - too sturdy to dispose of easily while you are
en route. So you must come back to retrieve it. On a thru
hike of 2650 miles, that would not be a good option.

Second, be aware that caching is certainly illegal within
the boundaries of wilderness areas or National Parks.
AFAIK, diffferent National Forests have their own policies
on caching within forest lands. You would need to consult
each HQ.

I have always laid my caches within a short walk of access
roads. My method is to use 5 gallon plastic buckets, lined
with a sealed plastic trash bag, and having a secure lid. I
put the entire bucket into another trash bag and seal that
one, too. I lodge the thing between a couple of boulders
and cover it with smaller 20-30 lb rocks.

When I am done, no human will be aware of it, so it presents
no visual pollution or temptation to tamper. As for animals,
it is secure against any but bears, and I try to choose places
where bears would not want to hang out. So far,so good.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "michael coronella" <mike at deepdesert.com>
To: <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2010 7:42 AM
Subject: [pct-l] caching


> There's plenty of info on resupply locations, but I was wondering:
> does anyone cache supplies?  is it legal?  secure?
>
> I've always used 5 gallon pickle buckets with secure lids (duct taped with 
> cayenne pepper to keep rodents out); they're easy to bury in the desert, 
> but I don't know if that's a possibility on the PCT.
>
> thanks for any thoughts on the matter.
>
> Moab Mike
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