[pct-l] Bear canisters

[Dirk Rabdau]

 I must take umbrage with this statement:

> The "food storage rules" in the bear problem areas are geared towards
> the "normal" weekend user. Sometimes they don't quite fit the thru
> hiker.

There is NOTHING in the rules that make thru-hikes exempt from these 
regulations. An "inconvenience" hardly qualifies one for an exemption.

The "options" are to:

a) Forego a canister. Hike from food storage locker to food storage locker, 
which will involve super-human efforts in selected areas due to the distances 
involve. It will also result in highly restricted camping choices.
b) Forego a canister and camp wherever you want. Break the rules and 
thus, jepordize the lives of any bear(s) that may get into your food as a 
result. Yes, the odds are they won't. But the odds are you won't need your seat 
belt either when you drive to work, either. By using a canister, you are thus 
helping to save bears. Plus, it will save you a hefty fine if you are caught.
c) Carry a canister and camp wherever you please and sleep soundly at night 
knowing that your food is safe from bears and other critters.

Dirk