[pct-l] glacial runoff

[Mike Smith]

   Several decades ago a friend (from Colorado) and I (from California) were 
hiking in the Glacier Peak area. We encountered silty water and began 
questioning any health issues.
   Fortunately around dusk on the second day we camped near a backcountry 
ranger. To this expert we posed our question. She replied that she wasn't 
sure but thought there may be some damage to our gizzards if we drank the 
silty water without settling. It was too dark to see if she was smiling.
   That response gave us much to ponder and discuss for the next four days, 
and for years after.
Happy trails, --Lightfoot