[pct-l] Bounce Box Strategies

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, Katie,

I haven’t found it necessary to receive a packet of HalfMile’s maps at every
resupply point.  The weight isn’t great so I usually carry maps for one-two
sections ahead.  Along with the topo’ maps for navigation I also include a
one-page copy of a small-scale road map covering maybe 300-500 miles of
trail just to help me maintain a perspective of where I am.  It’s easy to
hike many hundreds of trail-miles and not have a feel for overall progress.
I like an appropriate road map copy to guide plans for an
unexpected/temporary change in resupply plans.



Not all packages have to be sent to a town Post Office.  Trail Angels, and
many private concerns will accept and hold items for hikers.  Some of the
hiker resupply planning resources show options for non-PO shipments.  In
some regards that is a little more trouble, but the hiker then may not be
tied to the business-hours of the PO.



Enjoy your planning,



Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Sun, Jan 16, 2011 at 4:55 PM, Katie Muilenburg <katiedm at gmail.com> wrote:

> I agree with Steel Eye that I really, really, really don't want to do a
> bounce box for my hike.
>
> I don't need town clothes.  Can buy ibuprofen etc as I need it.
>
> One question I'm still investigating is the maps.  I'm thinking of just
> having my necessary map/databook etc sections mailed to me from home
> strategically and periodically.  That should never be much more than $2 per
> package (which fixes the cost issue).  However, I would still have to make
> sure to be in town when the post office is open... Other ideas?
>
> Regarding those who do bounce, a 5-gal does seem a little excessive.
>  Laundry detergent is a good suggestion.  On a lighter side, what about a
> plastic ice cream tub duct taped shut?  Might save a bit on shipping.  Or
> might not be strong enough to hold up?
>