[pct-l] first night out

[Gerry Zamora]

Well I wont be crossing any borders since I will not be on a thru hike but I
was thinking just stash it in the woods on the american side and pick it up
on the way back last time I went to canada I was driving but with any long
trip I had my gun so I just pulled off a few exits before walked 100yd into
the wood and stashed it on my way back I stopped and what do u know it was
still there.  Were there is a will there is always a way.
On Mar 17, 2011 1:59 PM, <abiegen at cox.net> wrote:
> Hi Gerry,
>
> Piper and I got a late start back in 2008 because we just couldn't wait to
get started hiking. That put us in the twilight for most of our hike that
day. I wasn't afraid of illegals as it seems only reasonable that none of
them would come across the border with a gun. Almost all are just looking
for work in the US. The drug running and gun running doesn't take place on
the PCT. Drugs and Guns are too heavy. Would someone try to sneak some of
your food or water? That's a possibility, but would you feel okay with
shooting someone for that?
>
> I was somewhat afraid of all the attention that our late start gave to the
border patrol. They were circling overhead probably trying to figure out if
we were illegals or not. Most thru-hikers hike during the day, not the
evening so I guess we looked suspicious. I wouldn't like to have to try to
explain myself with loaded guns pointing at me (something I have innocently
had to do three times in my life). They did not send anyone out after us. We
found a little hollow off the trail where we had just enough room for our
tent and stayed there. We did hear feet pattering by, but no one stopped.
>
> In 2010 we started early and we saw evidence of illegals, mostly their
clothes and little sandals they discarded. I ran into the border patrol on
the trail but they were very friendly. Asked if I had seen any illegals and
I could honestly say no. Later I did see a straw hat hinging in a tree but
not its owner.
>
> We were not the only ones to start late in 2008 as we later met Clockwork
Orange who was just a little ahead of us. You can always go to the monument
and wait until someone shows up. You might feel more comfortable hiking with
others at the beginning.
>
> Your gun may make you feel secure early on in your hike but it is highly
likely that after a short while you will realize you don't need it. At the
very least, when you get to the Canadian border you are going to want to
ditch it. Then what do you do with it? Can you send your gun through the
mail along with ammunition or are you stuck with it for the duration? Would
you feel comfortable doing that? If you own a gun you probably know more
than I about what is allowable.
>
> Best,
>
> TrailHacker
>
> "When my feet hurt, I can't think straight"
> Abraham Lincoln
>