[pct-l] Thru numbers

[linsey]

Dear Yogi,
Your post below is exactly the sentiment I could never so eloquently express with one exception.  You stated:  "...those of us who provide trail magic provide it for ALL hikers.  We do not discriminate against section-hikers or chunk-hikers."  
On this point, please speak for yourself.  On my first SOBO attempt in 2009, between miles 350 and 450 in Southern Washington, I was twice not invited to partake in attended trailside trail magic because I was only a Southbounder.  Mind you, I get that but did these so-called angels really have to discuss this among themselves loud enough for me to hear them?? 
The first time two angels did offer to cook me breakfast, I let them know I was an unworthy SOBO in case they wanted to back out, then tipped them beyond my budget out of shame for only hiking 470ish miles so far because I knew I wasn't their intended audience.  Mind you Starbuck and Carnivore, who were spending their vacation in a camper cooking for the herd, were so gracious that I felt worthy again. 
After the herd is past, any trail magic received is more authentic, administered by everyday people who have never heard the term 'trail angel'.  Frankly I don't want magic from PCT groupies that feel put out by doing it.
Sincerely, Lollygag 2350 PCT miles and counting despite never making it past Crater Lake (sobo of course). 
Jackie McDonnell
Mon Jun 10 09:19:39 CDT 2013Previous message: [pct-l] Thru numbersNext message: [pct-l] Thru numbersMessages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]Ann Marie -


You are delusional.  You state:  "This year I limited my 3rd gate water
cache assistance to only two trips (there are others who lead the efforts),
but I paid for the $60 of water each time. Add my gas and the 5-6 hours
daily roundtrip commute thru heavily-congested San Diego traffic and I
quickly became more disenchanted with the "magic" during this, my second
year of helping."

It sounds like you are irritated with yourself for the time and money you
spent to HELP hikers.  If it pisses you off so much, stop doing it.  Stop
banging your head against the wall.

You state:  "Don't misunderstand me, I think water caches in some areas are
great. I'm positive they are all much appreciated. But I also think the
extras (fruit, snacks, beer/wine, soda/energy drinks) are too much or
should be reserved for the thrus getting to Oregon or Washington on their
own efforts."

My response:  REALLY?  First of all, you're not putting those treats out,
so it doesn't affect your time/money problems.  Second, those of us who
provide trail magic provide it for ALL hikers.  We do not discriminate
against section-hikers or chunk-hikers.

You state:  "Leave water only and leave a big sign saying 1 to 2 liters max
and request  a $1 or $2 donation to defray the cost. It is no longer
uacceptable
to ask for that small donation - my only concern is that the money may be
stolen."

My respose:  Many hikers leave donations at our Trail Magic.  Many don't.
 We don't flat out ask for donations, but yes, we do have a donation jar.
 We treat everyone the same, whether they leave a donation or not.  The
donations help tremendously, but you are incorrect stating "it is no longer
unacceptable to ask for a donation".  When you ask for a "donation", it is
no longer a donation -- now you are charging for a product/service.  You
are no longer providing magic.  And YES, a donation jar out on the trail
would get stolen, but not necessarily by thru-hikers.  There are LOTS of
people on ATVs on the trail in SoCal.  One to two liters max??  Again, you
are delusional.  You are putting water on the trail for hikers to use.  It
is at an established cache, so YES hikers count on that water to be there.
 You put the water for hikers to use, so don't get pissed off that they are
using. it.

Yogi
www.pcthandbook.com