[pct-l] ADZPCTKO Campsites full policy

[Ann Marie]

Wow. I really sympathize with the KO organizers this year. Everyone expected a higher turnout of thru-hikers this year (everyone knows the "'NY Times bestseller.") Add to that the growing past alumni and I can easily understand the overflow dilemma (as a past attendee, I decided not to attend this year even though my partner has to....) Many have given their best advice....camp outside the  Lake Morena park and walk in on either Friday or Saturday and spend the day. At the end of the day, walk out.  As a "day" attendee, you do not need to pre-register, but just register as a day attendee when you arrive. As a thru-hiker, you can still participate in all the seminars and activities at no cost. Also thru-hiker,s be sure to mention you are a 2013 thru-hiker at the registration desk - they offer you a free thru-hiker bandana if any are left (NOTE to the alumni....don't pay for a bandana until the end of KO, so that the thru-hikers get first chance at their
 free gift......).


I have one warning, however. If you plan to camp within a mile or two of the Lake Morena park, please hide your campsite, especially if you plan to leave your gear at a remote campsite during the day while you attend KO.  I personally would keep my backpack with me during the day if I did not have a campsite within the Lake Morena campground (lots of other hikers can keep an eye on your gear if you are nearby..) The KO volunteers and Lake Morena park officials will warn you that thefts of gear and food and liquor DO occur during the KO, specifically within the  campground itself, but this year the Lake Morena delinquents may be on the alert that more unattended campsites are outside the campground itself. The wonderful trail angels known as the Andersons have thwarted some thefts of gear in the prior years that I attended. Seems some of the local youths residing in the area look for unattended gear (to sell later) and beer (or liquor) while you may be
 off attending some KO seminar for an hour.  If they realize THIS year that quite a lot more hikers will becamping outside of Lake Morena and leaving campsites unattended while their owners attend KO, then I expect to hear about more reports of theft. Be vigilant.


Bottom line. Do not leave your gear unattended at KO. If you cannot camp within the campgrounds, either keep your backpack with you during the KO seminars, or make friends with another hiker or trail angel and make arrangements to have someone watch your backpack during the day until you can hike out with it.