[pct-l] How do water caches work?

[Bob Bankhead]

The bottom line lesson for folks to learn is this:

NO CACHE IS 100% RELIABLE, NOT EVEN ONE YOU SET YOURSELF


1. It might be gone when you arrive; removed by the owner or simply stolen
by a critter or by someone else (not necessarily another hiker). Community
bear boxes are unlocked and open to anyone anytime.
 
2. It might be empty when you arrive; other folks beat you to it and/or it
hasn't been refilled yet


If you set your own caches,  

(1) label them appropriately: "supplies for (name) arriving about (date)" If
you're feeling generous, you might add "Free to anyone after (date)" 

(2) package securely - bear canisters work best for anything with a smell;
OP sacks are 2nd best. Tie gallon water jugs together and/or to something
immovable.

(3) position securely - bury or hang well away from the trail. Mark the
location on your map or record GPS coordinates. It's wasted effort if you
can't find it again.