[pct-l] Update on Belden Package Situation

[Jackie McDonnell]

Just got this information from the Belden Trail Angels.

Yogi
www.pcthandbook.com

> Hello all,
>   I think we can anticipate that there will be some PCT hikers who did
use the latest materials and have sent resupply boxes to the Belden Post
Office, which is now closed. Local residents have just been updated
regarding the mail situation here, and it is clear now that the Post Office
will not reopen this summer, if ever.  I was also able to find out what the
USPS now plans to do with all packages sent by hikers (i.e., marked General
Delivery, and probably packages addressed c/o Braatens). These packages
will be sent to the Quincy Post Office. Of course this has not been tested
to determine if that is what will actually happen once the packages start
coming, and the USPS could decide to do something else later. I will try to
call them in early June and verify this procedure.
>
> This would probably be important information to release to the hiking
community, but with the warning that the situation could change and please
check the relevant websites  for updates. If hikers have mailed packages to
Belden, I recommend they contact the Quincy Post Office to verify its
arrival there (530-283-3912). Hikers will need to find a way to get to
Quincy on their own, since it is out of the question for the Braatens to
make regular 3+ hour postal runs. The Post office is located on 222
Lawrence St., go straight into Quincy, Lawrence is about a quarter of a
mile after the one way traffic divide.  WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT HIKERS
MAIL PACKAGES TO QUINCY, it is not close to the trail, and it is not an
easy hitch. If they can delay sending packages until they get to Chester
that would be a better option.
>
> Note: I have attempted to notify hiker services in this mailing. I am
sure this list is incomplete. Please forward this email (and copy me) to
any interested party.
>
> Laurie