[pct-l] Water Cache at Scissors Xing

[Judson Brown]

Let's assume 10% of the general population are inconsiderate jerks. Since
an activity like long-distance hiking requires a certain amount of
executive functioning skills, let's winnow that down to 5%. If there are
1000 people hiking the PCT this year- or at least attempting it- it doesn't
seem unreasonable to assume that about 50 of them will fall into the
inconsiderate jerk category. And all it takes is one inconsiderate jerk to
have a large effect on the trail and those who use it.

How does that manifest itself on the trail? Leaving a trace instead of NO
trace, treating that trail like a rolling fraternity party, and generally
being unpleasant toward the people around them.

As the number of hikers attempting the trail each year increases- and there
is no reason to suppose that it won't- this cadre of jerkwagons will
proportionately grow as well. Meaning that the effects of these hikers will
worsen, as well. To the point where those who have traditionally dedicated
parts of their lives to helping hikers are going to decide more and more
that it just isn't worth it.

Can we keep this from happening? Maybe. Education up front seems to be one
answer. Make the permitting process much more stringent, with some teeth
behind it, or even start charging for the permit. Maybe before being
allowed a permit, you have to pass a class on LNT, fire/stove safety,
long-distance hiking logistics, etc., which could be administered, say,
through REI outlets. Or taken online.

Would it be a pain in the ass? Absolutely. But if nothing is done, we are
assuring that the abuse of the trail and its immediate surroundings will
continue. We are also assuring that fewer and fewer people will want to
keep providing support at levels they have in the past.




On Thu, Apr 24, 2014 at 5:34 PM, Scott Bryce <sbryce at scottbryce.com> wrote:

> On 4/24/2014 5:06 PM, Bob Bankhead wrote:
> > Pack out what you pack in, no matter the distance between legitimate
> > trash dumps. The larger odor-proof sacks work great for this.
> >
> > If you have the pack space and the inclination to do so, please pick
> > up and pack out some of the trash left by other less considerate
> > folks.
>
> Are there trash cans at Sunrise Trailhead? I don't remember. If so, then
> a thru hiker should only have a day's worth of trash by the time he gets
> to Scissors crossing. A small ziplock with a few ziplocks and wrappers
> in it. Maybe a page of maps. This can easily fit in your pocket. If
> there are no trash cans at Sunrise Trailhead, then make that two day's
> worth of trash, since Mount Laguna certainly has trash cans and even a
> dumpster, and, IIRC, Pioneer Mail has trash cans. Adding another day and
> half of your own trash on the way to Warner Springs is no big deal.
> Adding someone else's beer cans is.
>
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