[pct-l] Wacky idea for carrying water in SoCal

[Robert Logue <robertl@iname.com>]

Alright, I'm new to this, so be kind. My desert experience was a LONG
time ago and involved car camping, so water was never a problem. My SO
and I are contemplating a PCT hike in 2001 and I'm thinking about the
following for the SoCal desert:

You know those pull-sleds that winter hikers use? How about something
similar with wheels for carrying water through the desert.? I'm thinking
all wood construction, including the wheels, except for a few metal
fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts). Homemade, of course, strong and light
as possible. Just big enough to carry, say, 5-6 gallons of water and
keep the weight off my back. When far enough North and after reaching
more frequent and reliable water sources, the cart is disassembled, the
metal fasteners shipped home or disposed of responsibly and the cart
remains used as firewood.

Some may find the wheel tracks offensive, but as long as they stay on
trail, they can't be any worse that those left by ATVs or mountain bikes
(all over the place). I suppose one could borrow a trick from the old
western films and drag a couple of tumbleweeds behind to erase the
tracks <g>.

The cart and water could be carried short distances if required.

OK -- go ahead and shoot me down. I can take it.




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