[pct-l] letters from the trail

[goforth@cio.net (Joanne Lennox)]

I know that this is very low tech and may sound strange but when I was
climbing alone in the sierras, I would carry writing paper and stamped
envelopes and ask hikers that were going out or in a different direction to
mail letters.  That way, my husband and some other folks knew where I was
"last seen", my husband had a tangible piece of my trip(and could reread
the letter).  I was careful when I changed itineries to send a letter.  And
on more than one occaision I simply left a letter in the middle of the
trail under a rock asking whoever found it to mail it ( I did this only
when I would return that way to retrieve it in case it was not picked up.).
 The letters without exception were sent.  It was also interesting to
reread the letters when I got home, and I can remember the faces and spots
where I sent the letters on their way.  They anchored me into the
wilderness and my husband into my experience at the time.  I do not think
it is the same as calling on the phone; the letters took time and were
given more depth of thought, they were made special by those persons who
hand carried them and who usually put their return address on them.

Joanne

----------
> From: JoAnn M. Michael <jomike@snowcrest.net>
> To: pct-l@edina.hack.net
> Subject: [pct-l] need some info
> Date: Thursday, March 08, 2001 3:14 AM
> 
> Hey guys and gals, I can use some help. Reading the talk about a TM-20
> has got me thinking about my solo hiking and bping.  Please, no mail
> about how dangerous it is for a woman to be alone...I know and I will
> still do it. What would you, who are "in the know", suggest for a
> safety/fallback devise in case of an emergency?  What would you
> recommend I take w/me in case of injury, etc? Is there anything 
> (relatively light weight) I could carry w/me to reach the outside
> world?  I have a non hiking husband who worries, a lot, while I'm gone.
> JoAnn
> _______________________________________________
> PCT-L mailing list
> PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l