[pct-l] Bear Cannister requirements

[goforth@cio.net (Joanne Lennox)]

I have read the "regulations":There are certain areas where "backpackers"
are required to have " food  stored" in  a bear canister.  I do not know
the definition of a backpacker, nor of stored and non-stored food.  Are day
hikers with backpacks required to have bear canisters. Are "backpackers"
who are not overnighting in an area required to have a canister.  If I
arrive in the Rae Lakes area having eated all my food, do I have to have a
Cannister or bear proof panniers.  If I carry food in my pocket is that
improper storage?  I also note that only "food" is required to be stored,
there is no mention of "feed"(does cut grass need to be stored?).  Is there
a definition of "food".  A number of hikers have talked about food outside
their canisters.  What are we talking about here?  How does one use or cook
food if it is in the cannister?  does anybody out there have actual
experience on how these regulations have been interpreted for hikers?  So
thruhikers are starting North from Reds Meadow with bear canisters in their
wee little golite packs?  Are Rangers stopping hikers and searching packs
or requiring a canister be produced?  What is the wording in the actual
regulations (so far what I have seen rules but they need to be backed up
with actual federal code)

The Pannier problem is a particularly thorny one for me, because I do not
have a " pack" animal( I have a riding horse on which I pack some food and
gear), nor do I have a way of carrying Panniers on a riding saddle(they
also cost 500 dollars, a pack saddle and the harnesses would require an
equal investment, even if I had a pack horse which I do not have).  Part of
the reason I am trying to go without a pack animal is that it reduces
impact.  Obviously, not all stock is pack stock. I note that the Monarche
divide area (Cedar grove to Glacier Pass to Simpson Meadow to Evolution
basin) would be an alternate which does not have the same stringent
requirements but it is not the PCT, and that does not solve the problem for
me near Red's meadow ( barring just going on a three day high altitude
fast).

Should Dogs be required to have bear-proof panniers? :) Does a dog eat food
or feed or......

I would love to see a good comedy writer produce some regs which answer the
above questions.  I realize that it is fertile ground for a bunch of flames
but it also is just waiting for a rye point of view


Joanne