[pct-l] Belden

[Bighummel@xxxxxxx (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

--
[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
Wandering Bob writes:

> Belden is a really lousy place but you have to go right
> through there, so partake of what's available. The PO is
> not in Belden anymore; it's a mile away west on the hwy,
> closed on weekends, and has short hours. The resort didn't
> meet electrical codes and has slowly been up-grading,
> so laundry and water heater for public showers has been
> non-existent for two years. Maybe they'll fix it this year!

Wow, how our expectations of trail town - resupply points change.  In 1977 I
found the small store at Belden unexpected and so the small amounts of food
stuffs that they did have were nice and the cold beer offered by a local
tasted incredible after a hot long day of hiking.  The lady at the store - PO
couldn't have been nicer as well as the locals.  I guess you make Belden what
you will.  Most bikers are good people when you talk to them one-on-one.  You
just have to smile to start a conversation.

This same sentiment goes for Sierra City also.  I have heard many recent thru
or section hikers talk about the cold shoulder they have gotten in Sierra
City.  Not so in 1977.

Perhaps too many disappointed PCT hikers have come through over the years and
hardened the attitudes of these locals.  The novelty of meeting a thru-hiker
has worn off in the local towns along the PCT, part of the maturing of the
trail.

Greg