[pct-l] water at Scissors Crossing

[cmkudija at earthlink.net (cmkudija@earthlink.net)]

I've been amazed at the proliferation of water caches over the last few
years, and I've actually become quite concerned that people are becoming
dependent on them instead of using their own resourcefulness (and, ahem, the
guidebooks) to plan their water needs and resupply locations.  Is there
water in San Felipe Creek now?  If it is, is there any data on its quality
(agricultural chemicals as well as various bovine & human waste) and whether
filters can adequately purify it?  Considering that we've had several dryish
years in soCal, I wouldn't be surprised if the creek was dry.

We drank the San Felipe Creek water in '94 and suffered no ill effects (so
far).  That said, I know I'd be eternally grateful for a water cache when
the expected water source was dry or unavailable - such as campground
spigots turned off midweek.

Christine "Ceanothus" Kudija
PCT partially '94

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net]On Behalf Of Anne
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 10:41 PM
To: StoneDancer1@aol.com; pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] water at Scissors Crossing

As you've read, last weeek hikers went through 61 gallons in 24 hours!  When
it's really hot, as it is this year, by the time hikers get through the
desert to Scissors, some are in bad shape from the unaccustomed heat.  Jim
Wermers and Anne Riedman have been stashing water at Scissors Crossing for
about 5-6 years now.  As hikers are warned every year, do NOT count on water
being there when you come through.

We've been putting out 36 gallons a day since April 20th at a minimum.  That
means obtaining the 36 gallons, driving it there, and carrying it to the
cache, taking away the empties, and tieing the bottles so they don't blow
away in the desert.  And just think, Charlie and Jan carry the gallons 1.5
miles in to their stash at San Felipe Canyon AND all the rest that goes with
providing water.

Honestly, friends, there may not be water at any of the caches when you
arrive, but we do try to help you out so that you aren't suffering too much.
Some hikers who are unfamiliar or unprepared arrive at Scissors Crossing
dehydrated, demoralized, and are thankful for the shade or bit of water they
find.  Other hikers count on having water there, and are overwhelmed at
discovering what the desert is really like.

Anne Riedman
Jim Wermers
San Diego (La Mesa) and Borrego Springs
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