[pct-l] Re: Scary Bear story and not hanging food

[aandg at telusplanet.net (Alistair & Gail Des Moulins)]

When we were about 2 miles north of Tuolomne Meadows during the 3rd week of
June on our last year's thru hike, we met a ranger coming the other way. We
chatted a bit then we were asked the question that I was hoping not to be
asked "What are you doing about food storage?". Not being a convincing liar
I said that we had a 40' length of cord and we hung our food from a tree by
the traditional method or used the bear boxes. The ranger said that was fine
as the bears had not ventured up into this area yet and we should be free of
potential bear problems 15 miles north of TM.
So it would seem that the rules are not strictly enforced during early
season otherwise we would have been fined $$$! Maybe the fact that we were
making an effort with food storage made a difference?

Alistair

> Message: 18
> Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:06:36 -0700
> From: <jeff.singewald@commerceone.com>
> Subject: RE: [pct-l] Scary bear story & not hanging food
> To: <scourtway@bpa-arch.com>, <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <975D1A379F57F34995874608D9FE8C91BE3DF0@C1SCAMSG05.commerceone.com>
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>
> mr courtway comments:
>
> >And to clarify, it's not simply because of the fact they're thru hikers.
> >Early season, and in small numbers food protection rules can be bent and
not
> >have a terrible impact.  Whether one exercises strict adherence to
"rules"
> >and "laws" is solely up to the individual.
>
> Yes, I suppose adherence to "rules" is solely up to the individual,
however, rules are in place to protect the masses.  And, regardless of how
early or small in number you might believe you are, you are contributing to
the problem, and this does impact me.
>
> I would not be so bold to think that I could change anyone's opinion on
this board given the creativity that some have shown to find excuses and
justification for not observing the foot protection rules.
>
> Hmm, I guess we could use the early season and small in numbers reasoning
for justifying those in the backpacking community that fail to follow the no
open fires rule in areas of high fire danger.  Remember strict adherence is
solely up to the individual...
>
>