[pct-l] Thru-Hikers and cans (was Scary bear story &nothanging food)

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

> you've written that like it's a bad thing 2 folks who are in charge of
> the area implemented the rule.  The fact remains that if everyone
> carried and properly stored their food in a can, the "bear problem"
> would go away.

Not True!  As I've stated before, as long as Joe Touron continues to 
feed  the bears in Yosemite his gorp and candy bars, the problem will 
continue.  What's worse is that after the bears in Yosemite valley get 
bad due to Joe Touron, they "reward" the back country users by 
relocating the bear to a backcountry area that is only accessed by the 
people who do their best to keep food away from bears anyway.


> Smarter folks always have to adjust the way they do
> things due to the actions of the not so smart.  

I agree.  This is just how the world works, but that doesn't mean that 
we should just roll over and take the solution sthat is presented to us 
as if it were gospel.  There is more than one way to skin a cat.

> It's mandatory for a
> hiker to have a backpack if they go hiking for extended periods, 

Says who?  I did the JMT in 2002 with a fanny pack only.

> the
> bear can should be considered essential equipment as well as soon as
> the bears come out of their dens for the summa' in the hot areas
> they've learned to take down hangs.  

Why is this the *only* acceptable solution?  As long as I keep my food 
away from da bears, haven't I complied?


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