[pct-l] Trail aid...

[jjolson at uwyo.edu (Jeffrey J. Olson)]

Perhaps water stashs and such should be discouraged. 

I can see how if I find a note next November as I head south across the 
Mojave saying there is a spring not marked anywhere, or information on 
something about the trail, I'd really appreciate it. 

However, I am never going to depend on someone else doing anything for 
me.  If it happens I run into two women hiking carrying a couple 
six-packs who want to hear stories and tell jokes, I won't turn down a 
beer! 

It seems part of the adventure involves carrying a couple gallons when 
needed, just as is walking over snow or fording streams.  This is what 
keeps the experience wild. 

I'll never forget the young man and his girlfriend we met at Milk Creek 
who'd hiked up from the Suiattle River Trailhead.  They were looking for 
a place to camp.  They had six Burger King Whoppers for food, expecting 
that to last them for the 30 mile Suiattle River-Milk Creek-PCT-Suiattle 
River loop. 

Natural culling of the herd is almost a necessity as the trail gains in 
visibility, retailers market ultralight equipment, and more people think 
they might try a thru-hike. 

Just some thoughts...

Jeff Olson
Laramie WY...  44 days from hitting the trail SOBO...