[pct-l] "Sustanable" food drops

[rubberchuckie at yahoo.com (Chuckie V)]

>>>>Ok so in an effort not to re-invent the wheel: Does anyone know of any work done in the past to create a network of fooddrops from local Co-Ops and farmers along the PCT, so as to reduce associated transport requirements of food, and support local economies? 
-Justin
 
 
Justin,
I'm not aware of such work having been done or, for that matter, even attempted. Not to sound condescending, but the PCT is generally known as a mountainous footpath on public lands. This essentially means that local farms, and therefore farmers, don't exist. Personally, I don't recall seeing anything resembling a crop during my hike, except in the case of an illegal one near Etna.
 
Co-ops are also hard to find en route, except perhaps in Ashland or Bend. Think of these towns as "outposts" and you are closer to the right frame of mind.
 
And as far as supporting local economies, PCT hikers already do that...and do it quite well, as others have already mentioned. My guess is that some of these small outposts have come to (dare I say?) depend on hikers. Sure, most these towns were there long before the trail was, but hikers seem to be a welcome addition when money is being spent.
 
Anyway, I know where you are coming from and it's obvious you mean well, but it's worth understanding that much of what you mention doesn't exist along the PCT. 
 
Oh, and if you want to support the farmer growing the crop near Etna, you're on your own.
 
-Chuckie