[pct-l] Another Super Secret Outburst

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

I know all you list followers that are trail conditions/transportation 
options enthusiasts are saying, "Oh no, not another boring Switchback gear tirade."  
Well,................
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## Weights: Use Zip Lock bags or similar containers for your gear.  I put the 
name and weight of the contents in large black letters/numbers on each bag.  
Then I try to put several bags into a larger clear bag and put the contents on 
this bag too.  This is a rain proof way to carry gear.  Also, as you hike and 
camp, you can evaluate the weight of your gear.
## Pedicure: Before you go on your hike and as you hike along on a long hike 
consider getting a pedicure.  Very, very nice for the feet.  You will not 
regret this.  You will think as you hike along, "Thanks Switchback.  What a nice 
guy."
## Mark Your Territory: Urinate around your bear bagging (food) tree before 
you go to sleep at night.  This I heard somewhere many years ago this was a 
Forest Ranger trick to keep bears away from food.  So far it has worked for me, 
but who knows if it really works.  May be I heard this idea from the mountain 
man Jim Bridgers back in the 1830s or Sierra mountaineer Norman Clyde in the 
1930s.  I just don't remember.  I get confused so easily.  Sorry.
## Tell Time: This is another old trick.  Use your fingers to tell how much 
sun light is left.  Hold your hand out in front of you and then hold your 
fingers parallel to the horizon and to the sun.  Count how many fingers there are.  
Each finger equals 10-15 minutes.  For example, three fingers would mean 
there is 30-45 minutes left before the sun goes down.  I have used this for years 
and it works pretty good.  Now I do remember who told me this technique.  It 
was John Muir.
 
Ye olde hiking buddy, Switchback