Re: [pct-l] bear advice on JMT

[RRichey535@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/15/99 8:35:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, bjensen4@juno.com
writes:

<< Since you're going to be sticking to the Trail anyway, why not just
 use the bear-boxes that're placed conveniently along the way? You can
 _sleep_ away from them if you don't like to be near other hikers (but if
 you felt that way, you wouldn't be doing the JMT at the height of the
 season, right?), and just store your food in the box at night. If you
 hang your food, you really ought to do a good job, hassle or no - it's
 important for the bears and other hikers that you don't "take a
 chance"..... >>

Hi BJ.  My choice to go in August is to avoid crossing streams and passes when
they are most difficult.  Having a wife and two little kids to support, I'm
not the bungee jumping type, for better or worse.  I'm extremely concerned
about bears getting food for more than selfish reasons, which is probably why
I have not contributed to the problem for the 29 years I have hiked in the
Sierras.  Considering a canister is another manifestation of that concern.
But as far as bear boxes are concerned, I was not aware that they were present
north of Woods Creek.  Thus northern 2/3 of trail remain problematic.  Thanks,
Bob R.
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