Re: [pct-l] thoughtful Muir Hut reminder

[Charcholla@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/2/99 4:10:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
trailangel@hotmail.com writes:

<< Do hikers still practice the courtesy of leaving wood twigs/pieces in Muir 
Hut for those that may get holed up there in bad weather? I seem to remember 
it being a practice but alas novice hikers would impinge on the place and 
make a fire for the heck of it. >>

Without getting into whether wood gathering in the area around Muir Pass (for 
miles) is allowable or not, let me add one piece of info.

In the summer of '96 when I hiked the JMT, the fireplace in Muir Hut was 
filled with stone as if to prevent it's use. I don't recall if it was 
cemented in place or not, but if "they" preferred that it not be used for any 
reason, hikers should not try to restore it as a fireplace. 

Note that the hut is a very secure looking structure and would still serve as 
protection from the wind and weather. Even cooking a meal on your gas stove 
inside of the hut would probably bring the temp up to a relatively warm level.

Charlie Jones
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