[pct-l] Drakesbad ranch is now closed to PCT hikers

[Paul Mitchell]

Hmmm, personally, it seems to me there must be more to it than a single
hiker not paying for a meal.  Punishing a large group for a single person's
actions seems either vindictive or opportunistic.  We know that hikers are
overall an EXTREMELY friendly and grateful lot, and anybody who is actually
happy to be hosting them wouldn't react so strongly to one isolated negative
experience.

Nah, I don't buy it.  ;-)  They must have wanted to stop hosting hikers, and
this seemed like an excuse to do so without losing face.

If you want to try to persuade them to change their minds, why not have a
few of the class of 06 chip in, get them a thank you card for their
hospitality (when they did offer it) include compensation for the meal and
maybe a copy of WeatherCarrot's latest DVD?  Maybe get a dozen hikers who
were there this year each write them a letter detailing what a treat it was
to be able to stop there for a visit - ah, or maybe just copies of people's
journal entries from their visit there.  That sort of jazz.  ;-)  Give them
a reason to feel good about re-opening their doors.  :-)

- Paul





-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]On Behalf Of Eric & Susan Beeler
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 8:34 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Drakesbad ranch is now closed to PCT hikers



As most of you may know this is the second year that Drakesbad Guest Ranch
has offered its hospitality to those of you who hike through on the PCT.
Thru hikers are offered a buffet, a shower & are allowed to use the swimming
pool. Now however that is not the case PCT hikers are no longer welcome
because Nemo decided to skip out without paying for her meal.(After she took
a shower & used the pool) She claims she didn't know that she had to
pay,since when do you walk into a business and not expect to pay? its not
like your there to window shop or anything.There wasn't a big sign that says
"Dinner for free to all PCT hikers". I am disapointed in Nemo's actions I
can say I have actually met her, we fed her & friends along the trail. I am
really disappointed that she has ruined it for everyone, by being so naive
to think a meal is for free at a guest ranch. I mean really is anything
free? If she does read this It is my opinion that a personal apology be made
& the meal be paid. I am hoping I can talk to the owners to get them to
reconsider. Every hiker that is coming up behind her is out of luck &
probably won't know till they arrive there. My husband said that that the
ranch was wonderful He planned to make this a favorite stop for when our
family does this section in a few years. Now however we may have lost
Drakesbad for a trail stop for good thanks to one persons thoughtless
actions.


Sue



_______________________________________________
pct-l mailing list
pct-l at backcountry.net
unsubscribe or change options:
http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l