[pct-l] Tipping

[Pea Hicks]

hi andrea-

here's a thought. maybe a naive one, but reverse psychology is often the 
best way to go about this. if you don't make it known that you accept 
tips or donations of any sort, this does two things. first, it creates 
an extra sense of gratitude in the mind of the conscientious hiker, that 
you would do all this and suggest that nothing at all is expected (or 
possibly not even accepted) in return. most hikers will respond to this 
generosity accordingly. second, you avoid the "group mentality" effect 
where, if someone sees a tip jar with money in it, or even just a sign 
saying that tips/donations are accepted, many will inevitably/wrongly 
think "oh, everyone else will leave a donation, so i don't have to."

another thing is that openly asking for tips/donations can tend to 
create a bit of confusion for hikers- "so, is a tip/donation fully 
expected? is that just their polite way of saying that we're expected to 
pay for their services?" etc etc.

anyway, just thought i'd throw this out there. i, for one, was very 
grateful for your help and hospitality- even that far along, us pathetic 
hikers still need as much support, wherever it appears!!

and i'd like to thank you and jerry once again and wish you a very happy 
holiday!! :)

girlscout