[pct-l] #rd Gate Cache... Suggestion

[Pea Hicks]

Gary Wright wrote:
> 

> That is not how they are used in practice.  Considering 3rd Gate cache
> itself--is it really necessary for there to be 50 gallons of water
> (the size reported on 3/19/07) there for *safety* only?  How many
> hikers are arriving at this cache with no water because something
> *unexpected* has occurred such as a leak in their water containers
> or an injury that has delayed arrival or the need to provide water
> to an injured and immobile hiker?

...or a miscalculation about how much water you might need, due to lack 
of experience hiking in the desert?

i agree that some folks dangerously rely on caches, but i can safely say 
that most folks i met on the trail last year treated them respectfully 
as safety valves.

you know, there's another angle to this whole thing... how many of us 
are prepared to speak out against the fire tanks or any other 
non-natural water source? after all, like the caches, that water also 
was brought in by other people besides hikers. if you would refuse any 
non-natural water source (even if you're not such a purist as to deem it 
ok to fill up in town), have fun hiking in socal...


girlscout