[pct-l] Clearly, the PCT needs shelters

[Bob Bankhead]

Respectfully, you're out of date.

While I totally support your idea for a covered trail, I submit that the trail should be excavated and a moving sidewalk system installed from border to border. Since we're going to all that trouble, let's totally enclose the moving sidewalk to protect it from the elements. Having gone to the trouble and expense to enclose it, logic dictates it be made a year-round attraction by installing thermostatically controlled HVAC systems.

Copious use of Plexiglas picture windows should be made for through-hiker viewing.  A desirable option would be headphones and a pre-recorded tape loop at each significant viewpoint offering the hiker details regarding what is visible. To help pay for this, vending machines can be installed that deliver pre-packaged photos so camera gear is reduced to an optional carry item for only a few hardy souls.

Because this is supposed to be a true backcountry wilderness experience, the powers that be should resist the urging of the Whimps to install such luxury amenities as moving benches, room service, and luggage racks. Everyone is expected to carry their own load on their back all the way. This trail is only for those hearty souls willing to suffer for their thrills.

If the Canadian government balks at completing their short section into Manning Park, Congress should first attempt to buy the land from them and extend the US border accordingly. Failing that, the CIA can surely document the probable presence of threatening WMDs in the area so El Prezidente can (once again) order the invasion of that backward nation in order to protect the American way of life. It is NOT about oil. Never mind the fact that the last two times the USA tried that, the Canadians beat the Holy _ _ _ _ out of us. Maybe they'll be asleep at the switch this time and our mini-blitzkrieg will catch them by surprise.

It's time for my medications now.

Wandering Boob
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Andrea Dinsmore 
  To: Postholer 
  Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:53 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Clearly, the PCT needs shelters


  We should just build a connecting cover over the trail with mini motels and
  fast food stands every 20 miles. Then we could all hike the trail and go
  ultralight. Right now you can only successfully hike the whole trail is you
  educate yourself and prepare for whatever may happen. You have to carry
  water and food. And on top of all that you have to worry about the weather
  and figure out where you are going. That really isn't fair to those of us
  who just want to jump on the trail and not have to prepare. The government
  really should do something about that. They give my a parking sticker so I
  can park at the front door. They should my the trail accessible to me. I'm
  going to write a letter to the National Trails Association. This is not fare
  to us smart lazy people.

  PCT MOM.......ultrasmart hiker......just stays home