[pct-l] Bear Canister Question

[trail-name-here]

I've never had a problem with bears from Sonora Pass to Carson Pass but, you
might need to carry your canister past Echo Lake through the Desolation and
Granite Chief Wilderness to Donner Pass. Tahoe bears are pretty active and
canisters were required last summer. Bears raided campers at Round Lake
(near the PCT at Meiss Meadows) last summer. I'll ditch my canister after
Tahoe.

Hasta la pasta

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Stephen
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 11:00 PM
To: PCT-1
Subject: [pct-l] Bear Canister Question

After reading a bunch of the threads in the archives it sounds like most
folks are leaning towards using bear cans rather than relying on stealth.
My question relates then is the intent to send the canister home after the
Sierra, say at Echo Lake?  I was considering getting one as my hike will
begin through the worst part of trash bear territory.  The only time I ever
had bear trouble was near Blaney hot springs and then probably because I was
so blown out I hadn't the energy to create much stealth.  I did however
stack an alarm with poles and pot which sufficed to save the food bag, but I
have never since been too comfortable along popular trails and have always
avoided hiking in the problem areas near Mammoth and Yosemite.  Now my hike
goes right through it. But do I really need to carry the container farther
north through to Lassen, and the rest of N.Cal into OR?  My take on my being
a very good counter ballance and food hanging artist is that Ihave probably
been fortunat
 e.  So do I give in and resign myself to carry the bulk and weight and
sleep well and safe or am I making too much of bear problems outside the
serious problem areas I mentioned above.  I read a few positive comments
regarding using the can.  Perhaps the one that stands out most for me is the
ability to stop and flop just about anywhere, and being wiped out from a
long day, not have to worry about being here nor there.  In a sense adding a
little weight and bulk adds a little freedom.  I have over ten years
expience ranbling around in the Sierra and never used the food storage.

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