[pct-l] trail angel donations . . .

[Ron Dye]

I typically left $20 but on one occasion donated quite a bit more because
(1) they went out of their way in feeding us wonderful meals and (2) I noted
that some other hikers didn't (couldn't) contribute.  I always asked if I
could donate toward gas but only one accepted it and that was after I pushed
it on them.  Just think what a motel/meals would cost if you had to go that
route and your wallet will not be so difficult to extricate.  I did notice,
on a couple of occasions, a sense of entitlement but that was far and few
between.

Side note:  In Dunsmuir I noted an older home was being re-wrapped with
Tyvek as they were replacing the siding.  On my way back from dinner I noted
a piece of tyvek had been cut out from one wall - interestingly enough it
was the general size/shape of a lightweight tent.  I felt this reflected
poorly on hikers.  I imagine the contractor might have given or at least
sold a piece had he been asked.  Again, sad reflection on hikers.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Scott Williams
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 5:41 PM
To: Paul Robison
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] trail angel donations . . .

Great question Paul.  I think it's fine to ask, and did on occasion, and was
more than once told of the expences angels incurred that I hadn't even
thought of.  Gas and electric for heating and water, and even in the case of
the Dinsmores, who are wonderful folks and didn't want to beg, having to
rent porta-potties, which wasn't cheap, for the hoards of folks making the
last jump toward Canada from their place.  I always left at least $20 per
night for myself, but maybe I was being cheap.

I think it's also fine to ask the hikers you're with to try and be generous.
 At times you can feel a bit of an attitude of entitlement amongst the
hikers, and that's not good.  The regulars like the Saufleys, Andersons,
Heitmans, and all the rest should be compensated if you can possible do it,
and I'm sure they won't tell you to leave if you can't.  They give us a
tremendous service, and are really great folks.  Also, when being given a
lift by someone, ask to chip in for gas.

What do others think about amounts.

Shroomer

On Sun, Jan 2, 2011 at 1:54 PM, Paul Robison
<paulrobisonhome at yahoo.com>wrote:

> what is a good amount?  when someone puts you up, feeds you, etc.
>
> or just if you camp on their lawn?
>
> ... i want to be generous, but i don't want to run out of money at
> milemarker
> 2,000 either.  i swear finances are the hardest thing for me to figure out
> about
> this whole trail.
>
> is 50$ a night good for a couple for a night and dinner??  80$?
>
> people who have thru'd before,  what did you guys figure for donations?
is
> it
> polite to straight up ask ?
>
>
> thanks for the info,
> ~Paul
>
>
>
>
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