[pct-l] PCT Community Bear Canister Loan Program

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

Attention: 2013 nobo PCT thru-hikers...
Announcing the seventh year of the PCT Community Bear Canister Loan Program!

Are you on a very tight budget having limited finances or coming from outside 
the USA or from an area of the country in which you won't have ANY use whatsoever 
for a bear canister after your PCT thru-hike?
You may be able to borrow a bear canister for your PCT thru-hike for 'free' 
(except for USPS return shipping)...
The loan program is NOT done on a 'first come - first served basis', but rather 
on a show of 'some' need, however small, in the borrower selection process...
The loan program is run solely on the HONOR SYSTEM - so please be honest, open, 
and thorough when submitting your request (requests remain confidential)...
Sorry, but the loan program is not set up to serve sobo thrus nor JMT hikers - 
we do NOT ship the canisters to thrus on the trail, canisters are picked up &
signed out in person... 
Long section hikers will also be considered, but primary focus is on thru-hikers.
** ('new' this year – making arrangements for the canisters to be stored and 
distributed in the Kennedy Meadows area, PCT mile ~702) **

If you think you might qualify for a 'free' bear canister loan for your 2013 nobo 
PCT thru-hike, please contact me off-list (subject: PCT Bear Can Loan) - and 
explain your reason or need to borrow a bear canister for your hike... 
Selected borrowers must provide an active (during & after your hike) email address 
and phone number, your anticipated start date, and 'planned' ETA at the canister 
distribution point...
Selected borrowers must also agree to an informal 'contract' via email before a 
canister is reserved in your name and the loan is 'finalized'...

Please do not delay until the last moment to request a canister; we would like to 
arrange and finalize all canister loans by the end of March... 

Thank you.

Happy trails!!!
Jim "PITA" Payne
(email: enyapjr at comcast dot net; subject: PCT Bear Can Loan)