[pct-l] Thru numbers

[Ann Marie]

Believe me some of the trail angels are rethinking the amount of their support.  It is disturbing to read that some hikers are bypassing water sources to drink only the bottled water supplied. This year I limited my 3rd gate water cache assistance to only two trips (there are others who lead the efforts), but I paid for the $60 of water each time. Add my gas and the 5-6 hours daily roundtrip commute thru heavily-congested San Diego traffic and I quickly became more disenchanted with the "magic" during this, my second year of helping. Don't misunderstand me, I think water caches in some areas are great. I'm positive they are all much appreciated. But I also think the extras (fruit, snacks, beer/wine, soda/energy drinks) are too much or should be reserved for the thrus getting to Oregon or Washington on their own efforts. Leave water only and leave a big sign saying 1 to 2 liters max and request  a $1 or $2 donation to defray the cost. It is no longer
 UNacceptable to ask for that small donation - my only concern is that the money may be stolen. Heck, we had two hikers at 3rd gate give the trip leader $33 right there at the cache when we dropped off water. They wanted to pay for themselves and those hikers behind them. We expressed a ton of surprise and gratitude to them.