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Re: [at-l] Mysteries of backpacking
Your item 2.
Some shelter sites (such as Pass Mountain in VA) have "bear poles" designed
to keep your food away from bears. You get your food up on the bear pole by
using another pole (furnished). You lift your pack with this pole and hook
the pack on top of the pole, then lay the pole back on the ground.
The theory is that the bear cannot climb the bear pole, thus your food is
safe.
Further north, like NJ and NY, they provide bear boxes; heavy metal boxes
that are chained (anchored) to the ground in which you place your food at
night.
Note that protecting your food from bears is also a safety feature in that
bears can smell your food and they will come into a shelter and take your
pack or anything else containing food. By putting your food on a bear pole
or in a bear box, you deflect the bears (and other creatures) away from your
more valuable body and to the unattainable food supply. Bears become
frustrated quickly and soon give it up and wander off looking for more easily
obtainable food.
Remember, the bears live in the woods, you are just passing through their
place.
Big E
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