[pct-l] bear boxes for thru hikers

[metam01 at earthlink.net (Monty Tam)]

> > I've heard this stated on this list many times, but what's the source
> > of the rumor that long-distance hikers get preferential access to bear
> > boxes? There's nothing on the official SEKI Web site
> > <http://www.nps.gov/seki/snrm/wildlife/food_storage.htm> that hints at
> > this. Nor do I recall ever seeing that on a permit or in a ranger
> > station or hearing it from a ranger.

YES.  ONE OF THE BEST KEPT SECRETS ON THE PCT!!

I never heard it either until Roxanne, a very friendly Ranger stationed in
Kings Canyon we hiked with a couple hours, told us that in Kings Canyon
thru hikers (with a permit) are not required to carry a bear canister, bear
boxes are for thru hikers only, and not even she could use the bear boxes
for that reason.  She said she didn't know what the rules were for other
sections.  She pretty much told us the left hand didn't know what the hands
on the other bodies were doing.  The Forest Service is very good at keeping
secrets.

I need a map of bear boxes between Kersarge Pass and Tuolumne....especially
close to Tuolumne.

Warner Springs Monty