Well, Josh is the only one so far to send in a gear list spreadsheet.
Does anyone but me have any bear cannisters or sacks? I think some thought needs to be given to protecting our food not only from bears but racoons and other animals. Although limited numbers are allowed to hike, the preferred camping sites are well used and probably populated by poachers.
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Go Mariners
Impassable Headland is the central communication hub and data repository for the adventurous crew preparing to backpack the West Coast Trail in the summer of 2008.
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8 comments:
I don't have bear canister. What is bear bag- a heavy duty duffel hung high?
Sorry, but I have not been able to download this. is there a summary spreadsheet I could receive by email and then fill in?
My gear is spread between 3 locations for now. I do have:
REI 2 person dome tent
lightweight tarp
large Kelty backpack
2 sleeping bags
2 backpack mattresses
lightweight backpack stove - propane
titanium cookset
i gal. plastic water carrier
water filter
reflector oven (made from an olive oil can in Scouts)
insulated french press mug ( recommended for fresh coffee)
Rob, you get the award for most comments! Though it's inflated by the fact that it was one person commenting three times.
I'm fiddling around with the spreadsheet application at Google Docs, which allows multiple people to access and manipulate a spreadsheet (access can be controlled).
Would this interest you or would you prefer (and are you willing) to compile spreadsheets as you receive them by email?
I don't have any bear canisters or bags - but I would be perfectly willing to purchase one - I'm fairly likely to need it again for future trips.
In fact, I really should have had one for trips in the past. Maybe then, Graham and I wouldn't have had a grizzly nosing around our tent.
Uh...Go Phillies!; other than that, the Impassable Headland creator and I should get along fine! Ha.
I'm George, Rick's Seasoned Citizen friend. It all sounds exciting, fun, and challenging.
The following is from the 2004 WCT prep guide: "Living with wildlife: black bears, wolves and cougars use the beaches and trails of the WCT unit. All wild animals are potentially dangerous. To avoid a dangerous encounter with wildlife stay alert and keep these points in mind:
-Never leave food or garbage accessible to wildlife - it is an attractant.
-Keep children close to you.
-If you encounter a predator:
- face the animal and retreat slowly, giving them an avenue of escape;
- do not run or play dead.
-In the unlikely event of an attack, try to appear big and aggressive: shout, wave a stick or throw rocks.
Read the hiker advisory at the trailhead and ask staff about recent wildlife activity and how to be a partner in Living with Wildlife."
Elsewhere the guide says we should hang our stuff and plan on packing out toilet paper.
Bear Canisters and Bear Bags (not accepted everywhere)need to be used for containing all food and toiletries that have odor. They are generally hung or placed away from camp. Cooking is also recommended in a separate area (may not be possible).
For Bear bags see: www.ursack.com/
For cannisters:www.bearvault.com/
They also work for raccoons and other foraging animals.
Well, I checked with the Pacific Rim Park about cannister requirements. Cannisters are not required, but hanging food is. See below. Some may want bear bags or cannisters anyway if we don't camp at "the usual places".
Who is planning the route and daily legs?
Josh is still the only one providing a gear list.
If we do not want to compile a list of equipment available to share please let me know. Vargo and I can then just try to suggest what is needed for each group (if we pair up). Unless everyone wants to travel as a solo independent hiker within the group I think we need to share cooking and water purification and first aid kits rather than everyone carrying their own.
We need to get a group discussion going sometime before July.
"Hello:
No, you are not required to carry an approved bear proof cannister.
You can camp anywhere you wish, no requirements.
Food lockers are only provided at the standard, usual campsites, where most
people camp. If you camp somewhere else, you must have a line to hang your
food pack up high.
At your mandatory orientation before you start your hike, they will give
you lots of camping tips and background, locations, hiking times, etc.
Cheers
Rick
Rick Holmes
Senior Park Warden
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
www.pc.gc.ca
250-726-7165"
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