Feedback on PSMP Aid Boxes

[neverwashasbeen]

At first thought it seems like a good idea, but the more I think about it, the more problems I see. I've seen many comments on this board about personal responsibility and prudence and I agree that anyone going up skyline needs plenty of both. The problem as I see it, is would we be encouraging folks that may not have much strength in those areas to "go for it" since a help box is on the way?

I believe that bluerail made a comment that Florian's bucket is empty, did that water save a life or did someone just take advantage of Florian's work?

Just a question to think about.

Happy trails

[halhiker]

At first thought it seems like a good idea, but the more I think about it, the more problems I see. I've seen many comments on this board about personal responsibility and prudence and I agree that anyone going up skyline needs plenty of both. The problem as I see it, is would we be encouraging folks that may not have much strength in those areas to "go for it" since a help box is on the way?

I believe that bluerail made a comment that Florian's bucket is empty, did that water save a life or did someone just take advantage of Florian's work?

Just a question to think about.

Happy trails

I'm all for personal responsibility but I think by putting some water LOW on the trail it will encourage someone to "go for it" since they probably wouldn't want to add the extra weight on the way up but it might save someone's life who decides to bail out and it may help out the rescue team.

If they made the Skyline a No Rescue area and you were told you were on your own I'd be all for that. Be prepared or die.

However, since rescues will be taking place on the trail, I think an effort to help alleviate the need or to help facilitate them is welcome.

I think a box should be kept to a minimum with fluids, shade and coordinates.

[FIGHT ON]

I agree with the idea that once word gets out that there is water/food along the way that more will go. Encouraging the less prepared for this hike.
There is a million scenarios but one could be where someone either forgets to bring enough water before they start or one of their bladders leaked on the way to the trail head or they forget to bring any water altogether. but head off anyway believing the stash can be used. and either can't find it or discover it's all used up.
Another one is where people plan not to carry any water at all. (who needs to carry water? we can just use the stuff on the trail!)
I like the off trail stash idea (hard to get to) but it still puts in the back of hikers mind that they can take additional risks.
What really should be done is emphasize that there really isn't any water on the trail. with the idea of not putting any water on the trail. for reals!
And if you think you can put some there and say there isn't any it will still get out that there is so forget that!

a sign at the trail head that not only explains the dangers of the trail (NO WATER) and how many people have died but list comparative hikes that should be completed prior to this one.
Like "if you haven't completed the following local hikes then you should not do this one. Vivian creek, Iron Mountain," etc.
the bottom line I understand trying to save lives with the water but I think it will attract more unprepared hikers and encourage people to take more risks.

[bluerail]

Maybe a small plaque memorial by the new Skyline trail sign listing the people who have perished on the mountain and why. Might get some attention.

Oh, and I guess at Ramon TH.

[Snowhiker]

Unpopular foods are less likely to get stolen: sardines, lima beans, black licorice, salt & vinegar potato chips.

Ummmmmmmmm I'd go out of the way for Salt-n-Vinegar chips. God I love those.

[ntheno]

Amen to that brother! It's between Salt n Pep and Salt n Vinegar.

[phydeux]

Unpopular foods are less likely to get stolen: sardines, lima beans, black licorice, salt & vinegar potato chips.

Ummmmmmmmm I'd go out of the way for Salt-n-Vinegar chips. God I love those.

A little off-topic, but those pre-pacakged chips advertised as 'salt & vinegar flavored' are just chips coated with sodium acetate. Better to get some regular ones and add your own salt and (malt) vinegar. And don't forget, they taste a lot better with cold beer!

[FIGHT ON]

they taste a lot better with cold beer!

don't go puttin beer up there. HickUp will go then.

[ntheno]

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their input. Let me say that the PSMP totally appreciates all the efforts of those that would like to help. Secondly, We are not and would not be in support of closing Skyline at anytime. We exist so that all can enjoy the mountain responsibly, as most of you do. As far as a fence, We would not even want to contemplate with City Land, Private Land, BLM Land, and Park land to attempt to get all entities together and figure out who would pay for it. Very Difficult. Please continue to offer your suggestions and keep in mind that ALL of our deceased Hikers were out of town, three from falls low on the mountain, one from exposure to cold at 4000ft,one from heat stroke low, all were alone and all but one was off trail to some degree. We definetley want to beef up signage at Ramon, Museum and Skyline trail heads, we do not want to advertise the locations of the aid boxes at the start of the trail. Only at Skyline and above. We can go as high as @5000ft(city boundary). As far as the the locking of the boxes, dispatch emergency #, and a combination that is a clever idea that could work if ok'd. Signs every 500ft is good too and will be seriously considered. Again,we thank all who have offered to check inventory and stock. This makes it possible. It is our hope that if we van save one life this effort would be worth it. I look forward to meeting you all on skyline(in October and not on a rescue ) and thanks for all of your suggestions.

[pdforeme]

How about a simple 10x10' or so sun shelter? I had tons of water but no shelter....I could have survived (painfully) if i had shade..