Food drop questions

[sherpaxc]

Ok, so I didn't want to get off topic too much on the CTR specific thread.  I will not be racing, just through riding the CT.  My friend and I have the luxury of taking our time and even more of a luxury of having our wives pull our travel trailers from Waterton to Frisco, to BV, to Saguache, to Durango.  The timing won't be exactly when we get there, but will all be within a day or so.  For example, my wife will probably stay an overnight in Saguache at a local campground the day before I get there.  I won't get to see her (I think) but she can drop off a couple days worth of food for me that would get me to Silverton. 

My question is, what is the best method to retrieve this cache?  Is a bear vault the only method (I can come back and pick up the vault or whatever) or would a hardy plastic bin that has been secured work?  It seems like a bear vault would be the best decision, but many times on through hikes and bikes I see coolers filled with drinks and snacks as Trail Magic and they don't seem any worse for wear.

Thoughts?

[sherpaxc]

No thoughts?  Bummer.

[Racingguy04]

depending on the area (I don't know that area too well) I'd do either a bear vault or hang. Bears might get into your food, but honestly I'd be more worried about squirrels. I'd also double/triple bag things if they're going to be sitting for much time just to decrease the amount of smell and therefore animal attraction. You might also get away with a well sealed cooler, especially if it's stashed under a picnic bench that helps keep it from being opened.

I think if you have all the options available, your wife can talk to the campground hosts and see what they think. They'll probably be the best resource.

[offroute]

I'd have her leave them at the PO, addressed to you at general delivery. There will undoubtedly be a cost, but at least you won't be depending on a camp host or merchant who is not committed to delivering packages. The down side is dealing with the post office hours. I think the bike shops en route would be a fair bet also.

I guess I'm not getting why a bear can or hanging food has to be involved at all. She certainly won't be leaving food outdoors unattended for a day, eh?

[fotooutdoors]

Does the campground have metal food lockers?  If so, your wife could possibly pay for an extra night at the campground and stash the food in the locker.  Of course, I would let the hosts know what is up if you go this route. 

[wbcmaelstrom]

I'd do PO drops because then they'll be waiting for you and won't have to try to time her logistics with your logistics. Seems like a logistics nightmare. PO drops only require *your* logistics. What you are attempting requires double logistics.

The CTR guidebook/pocketbook have all the PO locations.