Cleanliness in coolers, etc

imported
#1

(i guess since i didn’t get to go to trail days :>( i’m destined to just sit here and try to POST my connectedness to the trail community)…anyway…there’s been quite a bit of discussion here in the forums lately concerning trail magic…i have always wondered (but more so after i got really sick on the trail in new hampshire last year : WHAT, exactly, are we pullin’ out of the ice in those magical coolers besides delicious cold sodas?..or, when we lift a can out of a mountain stream to guzzle its cold contents without a thought of teeny weeny giardia swimming on the tab, what “troubles” might we be ingesting?..who knows the science on this?..can you dry off the can sufficiently for a safe drink…or do you need to swab it down first with hand sanitizer or grapefruit seed extract or something…i was always a little more at ease when the contents of a cooler weren’t swimming in water…any thoughts?

maw-ee

#2

I’m I reading this right? Are you b…ching about things people are giving you for free?

Man and I thought only inmates gripe about free stuff.

BUT as I tell them… don’t take it.

Only in America have we become so spoiled that we can b…h about the kindness in peoples heart.

I’m sorry if you think I’m being mean and maybe I’m out of line but… if you are that scared, go find a bubble to live in.

Just my 2 cents

SweetAss

SweetAss

#3

thanks SA, but no…this was not meant as a criticism…(if you’ll read my posts on “trail magic” you’ll see i’m EXTREMELY grateful and supportive of “angels” and all we’ve received at their hands)…no…i’m just concerned for fellow hikers out there who have a dream to complete their journeys and might need to practice a little caution for their own safety…but you’re certainly right about our being spoiled AND fearful!..(i have a dream of stamping out both fear and apathy)…my question is really meant to gather more info on the nature of giardia…we have a lot to learn about clean water the world over, huh…

maw-ee

#4

Of course it’s a potential problem. The same reason I never let you put your grubby hand in my gorp bag; I pour to you. The number one source of infectious diarrhea is probably other hikers. I need to be sure you wash your hands after using the bathroom more than me washing my hands! Both ice and water can be infected with giardia. But contamination and decontamination are all a matter of degree. You can use some of your clean water to wash off the top of the can and drink away with relative safety. Then perhaps Purell your hands before shaking with me!
Bear Bag, GA>ME 2000
Retired ER Doctor

Bear Bag