i am doing a thru-hike and was wondering if anyone had a rough list of towns that they used for mail drops on their thru-hike or has any ideas. i am planning on hiking around an average of 13-15 miles a day and would like to resupply ever 5 or 6 days. Any advice or suggestions are really appreciated! thanks
Thru-Man
See Mags Colorado Trail End to End Guide.
http://www.pmags.com/joomla1516/index.php/ramblings/20-backpacking-and-hiking-documents/23-colorado-trail-info
It’s got them all - except Apple’s Angel Camp at Lujan Pass. See his post of this same page, a few topics down “Angels at Lujan”.
Wandering Bob
See Mags Colorado Trail End to End Guide.
http://www.pmags.com/joomla1516/index.php/ramblings/20-backpacking-and-hiking-documents/23-colorado-trail-info
It’s got them all - except Apple’s Angel Camp at Lujan Pass. See his post of this same page, a few topics down “Angels at Lujan”.
Wandering Bob
If memory serves me correctly, I used Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Creede, and Silverton. The first and last were easy access (a walk-in and an easy hitch). The second and third were tough hitches with hired rides back out.
Matt
thank yall so much! i have never used mail drops before so this is a new and exciting experience for me. when it comes to sending them do i need to call the post offices that im sending them to before hand? or do i just send them with my name on them? all advice would be much appreciated! thanks
CaveMan
Caveman - Mail your packages to:
Your Real Name
c/o General Delivery
Wherever, Co. 99999-999 (Correct zip available at USPS.com)
No need to call first. The PO’s know the drill. I would also suggest placing a small note in the corner of the package to the effect of:
“Please Hold for Hiker, ETA: 7/4/10.” It helps them sort the boxes.
When you arrive, you will need to show ID to retrieve your package.
A few other suggestions:
*Take a list of the PO operating hours on your trip so you know whether to push like hell to make a noon cut-off on Saturday or lolly-gag in the woods until the doors open on Monday morning and avoid an expensive weekend motel stay.
*Put ziplocks, water treatment chemicals, extra batteries, small tubes of toiletries, laundry detergent, and other items that will be hard to find or needlessly expensive when bought in pakaging too large for your needs.
*I always throw in a large garbage bag to put all of my motel-room trash in (and you will have a ton of it) to ease the cleaning staff’s burden.
*I also like to throw in a bar of real soap and a small bottle of shampoo. The tiny generic bars you get in motels just can’t tackle the trail funk like the real stuff.
Happy Trails. You’re going to love it!
Matt
It also helps to make your package visually different from the rest so clerks can find it faster and/or easier.
Rather than spend a lot of time digging through a bunch of boxes, it’s easier for the clerk to just make a cursory check and tell you it’s not there, come back tomorrow.
I use brightly colored duct tape to band or seal my boxes.
WB
Wandering Bob
Does anyone know what happens to an uncollected mail drop?
I’m wondering in case there is a last minute change of plans or you are in town on the weekend with the PO closed and need to leave before they open etc… or just decide to skip a town or bail out before reaching a given town…
What happens to your mail drop box? Do they mail it back at some point? How long do they keep it?
Thanks!
uncollected
That depends on how you sent it and where.
If you sent it to yourself c/o General Delivery via USPS Priority Mail (I think it also works for 1st Class mail too), you can ask to have it forwarded to another address or returned to sender, as long as the package was never opened. No charge for either. You’ll need to send a letter to that effect to the postmaster at it’s ordginal destination.
If you sent it via UPS or Fed-Ex, you’ll have to pay to redirect it, assuming you have someone at the resort (or wherever you had it delivered)will be willing to make the arrangements.
Wandering Bob
Unfortunately, I can address bailing out on a trip. :bawling If you sent the package 1st class, sometimes you’ll magically get it back with no additional postage due. Other times, it’s bye-bye mail drop. Of course, if the contents are worth it, you can always call the P.O and have them return it COD.
Matt
Usually I had boxes sent parcel post from home to big trailtowns where I knew I would have to stop & could stay until the PO opened. Forwarding a box short distance a few hundred trail miles ahead,(IE> Drift or bounce box) I would usually send it priority becuz it don’t cost much more & I have called or dropped a postcard to have one forwarded… such as at Old Faithful (Yellowstone) where I could not stay til monday even if I wanted to; since the hotel was maxed out & no campground there & permit required me to keep moving!
gingerbreadman