PCTA assignment

 

 How difficult can signs be?

       The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest Trail as an international enjoyment for hikers, tourist, and all people of the world. But a major problem are the signs. In 2012 a PCTA member donated $5,000 to help improve the PCT. Jennifer Tripp, PCTA trail operations manager, had the job of collecting orders for new signs. She completed this mission, now the question is,  “How hard could it be to order signs?”. Jennifer felt this process would be easy but it was quite difficult. Spelling out the PCT’s name are prohibited. So instead they created triangular PCT logo marker. The markers are called “reassurance” markers because, if you are standing at a trail junction (or confusing spot), you should be able to  see a marker in either direction and this will put you back the trail. Kate Beardsley, a volunteer led the massive effort to install these signs in all locations. Kate and her crew also carefully replaced PCT reassurance markers within sight of junctions. But within just a few weeks, someone came along with a Sharpie and vandalized the new signs. The trail is adventurous and a once in a life time experience but you can not hike a trail if you can not read the signs.

Tell 3 things you learned from this article.

1.  I learned that despite the good things people do, some people just don't care.
2.  I learned that trail signs can be confusing and getting loss is quite common.
3.  I learned that have caring members, because Kate Beardsley and Jennifer Tripp did not have to donate or help improve the PCT, but despite what happened they still helped. 

Any questions you might have about this article?

1.  Did they ever find out who vandalized the markers?
2. Who donated the $5,000 to help improve the PCT?
3.  Has the PCT improved any since this article?