Are raccoons that big a problem on the GAP? In various threads I haven't seem them mentioned much. Seems sort of a hassle to use a box, not cook/eat in tent etc.

There is a paid site (KOA) just before you get to town that at least used to be very good. Haven't stayed in a while.

Connellsville is nice. First, it’s free, second, it’s a short walk to a nice grocery store, and third, you can set up your tent under a roof, which came in very handy last time I was there with torrential downpours in the middle of the night. Only downside is the bumblebees that are slowly eating the shelters. Another guy staying there said he could hear them all night, but I had first choice of shelters and picked the one that seemed the least infested. Plus, I sleep with earplugs when camping.

Yeah. I don't remember seeing the place listed, but it's now on the official site's camping list.

Thought the same thing when I saw the on-line requirement. Thinking it's a private land owner who wants to know who is going to be showing up ahead of time.

Re showers: I am interested in the part about showering with someone else. Is a shower partner included in the camping fee?

There was a used condom in one when I stayed there in 2013. But it's definitely convenient.

As long as you don't mind cleaning up a used condom before you put down you sleeping pad.

LOL beat me too it. Did not notice your post.

I just hope it is not the same condom we saw. Actually I have seen one there more than once.

Sounds like you guys need bare precautions more than bear precautions. 🙄 Can't you just call housekeeping? 😁😉

A trail volunteer rolled buy and stopped to talk to me the night I stayed there. I told him about the condom. He told me that local kids often use the shelters to have sex, often during the day because they are less likely to be occupied.

Well, there are four shelters now, so the chance of finding a condom free shelter are much higher.

Or just more love shacks for the local kids.

Condom or no condom. Those places are just too accessable to town. Too easy to get ripped off if you are a heavy sleeper. And you aren't going to get much sleep if you are a light sleeper.

The new motel in town is one heck of a deal.

I live in Monroeville and currently, there is a bear in the area. They are definitely around along the GAP, but rarely seen.

I hang the bag I carry food in. I carry line on which a have a lead weight, and throw the weight over a branch and hoist the food bag up off the ground, and far enough down from any branches so raccoons cannot get into it as well.

I just got home last night from a tour, and my first night out, I had finished eating, and went to the bathroom before I cleaned up and hung the bag. I was cleaning utensils in the bathroom. By the time I got back, a raccoon had already chewed a hole in my bag, and proceeded to open and eat an entire cinnamon roll out of the bag. Crafty little suckers and bold as well. I was only gone a few minutes.

Yes, finding used condoms is convenient and always a good way to save a few bucks.

I sure did set myself up for that one.

While we’re on the subject of condoms, how come no one ever includes them on their packing list? Do you do without, buy locally or what?

I leave them at home and abstain while on the road. Even one of my condoms is just too heavy to tote along.

I include one in my gear pack. I find it funny the expression on other solo cyclotourist face when I mention casual sex while traveling. What is this unsaid thing of turning into a monk while cyclotouring? This goes for female travelers as well.

The fact that I've been happily married for 29 years means the topic rarely comes up for one thing.

I think that female solo cyclists have their radar on pretty good for other solo cyclists who bring up the subject of casual sex. It's probably a concept they have to guard against rather than encourage. I would not want to make a female I met on the road feel awkward or uncomfortable or wary of putting in some miles together. Also a poor warmshowers greeting.

"oh.. a lone female traveler, wonder if I should start talking about casual sex?"

If it happens it happens (for others) but I can't see bringing it into a conversation with strangers.

You could always cut it in half. The short way, not the long way.