I don't know if there are alternative options outside hiring a packer, but hiring a packer is expensive and I'm investigating if other options might exist. I'd like to pay someone to carry around ten pounds of supplies and stow it in a bear locker where I'll pick it up on a date late in September or early October. Cottonwood Pack Station will do the job, but they have a two-mule minimum and will charge $1000.00 for a supply drop at the Crabtree Meadow bear locker. It would cost even more for a supply drop at the Wallace Creek locker, which would be my preference. The Junction Meadow locker below the Wallace Creek drainage would be another possibility. Any options outside hiring four-legged mules?

Don't take the silence too negatively. If you're still in need definitely repost this closer to the date. I could imagine helping out, if everything aligns.

"two-mule minimum" made me laugh

SpazzyMcgee wrote:"two-mule minimum" made me laugh

Never did much like minimums. It definitely inspires searching elsewhere! Part of the problem is the mules are not allowed to graze late in September, so they need the second mule to carry feed.

Does it have to be at Crabtee Meadows or Junction Meadows?

KathyW wrote:Does it have to be at Crabtee Meadows or Junction Meadows?

I do need the location to be at a bear locker. Wallace Creek and Junction Meadow are my top two choices. Crabtree is the easiest of the three to access, so I'll take it if I can't do better. I'm told whoever does this will need appropriate permits or risk trouble with the park service and possible failure. Failure would be a catastrophe. Locations along Rock Creek and Lower Soldier won't work with my plans.

peninsula wrote:

SpazzyMcgee wrote:"two-mule minimum" made me laugh

Never did much like minimums. It definitely inspires searching elsewhere! Part of the problem is the mules are not allowed to graze late in September, so they need the second mule to carry feed.

More just juxtaposed against a "two drink minimum." Anyway, I might suggest a craigslist post?

SpazzyMcgee wrote:

peninsula wrote:

SpazzyMcgee wrote:"two-mule minimum" made me laugh

Never did much like minimums. It definitely inspires searching elsewhere! Part of the problem is the mules are not allowed to graze late in September, so they need the second mule to carry feed.

More just juxtaposed against a "two drink minimum." Anyway, I might suggest a craigslist post?

Two-drink minimum, now we are talking!

I appreciate everyone's feedback, thank you! I have resolved the re-supply dilemma. Chief has offered to do the job for me. Over the years, I have come to appreciate Chief is a guy I can count on. We ran into each other a few years back on the Mountaineer's Route near Mt Whitney, and more recently, he was generous with an offer to help out with an issue I had in Bishop.

Most important, Chief has the necessary credentials required by the NPS for doing the job. It has been made very clear to me the NPS will not tolerate any commerce without proper permits and authorization. For others reading this post that are interested in procuring something other than a four-legged mule(s) for a backcountry resupply effort, Chief is the first person I'd recommend contacting.

I'm glad you found a resupply person. We should all try to help each other out on resupply trips.