I'd love to get letters and care packages from you! I know there are a lot of instructions here, and I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just trying to make sure that I actually do get the packages and letters. Picking up mail on the trail is much more involved than simply going out to the mailbox in front of my house at home.

Letters can be mailed First Class (this is normal, regular mail).

Most boxes must be shipped via Priority Mail through the US Post Office. If you send a box via First Class or Parcel Post, I probably won't get it. Don't believe the Post Office employees when they tell you they can have a Parcel Post box to me a week to 10 days from now. It's not true.

Some maildrop locations only take UPS. Those locations ore noted in my maildrop list. If you send a box via USPS Priority Mail to a UPS address, I won't get it.

Do not use Fed Ex.

However you send the box, please make sure that I DO NOT have to sign for it.

What should you put in the box? Care packages don't have to be huge. Food is good. Cookies, notes from you, cookies, snacks, newspaper clippings, and cookies are all things that I like. Oh! Don't forget to include cookies in the box!

What should you not put in a care package? Anything that I would have to carry. If you send cute little stuffed animals or toys, or books, I'll have to turn around and mail those home, 'cause I can't take them on the trail with me. [Plus the stuffed animal thing has already been taken care of, thanks guys! ]

I do not have firm dates for when I'll be at a specific locations. If I say that I'll be someplace on June 5, it's possible that I will get there a couple of days early, like June 3, or a couple of days late, like June 7. Or I could be off by a week or more. Plans are never set in stone on the trail, so it's a good idea to plan for your box to get to the town a couple days earlier than my scheduled ETA. If you're planning on sending me something, I suggest you email my mom at: lynita@shimizuwoodcuts.com to check on my predicted arrival date.

It's very important that you address each letter/box exactly as I've detailed on my maildrop list. And don't forget to write "Hold for PCT Hiker. ETA: [date]" on the bottom left corner of all boxes and letters. It's also helpful if you write my last name in big black letters on all sides of any box. Surprise packages are nice, but I've got to ask for all my mail. If I don't know you've sent something, I won't know to ask for it. So if you're sending me something, please email my mom to let her know about the care package you sent to me.