My first experience on the AT was 10/2009 and I stayed at Icewater shelter in the GSM. I understand the food bag hanging on the cables principle. Icewater was nice IMO for a primitive shelter. It had the bench and table area that most are familiar with which is ideal for preparing meals and eating. I assume that the bench and table area is intended for meal preparation and eating, is this correct?
The obvious contradiction is that if food is prepared/eaten that close to sleeping quarters, then it’s inevitable that a bear or other animal could be attracted to the shelter. During my stay, there were 12 or so people in the shelter and everyone prepared their meals and ate at the bench/table area. I perused the GSMNP website and did not see a rule about not eating at the bench/table area which is basically in the shelter.
My observation is, why bother hanging your food bag when 12 or so people just prepared their meals and ate in the shelter at the bench/table area. I did hang my food bag though, although I am sure there were some that didn’t. We did not have any issues with a bear or other animals.
So what’s the proper general rule or etiquette?
SMSP