<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Not a problem to leave your backpack in refugios, but take cameras and other
<BR>valuables with you when you leave your backpack there. I heard reports of
<BR>"false pilgrims" going to refugios. Someone took my towel and a good pair of
<BR>hiking socks from a clothesline, perhaps by accident or perhaps a theft.
<BR>Heard about a new pair of boots disappearing and a camera getting stolen
<BR>while someone was checking in.Stayed in refugios 27 nights from May 20 to
<BR>June 25, 2001 and seemed very safe to me to leave things on or around your
<BR>bed. If you are worried, get afanny pack and take cash and passport with you
<BR>at all times even to the showers. Howard</FONT></HTML>