In a bi-directionally scanning electrophotographic device, methods and apparatus include storing alignment information. In some embodiments, this includes creating a virtual directory in a first server, creating a symbolic link for an object in the virtual directory, and storing the symbolic link in the first server. At a second time subsequent to the first time, a second over-provisioning overhead, different from the first over-provisioning overhead, is specified, and data storage and data portion compaction is continued while complying with the second over-provisioning overhead. A storage container may be tethered to the body of wading aid to be towed behind the body when in use.