Re: [at-l] Graymor

["Coosa" <coosa@fox21.net>]

>I think this is a different issue, but I agree with you that the slams on
>the Catholic Church are unseemly. The Place is not a large landholding with
>a limited easement for the AT, hence that would be mixing grape juice with
>communion wafers. [admittedly lame metaphor]
>
>The issue appears to be concern over the long term security of the AT
>through the property of the Graymoor Monestary, and efforts to secure the
>future of that segment of trail.

Well, we don't use grape juice and wafers, so there could be a misconception
there.  The Roman Catholic Church is a hierarchy and what the ATC may not
understand is that there are other avenues to take concerning easement and
hiking capabilities on the Graymor property.  When you get a bunch of Friars
who may or may not understand what the hiking community is all about face to
face with the secular ATC, you may indeed be mixing metaphors.

SO, what does the recent convert to Catholicism suggest?
Glad you asked.
1- there ARE a lot of Priests and Religious (Brothers and Sisters of various
Orders and Tertiaries) who hike and backpack.  Enlist their assistance,
written statements of support, and suggestions.
2- present the need for protection of the easement in language that is
understandable by anyone in the non-hiking public,  including Friars.
3- Contact the Nuncio in Washington, DC, and appeal to His Holiness, Pope
John Paul II, who happens to be a hiker.

ATC have you already taken these steps?  If you haven't, then what couldn't
be accomplished in 15 years may be accomplished in a matter of months.

Respectfully yours for hiking and protecting the path we call the AT,
Coosa
The Roman Catholic Backpacker



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