Re[2]: [at-l] slackpacking: opinions on it ?

[Bob Cummings <ellen@clinic.net> (Bob Cummings)]

The closest I have ever come to a "wilderness" experience is when I did Maine
with a nine-year-old grandson. I didn't want the distraction and responsibility
of hitching into towns with a child, so I spotted food at road crossings. In 30
days we visited only two towns -- Caratunk and Monson, the latter only because
his sneakers had disintegrated. Caratunk because he could see the store from the
trail and there was no holding him back.

 When I did my Georgia to Maine walk I was into reducing pack weight. So I
 stopped at every store or post office located within a mile or so of the trail.
 It wasn't wilderness, but it was a lot of fun.

 I like backpacking partly for the sense of independence it gives you to have
 everything you need with you at all times. But I did slack pack twice on the
 trail -- about 15 miles in Shenendoah and 20 miles in New Jersey. I had offers
 for more, but I dislike being dependent on others. That's one of my several
 faults. You've all heard the song, "people who need people...."

 Weary