[at-l] YuckYuckYuck... was GARUCK LIST

[kahley7@ptd.net (kahley)]

At 07:08 PM 12/31/01 -0500, Slyatpct@aol.com wrote:
>If you think I'm whining, you're wrong.  If you you don't like my posts and
>think they sound sour, you're welcome to use the delete key, as you so often
>suggest.  Atleast, I'm on topic, and when I see something I don't agree with,
>I reserve the right to respond,

errrr....so do I.  Sorry Sly, continued kvetching about a decision after
the fact, when you know the deal is done, sorta defines sour grapes/whine
in my book.

>Are you kidding me?  Go back and read the archives

Sly you know that lots of the talk about these things goes back-channel
so the whole story is not in the achieves.  I'm not about to try and
prove any point here, but IMS, there were questions about_if _there
would be a GARUCK for a couple weeks.  I was about convinced
that the GARUCK would dissolve, much like our efforts to design a
Ruck T-shirt until OB stepped up and announced the site.  No one,
including you, volunteered to take it over.
  If I'm wrong about this, I'm wrong but it's the way I remember it.

>  First was the date last year, that automatically conflicted
>with the original ruck.

That was a deliberate choice, designed to try and take some of
the pressure off the PaRuck.  The thinking was that if they were
both on the same day, people_would_have to choose.  Post
mortem showed that the numbers of would-be, double Ruckers
was probably under a half dozen which was pretty insignificant
in the big picture so, this year we decided to skip the angst.

>More than one wanted the date changed, so they could
>at least of having the option of attending both.  The date changed this year
>so that wouldn't happen again, which is good, but if I'm not mistaken, it
>took some coaxing.

You are mistaken.
snip.....

>As far as announcing yet another Ruck, yes I will.

EXCELLANT!!!!!!  This is the whole idea.  LotsaRucks.  Lotsa Different
Rucks.  A Ruck for every taste and region.  And you are wise to
step up and take the initiative 'cause that seems to be the best
way to insure the venue meets your specific needs!

We have had the same problems with the PaRuck.  Some people
want a larger venue, maybe in Carlisle, closer to bars and restaurants
and motel rooms.  Some people want a smaller venue.  IMS, you
were one of those, pushing to move it to Bear's Den?  We understood
and listened to many of the complaints you had about The Mansion.

You didn't like the fact that the doors were locked at 10PM.  I understand
what being a smoker in a non smoking environment is like.  We did
get them to disable the alarm system (against AYH rules) and keep
the doors open.  Were you one of those who didn't like the separate
dorms?  It did seem silly, so we again, got them to ignore their own
policy and the dorms are co-ed.  I know you didn't like the price of
13.00 per nite but there isn't much we can do about that.  AYH
is not like dealing with a sole proprietor.  The whole AYH system
is suffering from lack of funds and considering the situation of
what happened to the money from the first two PaRucks, they
aren't willing to cut us too much slack!!!!!  They have waived the
day fees for Friday and Sunday and that's about as far as it goes.

I remember talking to you at the PaRuck '00, when you said you
would not attend another PaRuck as long as it was held in the Mansion
and you haven't because we haven't changed the venue....so be it.
Now you have problems with the GARUCK last year and this year?

I was really surprised to hear you didn't attend the GARUCK.  I
thought I remembered talk of a quest to find you a slide projector
cause you were gonna show your PCT slides?  I remember how
disappointed I was that since I wasn't attending, I wouldn't see
them, but since you didn't show I guess it didn't matter.

As far as everything being rosie at last year's GARUCK, I find that
hard to believe.  Complaints don't seem to make it to the list, but
those on the scene hear them at take them to heart.  At the
PaRuck, we have changed what we can but some things are out
of our control.  The Mansion is sometimes too hot and some times
too cold and always too dry (note to PaRucksters...bring your chap-
stick).  If you try and shower in the most popular showering times,
you might not get better than tepid water.  Lots of little things
that you hear if you are on scene but get posted to the list because
everyone has such a good time despite the problems.  It's the post
Ruck glow that makes it to the list, not the things that go wrong.

As far as OB changing the venue of this year's GARUCK, no where
in the rules does it say that can't be done, because there are no rules.
Someone steps up, sets the date and place, publishes the details
and those that want to come do so.  I just don't see how continued
complaints about the wheres and the whens is helpful.  No place
will please every one.  Heck...remember me?  I've spent four Rucks
sleeping outside because the thought of sleeping in the dorms
leaves me colder that the sub-zero temps!!!!  This is not my ideal.
I may be a cool weather hiker but making a dash to the toilet at
-3 degrees and looking like something the cat dragged in every
morning is not high on my agenda.

Heck, a private room, where I could retreat, regroup and regroom
without the knowledge that six people might be also waiting for
bathroom time sounds good to me!  I think I like the sound of
the GARUCK !  But just because the PaRuck's locale doesn't
exactly meet my desires does not mean I'm gonna miss it!!!!!!

>The YuckYuckYuck Ruck for cross country planners.  Exact dates and details to
>be announced, but it probably be held at the NOC.  I'm looking to establish
>dates in March, when the AT hikers start pasing through and before the CDT
>and PCT hikers head out west.

See Sly?  Already you are making the decision to craft the
NCYuckRuck to meet your desires.  Wise thinking and small
payment for the time/emails/questions to come.  Hopefully
you'll get to talk to people about the trail you did last year and
maybe hook up with people heading for the trail you'll do this year!

Since you have asked for input, I might wonder if the timing
might not make it less of a Ruck and more of another hiker
bash but maybe that's what you have in mind and since I
don't plan on attending, it's really not my concern.

Sorta like the details of the GARUCK are not up to you,
especially since you didn't and I guess won't again, attend?
Bottom line is that there is gonna be another Ruck!!!  another
chance for the folks who want to get together and talk trail (s)
and teach and learn from each other and hug and meet and eat.
WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!   It's a GOOD THING!!!
(s'cuse me Martha) <grin>