[at-l] Re: Loss of the AT thru-hiking "mystique"

[mfuller@somtel.com (Malcolm Fuller)]

Desert Nomad wrote:

> At one time a thru-hike was looked upon as some sort
> of grand adventure in which the individual needed 
> tough-mindedness to overcome loneliness and the rugged
> wilderness. 

Looked upon as such *by whom?*

Hint: Check out some of Earl Shaffer's comments from his
most recent thru, especially those regarding the changes
to the trail in Maine since his previous thru in 1968. 
Note too the number of town days he took.

[...]

> Individual hikers are the ones that contribute to the
> urbanization of the hiking scene by succumbing to the 
> temptation of taking the easy way out. 

<raises eyebrow>

The scene?

-MF