[at-l] BJack & Warren

[RoksnRoots@aol.com (RoksnRoots@aol.com)]

In a message dated 1/20/02 3:30:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
baltimorejack@hotmail.com writes:




> 
>    Warren has aged and moved into his anecdotage, he does indeed relish 
> repeating the same tales over and over again. 


   *** I wonder if Earl has changed his act? If Warren's getting on I would 
at least think he would be respected as a wise old Trail figure. The source 
of this appears to be petty jealousy rather than direct concern. You're 
beating on him Jack.


> 
>     2.  his "A.T. Jeopardy!" 
> presentation has been a Gathering feature since Christ was a carpenter, tho 
> it seems to be less and less attended each year.   ("Gee, Alex, could the 
> answer be "What is arrogant?")


    *** I witnessed one of those presentations and thought it to have 
enormous potential. Especially if a member could swing the electronics behind 
a real lighted jeopardy board. If you ask me, the decline in attendance is 
probably attributable to the parallel drop in interest in the Trail itself 
displayed on certain forums (ahem, ahem)...


> 
>     3.  in spite of the fact that 
> "speed" hiking and other related publicity-seeking ventures are generally 
> shunned by the long-distance hiking community.    
> 

     ***   Once again there is a spitefulness in this bespeaking a jealous 
tone. If Warren did that way back then he was probably trying to prove 
something and, yes, maybe gain some notoriety. My guess is he loved the Trail 
so much he was trying to master it. He probably still is. Some AT lovers are 
always seeking ways to test themselves vs the Trail. There are some who hike 
consistently every year (ahem, ahem). My suggestion is that Brian Robinson 
would not be confronted in the same way by you on this... 
      


>     4.  In that an extraordinary percentage of Warren's miles on the Trail 
> have been accomplished with Brysonesque automobile and team support, my 
> comment on his best known trail partner being "a van filled with gear" is a 
> perfectly fair one. 
> 

     ***  Yes, but you omit the fact that he did at least one unsupported 
through-hike with pack and full weight. I believe I'm accurate in saying that 
the group hikes were kind of a Trail project of his own that mixed his 
teaching occupation and time-off with his urge to be involved with the AT. 
Maybe persons utilizing this method experienced a completely different AT 
experience because of it. I'm sure some hikers who would have otherwise quit 
made it because of this. 
      (I have to note that I also suggest the best way to do the Trail is 
solo, unsupported. I recommend it as the best way to immerse yourself in the 
wild Trail. The more hikers involve support the more a developed 
infrastructure will accompany the need and compromise the corridor. With that 
said, I consider Warren the minimum exception due to grandfathership. To me, 
his best known partner is probably a love for the Trail.) {Brysonesque :) }
      Again, sounds like you're doing a smear...


>     5. .  He has even produced entire films 
> devoted to promoting these ventures.  And to describe them as "pre-planned, 
> orchestrated, guided, cult-oriented group slackpacks" is once again a 
> perfectly fitting, eminently fair, and entirely accurate description of 
> these so-called expeditions.  


    ***   Overkill Jack. So, Warren's a good documenter. These could become 
archival Trail history footage someday. I'd love to take a quality film 
camera and shoot footage during a season myself. Again, I also see the 
purpose in doing it solo but see Warren as a tolerable exception because of 
his unique approach as a Trail coach. I'm sorry Jack, but it sounds like 
you're trying to rip the guy down completely. Maybe he is trying to "coach" 
the entire Gathering like it was one of his groups, however, in my view it's 
better to promote creative thinking and Trail innovation rather than stifle 
it through personal annihilation.

      I owe you an apology for the frog picture. As you know, Trailside 
wildlife should be left alone. 

        As for the poem, I can't judge what I haven't heard. I'd like to 
obtain a copy somehow. I don't know Warren's intentions -but I think I have 
an idea...






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