[at-l] Ruck On!

[icw39@ncfreedom.net (Clark Wright)]

There also was an unofficial 2001 hikers' "ruck" held this past weekend
just outside the little town of Ellijay, GA, near Springer.  Happy
organized it, and over 40 2001 hikers made it, some from as far away as
Colorado and Michigan.  I drove 525 miles each way from little ole New
Bern and had a blast - but am still recovering!  [age does that!]  I am
not sure that any of the other 40+ subscribe to this list, or know
anything about the "other rucks" - I will try to pass the word . . .
Anyhow, I thought it was amazing that 40 of us from one year got
together on such short notice from so many places - truly kewl!  The
climactic event of the weekend was probably finding a SOBO hiker alone,
just finishing up on Springer, while some were out dayhiking, finding
out that one of us actually knew the guy, and then dragging him back to
our den of iniquity for the finish-up party of a lifetime - an end to
his hike that I'm sure he will never forget! :)

hike on!

thru-thinker

Slyatpct@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hey, it looks like by all accounts both the PA and GA Rucks went off
> splendidly and a good time was had by all, not that there was any doubt
> otherwise!
> 
> The "Ruck on Wheels" with TeamTripleCrown went off equally as well.  Only one
> day and several switchbacks driving on steep, icy forest service roads near
> Beauty Spot diminished my enthusiasm and had me petrified.
> 
> Lots of good food (those guys eat well), smiles, miles and talking trail.
> Although there were many, some of my personal highlights were beside just
> getting outdoors for a week, a snowy Jane Bald with winds whipping, High
> Rocks in the rain, camping at Carvers Gap on a cold, but crystal clear and
> starry night, an awesome sunset on Beauty Spot with glorious mountain views,
> and a long hike around and over Unaka Mountain (if only to find out that
> there WERE tire chains in the van) and back around again.
> 
> TeamTripleCrown should be finished the AT at Springer on or near Febuary 10
> before heading out to hike NM and then doing the PCT before finishing up on
> the CDT.  Although they appeared to be in superb mental and physical shape
> and seemed to hike (and run) the 20 to 35 miles a day with ease, they'll be
> starting the PCT in March and will reach the Sierras way too early for a
> normal thru-hike.  They'll attempt to *ski* that range with little or no van
> support.  That should make it interesting, to say the least, as they have
> little or no experience using the equipment neccesary, but if anyone can do
> it, I believe it's these guys.  No doubt they live on the edge and enjoy a
> challenge.
> 
> I also got to meet (and have breakfast with) Delita, Hopeful and friend in
> Hot Springs prior to their hike.  That was cool too!
> 
> Sly
> 
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