[at-l] Is this true?

[rickboudrie@hotmail.com (rick boudrie)]

>Actually, I've been in a couple of shelters in the Smokies that were 
>crammed full and had people sleeping on the lumpy floors.  What's more, we 
>all had permits.  That happens because the Park Service issues permits to 
>section hikers, but thru-hikers self register at the trailheads at either 
>end of the park.  Also, thru-hikers don't have to specify as precisely 
>where they'll be each night.  So, we had 16 people in a shelter built for 
>12.  It can be done.  One way is to rip up those

-----

I was of the understanding that the thru-hiker permits did not guarantee a 
spot at all so there is no such thing as "overbooking".  Rather, the 
thru-hiker permits are like being on "stand by" status at the airport.  Used 
to be the Rangers tried to keep two empty spaces, however.  If there is an 
empty space you grab it, if not you are expected to camp outside.

If I am right, I can understand why some (not many, but some) weeekenders 
along the AT in the GSNP have become miffed when a bunch of thru-hikers cram 
shelters way past capacity.  If everyone who has a reservation is genuinely 
OK with that, no problem.  I suspect that is not always the case, however.

Unlike other areas, the weekenders don't have the option to pitch a tent if 
they want to.  Only the thru-hiker is given that latitude.  There is also 
the whole tradition of reservations at our National Parks.  Some of us have 
problems with how the NPS operates in regards to backcountry hikers, but for 
the most part if one makes a reservation in the system, often months in 
advance, a certain level of expectations needs to be met.  And accomadating 
thru-hikers who have other options is not one of them.

Frankly, I would rather send a thru-hiker out into the rain rather than 
cramp a young family in like sardines.  Or spoon with Shane. I probably 
would just keep my mouth shut, but that's how I feel in front of the 
computer anyway.

More important, I fear the administrators at all National Parks.  They have 
a way of regulating just about everything.  Often under a self-rightious 
belief that control is equivalant to real protection of our national 
reasources.  If thru-hikers impinge on the expectations and comfort of 
weekenders at the GSNP shelters, I can't imagine them coming up with any 
kind of solution that would benefit future thrus.

If I am wrong on this, so be it.  Sometimes I learn the most when others 
have completely different ideas. I think I am right about spooning with 
Shane, however. I wouldn't want to get poked by his weapon.




_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com