Re[3]: [at-l] skirting the puddles

[shane@theplacewithnoname.com (Shane Steinkamp)]

>  In places, however, the trail passes through fragile areas and
> hikers are urged to stay on the footpath.
> On the theory that some will prefer the high country
> maintainers pile rocks big rocks along the edges of the footpath
> to direct hiker feet in ways that minimize the damage.

Upon which terrain I suppose there would be few, if any, puddles?

> trail. No one is
> suggesting that any sensible person should walk through Shane's
> "12-foot deep"
> puddles.

Nor am I suggesting that everyone (or anyone) should run willy nilly all
over the landscape for no good reason.

>
> trails ATVs have created a giant mud puddle 75 feet long and 40
> feet wide. Most

Nothing a few handfuls of roofing nails won't fix.  Ooops... Shouldn't say
that in public...

> Caring hikers will minimize their impact.

And I think they do.  I don't think, however, that anyone should be asked to
risk their health or (relative) safety to do so.

Shane