Re[2]: [at-l] NIMBYISM

[rafe.bustin@verizon.net (rafe.bustin@verizon.net)]

On 12 Apr 2002 at 20:31, Bob C. wrote:

> "...From  various  places on the AT, I can see factories, smokestacks, highways,
> and towns. I remember clearly looking out over city lights at Trey Mtn. shelter.
> Didn't bother me in the least." reports Terrapin.
> 
> And  of course he is right. Most attempt a thru hike just to be able to say they
> have done it.
> 
> However,  there's  another 5 million who just want to experience wildness and go
> out for a day or a weekend, occasionally a week.
> 
> There's  even  a few thru hikers who seek wildness. It's my guess, based on many
> years  of anecdotal conversations, that they are the ones who are most likely to
> reach  Katahdin.  If  one  seeks  only  to walk from Georgia to Maine, there are
> numerous  "blue  highways"  that  will serve as well as a wild trail. I strongly
> urge that they choose those highways and create their own patch. YMMV.



That's a pretty condescending analysis, I'd say, Weary.  

By what means do you know the intentions of those other five million?

There's a fairly obvious distinction (to me, anyway) between an 
escape from the urban jungle, and 2160 miles of pure unbroken 
wilderness.


rafe b.