[at-l] Earl

[michaelh@ospreypacks.com (Michael Henderson)]

I sent this a few days ago, but it got lost in the aether.  Or was it that I
had the wrong address?


Some people may not remember that prior to the '96 Gathering, Earl was very
reclusive concerning AT events.  It was a huge coup on ALDHA's part to
convince him to speak at that Gathering in Carlisle.  What a blessing for
the hiking community that he agreed, because since then he has graced all
manner of events, and the trail itself, with his unassuming (save for the
fisticuffs with Felix on their 98 hikes) but oh-so-powerful presence.

Many of us have gotten to know Earl, the human being, whereas before '96 he
was more like a myth or legend.  I had the pleasure of rooming at the '96
Gathering with Bill O'Brien and Ed Garvey, and we joked that having Ed and
Earl, two huge forces in thru-hiking lore, in the same room together would
be like matter and anti-matter, and the universe would cease to exist.  I
will never forget the awe and shear pleasure in experiencing the tumultuous
ovation he received when introduced.

What a legacy he has left...

mike
ke kaahawe