[at-l] The Curmudgeon Unmasked, was Sanibel Hike

[TOKTAADN@aol.com (TOKTAADN@aol.com)]

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In a message dated 9/7/2002 5:38:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
RoksnRoots@aol.com writes:


> So, I yacked Solar Bear's ear off about Trail politics, and he wasn't
> short of talk himself. It was good to speak to somebody who understood the
> Trail from an organizational perspective.

I had a great time hiking and talking with RnR.  I have yet to fail to enjoy
friendship with anyone who loves the Trail.  It is the glue that makes for
easy communication.  In our case, it was even stronger because we are both of
the type that elevate the needs of Nature and the Trail above the crass
economic interests of humanity.

Let me unmask this guy for those of you who haven't met him.

First, he ain't Wingfoot, despite any rumors to the contrary.

Second, one must be aware of the limitations of email in trying to gauge what
a person might be like.  RnR is delightful.  His emails might lead one to
conclude he is a fire breathing curmudgeon.  But when you hike with this guy
and see and hear the uncompromising passion for the Trail, you recognize your
prior misconceptions and delight to have found someone deep into the levels
of our Trail fraternity.

Third, he listens.  We had a meaty conversation.  Despite all the passion
behind his well thought out positions, I did not find RnR self-righteous or
doctrinaire, though he may be a bit lacking on a discussion of the relative
merits of various hiker babes, an immensely important topic of mine!  :)  I
guess for this, I'll have to go hiking with my friend Datto.

My final observation is that South Florida hiker babes are apparently wimpy.
Not a single one showed up.  (Just trying to stir things up!)

I'll close by simply stating that I'm glad RnR has a seat around our at-l
campfire.  Pass a smashmallow.

Happy trails,

Solar Bear