[at-l] Re: [ at-l ] Mt Rogers Outfitters - (AT Thru Hike suggestions).

[baltimorejack@xxxxxxxxxxx (Jack Tarlin)]

Wow, what fun half hour I just had, dealing with angry letters from all
sorts of folks who think I have a problem with the folks at Mount Rogers
Outfitters.

Here's the scoop:

   Due to lack of clarity on my part, Redhead totally misinterpreted my
comments on the town of Damascus that were made in an extended article I
wrote on Maildrops and Re-Supply
(http://ubmail.ubalt.edu/~dhaynes/baltimorejackarticle.html)

   Here's what I said about Damascus:  ".....most folks stay at The Place, a
legendary hostel, and avoid other commercial entities, including some that
have recently sprung up in an attempt to drain hiker wallets....."

   I was absolutely NOT referring to the folks at Mt. Rogers Outfitters, nor
was I referring to their simple but excellent little hostel.  I realize my
comments were somewhat vague; I was attempting to avoid naming a specific
site, business, or individual,  but in the process, my true feelings got
lost somewhere.   I was referring specifically to the development of the Old
Mill, and to its original proprietor, as I had grave mis-givings about his
motives and intentions regarding the thru-hiking community, as his other
connection with the Trail led many folks to believe his primary interest in
hikers was financial.   As it turned out, I needn't have worried as cash
flow difficulties have resulted in his having no connection with the Mill
anymore; he has in fact left Damascus, and the Mill is under new
ownership/management and should be open by springtime.  I might add that
several friends of mine who live in Damascus and are very well informed on
town matters have similar doubts and worries about the intentions of the new
folks, but I'm going to retain judgment until I've seen the place firsthand.

   In any case, I'm sorry if Redhead or anyone else thought my comments were
directed at MRO or its past or present owners.  The Outfitter in Damascus
is, and has been for many years, one of the most thru-hiker friendly
establishments on the entire Trail; Dave and Jeff Patrick are wonderful
people, and this place absolutely deserves our continued patronage and
support.

   I'm sorry my remarks were misinterpreted, tho I find it hard to
understand how this happened; after all, my comments on Damascus in the
article in question conclude with the following:  "As for resupply, the
little market in town should have everything you need.  There's also an
excellent outfitter."

   I trust this concludes the matter of how I feel about the good folks at
Mount Rogers Outfitters, their store, and their hiker hostel.  These are
really great people, and as Damascus grows and expands, and as new
businesses spring up in direct competition to MRO, I hope that present and
future thru-hikers will continue to support people who have been true
friends to the Trail for many years.




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