Re[2]: [at-l] Speed Hiking

[w3sst@xxxxxxxx (John H Shaffer)]

It is a distinct possibility that privately Benton M. was not enthused
about Earl's Thru-hike but at the time he overlooked it. I believe that
Earl after talking all night with him may
have realized that the real reason for the footpath was for pleasure.
Earl was never happier than out on the top of some mountain hiking,
sleeping  and enjoying nature. As I mentioned before he was not looking
for publicity but merely doing his thing on all three of his thru hikes.
 if you have not seen the film done by Morgan Hook of Virginia PBS about
the trail through Virginia it has a great interview with Bento M. We will
be showing it at Earl's memorial service. It also has film and stills of
Myron Avery.

John Shaffer

On Wed, 2 Apr 2003 20:49:07 EST RoksnRoots@aol.com writes:
> In a message dated 4/2/2003 1:50:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,
> w3sst@juno.com
> writes:
>
>
> > To All
> > Let me add my two cents. Earl's meeting with Benton was very
> enjoyable
> > for both. They remained close friends.
> > As the number of hikers attempting thru-hikes increased, Earl was
> opposed
> > to thru-hikes since it meant a large group using the trail at one
> time in
> > the season thus adding to the erosion of the trail.
> > He supported Bentons plan of a scenic hiking trail for the masses
> to
> > enjoy. Not a rock climbing dangerous trail that doesn't allow
> enjoyment
> > of the scenery.
> >
> > John Shaffer, Earl's brother.
> >
>
>
>        ***   I wonder what Earl came to think after through-hiking
> became
> established and permanent? By the way, his worry over overcrowding
> and
> erosion has become fact now.
>
>      I wouldn't be surprised if MacKaye reacted negatively to
> Shaffer's
> through-hike. It wouldn't be beyond possibility for a man, who had
> hopes for
> the AT being a nature conservation instrument, to dislike hearing
> that hiking
> was becoming the most identified use for his project...
>
>
>