NOT MEANT TO BE SERIOUSRE: Re[2]: [at-l] SOT: Where would you party/ruck?

[nealb at midlandstech.edu (William Neal)]

I decided to reply to this one.  We have already discussed serious "what if
I won the lottery" thingys.  This is for the non-serious suggestions.  Like,
if I won the big lottery or Pepsi's contest, I would buy my former employer
(SPRINGS INDUSTRIES) and bulldoze down the plant I worked in (GRACE) with a
tank.  Or, I would slack-pack the big three trail plus the one that runs
coast-to-coast -- slack pack as in have someone or several someones carry my
pack.  Or, I would start my own library -- not personal, think big as a city
library, but all my own and specializing in something I like.  Or, TR (trail
related), pay a taxi to wait at Katahdin and ferry all the thru-hikers for
one season -- at least -- to the bus or plane home.

This is dreamtime not heart-time stuff.  Like hobo dreams expressed in the
old folk song Big Rock Candy Mountain.

William The Misunderstood Turtle
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob C. [mailto:ellen@clinic.net]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 8:29 AM
To: Jim Bullard
Cc: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re[2]: [at-l] SOT: Where would you party/ruck?


>"...I'd rather contribute the money to a more lasting gift to all hikers."

Lasting gifts have a way of keeping on giving. Only a lottery win would make
me
even moderately wealthy at this stage of my life. My wife and in laws were
less
than enthused when I was persuaded to give our 23 acre woodlot to help
protect a
small undeveloped pond. (Purchase price 30 years ago, $1,150. Appraised
value
$32,000)

But the gift persuaded a neighbor to give his 23 acres. The two gifts have
now
triggered a state grant to help purchase 46 acres on the opposite end of the
pond.

In retrospect there is nothing that I've done in the past decade that gives
me
more satisfaction. No number of parties, and nothing I could buy for myself,
could ever equal it.

After I leave this earth, my name will quickly fade away. But it's nice to
think
from time to time, that a little bit of the earth I left behind will be
enjoyed
for as long as property laws are respected.

Weary, who's off to set up a display at the ATC Conference for our new Maine
Appalachian Trail Land Trust. Those who wish to share a bit in the joys of
giving for the future can send a contribution to MAT Land Trust, PO Box 325,
Yarmouth, Maine 04096. BTW, we just got a $25,000 foundation grant to hire
at
least part time professional help.



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