[at-l] Comment on 'weekenders'

[RoksnRoots at aol.com (RoksnRoots@xxxxxxx)]

In a message dated 12/3/03 5:06:31 PM, the_rev_mrf@kingcon.com writes:


> many, many 'weekenders,' who seem to be looked down upon by some of you,
> have worked hard on many weekends over many, many years to maintain an AT
> trail for all of us
> 

           I think these comments were mostly meant in jest in the light of a 
through-hiker trudging miles only to be taken through the grinder on a 
difficult route. However, the topic is a good one and those who do the work are 
appreciated. This is definitely a perennial issue that should have high visibility 
in Trail circles.

       There's definitely a gap on the AT between interest and organized 
projects. It speaks for the need for publicized projects outside of the sphere and 
scope of local clubs. Perhaps something closer to what the originals had 
intended. 

         Maybe a work "Ruck" wouldn't be a bad idea to show them how it's 
done? I understand Sloetoe's gripes about over-regulation, but a more 
encompassing view of the AT would show that there's so much to be done out there that 
those regulation snafu's hardly register in the broader picture...

        I would hate to think of a newbie worker or conservationist being 
deterred by bad press...