[at-l] Tell me...what do you think?

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

In a message dated 2/17/2006 9:43:32 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
birdlegsray@gmail.com writes:

I  predict that whomever uses this service may end up being the laughing
stock  of AT.  The AT stands for many things and, above all, it is  a
spontaneous and egalitarian territory.  Throwing down big money for  the
Disney version of a thru-hike is a terrible compromise of one of the  few
major authentic experiences a person can have in this  country.



Hiking the AT is about walking.  Some have raced from end to end with  
support vehicles at crossings thereby enabling them to carry nothing (or very  
little).  They are not laughed at but seen as one type of hiker along with  the 
many who hike the AT.  
 
Others have slack packed the /AT with Hostels or friends providing  
transportation from various points along the trail to places where warm beds and  good 
food await the weary hikers.  They are not considered laughable or a  laughing 
stock.  
 
Others hike with their packs filled with the needs of the day and crash in  
towns along the way to rest and meditate (or whatever) about their hike.   They 
are perhaps the majority of those who take on this quest.

 
Others hardly ever go into town as they hike from end to end, except to  
purchase needed supplies in towns and villages along the way.  No one  laughs at 
these folk.  
 
Perhaps there are variations that I have not listed above that others are  
knowledgeable of.  
 
The best way to hike the trail?   HYOH!
 
By focusing on one's own hike rather than on the many possibilities and  
combinations thereof is the very best way to hike the trail.  But that is  just 
MHO.
 
Skylander