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RE: [at-l] Issue in the Whites
From what I understand, the early planners envisioned a trail with a series
of service huts similar to the system located in the Alps. It was impart
based upon the existence of Maine hunting camps. Except in the Whites,
where there was sufficient activity, no system was ever developed.
I understand there were a few Maine hunting camps open during the early
days of the AT. But few hikers ever used them. By the 70's only one left
was The Carrying Place (now Harrison Camp) located just south of the
Kennebec existed. Except for breakfast, it was and still is off limits to
hikers. During our visit last summer. I was informed by the current owner,
that the Maine Hunting Camp Association rules require multiple night stay
with reservations weeks in advance. This is incompatible with the needs of
thru-hikers.
One must also consider that the early planners of the AT never envisioned
the thru-hiker. If the Whites hut system was replicated along the whole
trail. Less than one percent of those that currently attempt the trail
could afford the adventure.
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---------------------------------
Ron "Fallingwater"
-----Original Message-----
From: Slyinmd [SMTP:Slyinmd@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 1998 10:48 AM
To: thewitt@spf.fairchildsemi.com
Cc: atml@trailplace.com; at-l@saffron.hack.net
Subject: Re: [at-l] Issue in the Whites
In a message dated 98-01-12 13:26:29 EST, thewitt@spf.fairchildsemi.com
writes:
> Just a point of note. If you study the history of the AT at all, this is
> _exactly_ what the original founders had in mind. The AT was envisioned
as
a
> place where city folks could get away from the stress of their jobs and
busy
> lives and onto the trail - where they would stay in "Hiker Hotels" and
not
> have to worry abour carrying big packs, etc.
Really! I have read quite a bit about the 'history of the AT' and never
did
see the hiker hotel part, did they forget to build them, except for maybe
where the AMC is located. Maybe you can point me in the right direction
>The first thru-hiker actually carried only a day pack in Maine, as he was
able to >hike from one Sporting Camp to another for most of the trail.
Hmmm, the first thru-hiker, as in Earl Shaffer, I just finished his book
and
can't recall him switching over to a day pack. Perhaps, I should read that
last chapter over again.
Sly
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