Re: [at-l] A.T. Books

[NightShine@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/27/99 4:50:49 PM MST, Slyinmd@aol.com writes:

<< However,
 after meeting one of the guys that was trying to beat your record this year,
 breifly talking, asking questions, did I gain a certain respect for the long
 distance runner. >>

David....

Perhaps the less some people know about what's proper and what is "improper"
out on the trail, is better for their attitude. I wonder how many people who
just hear about thru-hiking the AT, think it's a cool thing to do and then go
do it get mired so much into how to hike as a purist, blue-blazer, runner,
etc.

I, too, met the runner Sly mentioned.....at that first shelter north of Hot
Springs. He had been out 9 days from Springer and was going to pick up his
pace. I believe he was David's student and i'm only sorry that i do not recall
his name. He stopped for a water break with his companion and was friendly and
amenable to answering questions. Was it my way? No, but talking with him was
one of the special moments of my trip because i learned of something
different. And that's a good thing.

Running the trail need NOT be something that invites corporate sponsorship,
ESPN vs. Showtime rights to broadcast, etc. Let's not be afraid of what we
don't know. 

Second Chance
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================