Re: [at-l] An into

[tmcginnis@ucclan.state.in.us (Thomas McGinnis)]

     Welcome Max!
     Are you aware of Bob Barker, who throughhiked (double-crutching) in 
     the late eighties/early nineties? Contact the ATC and see if they'd 
     have his addresss. I think he might even be a two-timer, AT-wise. 
     Otherwise, I'd just through out some useless naysayer-type comment 
     like "It ain't possible to get through Georgia with a wheelchair, 
     Dude!", except I'd have to confront the reality that The Orient 
     Express (Bill Irwin, totally blind) would have elicited the same 
     dismissal from me, too. So *I* am not going to say a thing. But Bob 
     Barker and Bill Irwin are two people I would steer you to. 
     
     Sloetoe'79


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: [at-l] An into
Author:  Max Rice <mrice@earthlink.net> at ima
Date:    5/6/99 9:40 AM


Everyone,
     
Just joined the list today. I used to backpack quite a bit and the years 
and responsibilities have taken their toll. A dream has always been to 
thru-hike the Trail. One of those nebulous dreams that never gets 
followed through on or researched in any meaningful way. Now life 
presents me with a new challenge - Multiple Sclerosis. Along with this 
has come a new constant companion - a wheel chair. I assume that the 
prohibition on wheeled vehicles does not include wheel chairs, but I am 
not certain. Can anyone give me a definitive answer? Also, does anyone 
know if someone has ever put significant miles on the trail in a 
wheelchair?
     
I am certain that there are areas that would be very difficult and a 
companion or two would be a necessity, but regardless of how improbable 
I would like to know what is possible.
     
Thanks in advance for any insights.
     
Max
     
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