Re: RE: [at-l] AMC Hospitality

[ARTCLOUTMN@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/27/99 3:00:47 PM, you wrote:

>According to the AMC FAQ page:
>
>
>
>	http://www.outdoors.org/About/faq.html
>
>
>
>	Camping is extremely limited throughout the
>
>	Presidential Range due to the open ridge on
>
>	which the trail passes.  Backcountry regulations
>
>	prohibit camping above treeline and 1/4 mile
>
>	from any trailhead, hut, shelter, tent platform,
>
>	or cabin.
>
>
>
>	[a list of camping areas]
>
>
>
>	That's pretty much it for established camping
>
>	areas. If you choose to leave the ridge and
>
>	camp off a trail please do so with great
>
>	caution and pay close attention to the
>
>	backcountry camping regulations set forth
>
>	by the White Mountain National Forest.  
>
>
>
>All in all, the policy doesn't sound too bad.  Translated, it seems to say
>
>"There are a few organized places to stay.  If you can't use them, then camp
>
>below treeline and away from heavily used areas."
>
>
>
>I guess my real question is: is there a practical alternative to the way the
>
>WMNF and the AMC make camping available in the Presidential Range?
>

I agree.  The AMC Huts and hiking trail in the Whites and Presidential Ridge 
have been around long before the AT.   In the 1950's it was possible to walk 
anywhere on the Presidential Ridge.  I dropped in Huts and easily found 
accommodations at the last minute.  Reservations were rarely made then and 
you could hike for a week and see very few other people.  Today thousands 
hike those trails everyday, rain or shine, (some even during thunderstorms).  
The alpine zone has been seriously damaged by over use of people that love 
the mountains just the way we love the mountains.  Restrictions were 
inevitable.  There is no alternative to the restrictions impossed except 
closing the summits or requiring limited permits.
	I have been in the huts on  days hike (I haven't slept in one since 
1959) when Thru Hikers have entered complaining of the restrictions, argueing 
with the CROO - usually college students working for the summer in the 
mountains they love. And generally behaving rudely.  Certainly not all Thru 
Hikers behave that way but after awhile the Croo gets fed up and might not be 
as hospitable as they would have been at the beginning of the season.  
	I have had nothing but positive experiences with the Hut system in 
the Whites.  



								Art
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