RE: [at-l] A WALK IN THE WOODS

["McBride, James" <mcbride_j@lxe.com>]

EXCELLENT post SolarBear. I agree.

Jim McBride


> ----------
> From: 	TOKTAADN@aol.com[SMTP:TOKTAADN@aol.com]
> Sent: 	Wednesday, September 29, 1999 10:23 AM
> To: 	at-l@backcountry.net
> Subject: 	Re: [at-l] A WALK IN THE WOODS
> 
> In a message dated 9/28/99 8:10:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
> bullard@northnet.org writes:
> 
> > Unlike some others, I believe Katz was real.
> 
> Datto and Felix have crazy sidekicks --Tony and Stoat -- that adorn their 
> writings about their hiking adventures.  (I've met them.  Improbably, they
> 
> exist!)  I, for one, don't know whether Katz exists, was embellished, or
> was 
> a figment of a fertile imagination.  I don't really care.  I did enjoy the
> 
> book.  I look forward to listening to Mr. Bryson.  And I will be disturbed
> if 
> our community shows him the level of disrespect shown here by some.
> 
> The Trail that draws us all together is majestic, inspiring, mysterious, 
> alluring, yet above all it is impersonal and unconquerable.  It cares not 
> whether we summit Katahdin, or lose interest, 
> 
> or break a bone 
> or use a phone
> or write a book
> after an 800 mile look.
> 
> Yet we search for meaning in our wanderings on "our" Trail.  Looking
> inward 
> is a fertile place to let the Trail work its magic, but I, too, am
> troubled 
> by those who seem to need to define or criticize another's hike.  I'm a 
> purist myself, but that's a choice by me for me.  It didn't stop me from 
> enjoying the book, or maintaining many friendships with hikers who hike 
> differently.  To me, it's all about respect, for ourselves, for the Trail,
> 
> for each other.  Let's hear what Mr. Bryson has to say at the Gathering,
> and 
> let's give him the respect he -- or anyone -- deserves.
> 
> Happy trails,
> 
> Solar Bear
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> 
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