JustAThought...

“With the AT thru hiker season starting up, I wonder how many shelters and gaps we could cover as hospitality, representing TT?

We could drag in coffee, tea, hot cocoa.. and show up giving it away, and inviting them to TT.”

“TD, are you sure Matt is not planning an IPO and you are the biggest suscriber???”

“heh.. naw.. the thought just struck me what a benevolent jesture that would be.. our visibility on the trail, handing out hot coffee and bagels.”

“the best thing for them would be to call pizza dude to deliver for them”

“Yeah, that'd be great. Then we could have a message board for through hikers of the AT. What's the deal TD? Seems like you're all about getting as many folks as possible to check out thebackpacker.com. Not that I have any problems with new people or any of the folks you've introduced to us; it's just different. I like that there's a smattering of every region on TT. I'd hate to see it become a board that's really bottem heavy.”

“not to intrued on your conversasion? but the more peop you can meet the better trips may come!”

“Fine! See if I invite anyone else to come here!

*stomps his foot and walks away, mad*”

“*mutters under his breath*

just cos YOU guys are not keeping up your contacts, and inviting anyone, and being cliquish.. fine.. go ahead.. have a private clue, see if I care!”

“OK TD stick your lip out--naw come on--WAY out... more!! are you starting to giggle yet??”

“Where ya thinking Dawgy boy?Some where near Gatlinburg so we could leave the families in a Chalet/Hotel???Hmmm--we could take divinity & fudge too.”

“organized trail magic such as you are describing is somewhat controversial in the AT community - Wingfoot for one was very much against the organized hiker feeds especially those which were brought into the shetler areas or up onto the balds. My personal take is that it is best to avoid this altogether but if you really want to do this then find a road crossing somewhere and set up a tarp and some chairs and also consider having services such as trash removal, and non-food items such as fuel, first aid items, TP, Gold Bond, and wipes available. Also consider having food items the hiker can take away such as packets of condiments (mayo, mustard, relesh etc) and the usual assortment of camping food (dried whatever). Key item is to avoid taking stuff into the shelter areas or beuty spots IMO.”

“Yeah Prowler that's exactly it. How'd you know I was such a snot? (Sarcasm)

Actually....I SAID I don't want to see this become a one region board. There are plenty of boards out there for through hikers. I have invited folks to check out thebackpacker.com.”

“Hog's point is well taken here.I like the idea of the trash & non- perishables.

How would we know they were coming through?”

“You know, I've mulled over this idea quite a bit since last May. I have read many times however that the original purpose of the trail was to get people to go into the towns and to experience Appalachian culture. It seems to me than a 'way station' would be in direct conflict with this.”

“Or, we could hide in the bushes and chuck water-balloons at 'em when they walk by.

More like Trail Theatre, LOL... Jazz up their day a little, doncha know, *VBG*

On second thought, I don't think Chip and Millipede need the competition.”

“I'm with TownDawg, and I agree with HogOnIce. If I have some free time this coming Spring then I'd like to provide some "magic". I don't agree with catering to them at the shelters, just maybe providing some support at road crossings. I was hiking on the AT last December and was completely out of water and THIRSTY! Thank goodness someone at a road crossing gave me some water. That was excellent! I wouldn't mind participating in some organized TT "magic".”

“The shelters in GSMNP are crowded enough in the spring. Please don't make it worse.

I've heard estimates that about 1,500 hikers start on the AT in GA each spring and that about 10% of them complete the trail. In and around GSMNP is where a lot of them phase out. So why do you want to feed a bunch of drop-outs. The good hikers are prepared and don't need the help and handouts.

Just expressing my feelings.

Paul”

“Good point....”