GoodMorningAll !

“Good morning all. I can't get to my computer at the moment, because it is being upgrading to a new OS.. so thought I would log on to a co-worker's and say hi.

Friday finally got here. It's been a long week, but the chance to get away is finally here. I know WD is in LBL this weekend, and perhaps some of you guys have trips planned as well. (Unfortunately, I don't.)

If you haven't read through Tim Lozer's article, you might want to. Interesting comments, and you can find it here: http://www.thebackpacker.com/articles/reflect/art10.php

I think the one sentence that caught my eye was this one, "The more people in the backcountry the better." I can't say that I disagree, but the thought of a bunch of unprepared folks in the woods is kinda frightening, isn't it? *smirk*

Anyways, it's good to see articles like this. It's also good to see all the informative threads we are posting on here lately. The word maturity comes to mind -- that we have somehow matured as a group -- which is kinda scary also, because I tend to enjoy the 'adolescent meanderings' of those who post here.

Maybe Matt says it best though: "If you think Internet message boards are boring places, come try Trail Talk. It is one of the most active backpacking message boards and there is never a dull moment. If you have a question about backpacking, chances are that someone can answer it on Trail Talk."

A dull moment? heh, not hardly. From the dawg, hope everyone has a nice weekend!”

“heh.. I forgot, JoshMan is headed out also. Happy Trails, my friend!”

“Let's plan a GSMNP trip sometime this spring.. April or May maybe? We could do a four dayer around Memorial Day.”

“I'm thinking I could do that too.”

“sounds good!”

“Prowler, HPM: Awesome.. all we need is some favorite places you want to visit.. and we put together a route that includes them.. I would like to include Charlie's Bunion again.”

“TD, my first backpacking trip is scheduled for April 27-28. This is the beginner's backpacking trip through Tenn. Trails Assoc. They limited it to 12 people and it went like crazy and has a waiting list already. We will be going to Pickett State Park and hike the Hidden Passage Trail (think that is right). I am already pumped for the trip. Luckily BRMS is helping with the tents and packs at No Charge except for a deposit which you get back when you turn them it. This trip is totally designed for beginners who have never been before. No experienced backpackers are allowed except for the volunteers. That way we newbies won't be made fun of so much..lol.
We do have to share a tent with someone (has to be of the same sex, damn....lol).
I know the time is going to drag until April. Well at least I can get in some walking b4 we go.
I will make sure I post a report on my misadventures when I get back. This should give everyone a good laugh.”

“Fantastic.. so glad you are going.. pls take lots of pictures.. and have some fun!”

“What wuz ya thinking of TD?”

“TownDawg - Apr. 19-21, Joyce Kilmer Slick Rock ECT, is scheduled. This is in the backyard of GSMNP.

I'm down as a "maybe," but it is looking more like "an unlikely." My current plan is to take my youngest daughter to GSMNP for a couple of weeks in Aug. followed by a few days in Minnesota, and then to her college in Iowa. Afterwards, I would like to hike GSMNP for a couple of months until the end of Oct. During the last two weeks I would like to cross Rocky Top and Thunderhead Mtn., and, perhaps, include a return to Mt. LeConte.”

“Uno TD my wife and I where watching some of her kids video's of Charlies Bunion and it does look sweet! i've never been there but lets do it for Memorial Day weekend, that would give us plenty of time.”

“We can start putting together an itinerary and see where it goes.. as much as I like the slickrock trip.. it's the wrong weekend.”

“Looks like almost everyone went on the Ark. ECT hike. That "secret mailing list" must have grown quite large! ”

“Shhhhhhhhhhh.......that was a secret!”