View Full Version : MinnesotaSmith Update
as for sly,.. you are an abstract work of art and it was good to study you.
LOL... coming from you matt, that's pretty funny!
So, since it appears MS has finally summited the Big K, will he call it close enough for one season? Will he get cold feet in Hanover? Will he make it to Kent or suffer from boredom trying?
Stay tuned...
Ah yes. Cinnamon apple pie shine. Twas good. And yeah, MS will finish.
Hey Wolf, Any of that floating around Damascus? Sounds tasty
Lone Wolf
10-16-2006, 18:57
Hey Wolf, Any of that floating around Damascus? Sounds tasty
Pretty likely!:D I met a lady at the Gathering that knows you from the Wilderness Camp. Forgot her name.
Lone Wolf
10-16-2006, 19:05
Post #2 in this thread.
You may have to eat your words...
Panzer
I ain't eatin sht. I never said he wouldn't make it, he might become the 1 in 25.
the goat
10-16-2006, 19:17
no lone wolf,... you and the goat and mala and the rest of the shine packin gatherers made me miss work this morn. man that crap is good.
twas good indeed....wolf- i shoulda got 2 jars instead of one; when i woke up on sunday, i realized that the late night fire-ring crowd and i had downed the whole thing.:(
great times though. it was good to see everyone, i had a blast. sorry a/b work matthewski, but i always thought that not working was more fun than working...even if it is b/c of a 'shine haze.:D
Pretty likely!:D I met a lady at the Gathering that knows you from the Wilderness Camp. Forgot her name.
Probably Bear Tamer, One of the nicest ladies I've ever met.
Keep on truckin' MS
Lone Wolf
10-16-2006, 21:06
Probably Bear Tamer, One of the nicest ladies I've ever met.
Keep on truckin' MS
Yup. That's her. Very nice lady indeed.
I ain't eatin sht. I never said he wouldn't make it, he might become the 1 in 25.
I bet you a large beer he makes it.
Panzer
I bet you a large beer he makes it.
Panzerover/under on days?:cool:
Dances with Mice
10-16-2006, 22:46
over/under on days?:cool:I've already put my chip down on Thanksgiving and I'm going to let it ride.
The Old Fhart
10-16-2006, 22:47
the goat-"twas good indeed....wolf- i shoulda got 2 jars instead of one; when i woke up on sunday, i realized that the late night fire-ring crowd and i had downed the whole thing.:( "Actually you looked pretty steady when I saw you at the campfire. Of course, being a goat and having four legs helped you there!;)
the goat
10-16-2006, 23:24
Actually you looked pretty steady when I saw you at the campfire. Of course, being a goat and having four legs helped you there!;)
why thank you, fhart. although i must admit that a coupla my legs are hollow, that's what gives me the lasting power! i think it was after 4am when jester, teatree & i gave up on the bonfire and crashed.:D
I've already put my chip down on Thanksgiving and I'm going to let it ride.So the Thread calls 38 days for the over/under.;):D
Minnesotasmith just took a bus south from the AT Lodge in Millinocket headed for Hanover to complete there to Kent Conn. for his thru hike. I must say he had one of the largest/heaviest packs I have encountered. Seemed in good spirits and reasoable condition.
Minnesotasmith just took a bus south from the AT Lodge in Millinocket headed for Hanover to complete there to Kent Conn. for his thru hike. I must say he had one of the largest/heaviest packs I have encountered. Seemed in good spirits and reasoable condition.
Silver, MS has actually decided to lighten his load recently. He left his Springer pebble on Mt. Katahdin.
Somebody on another forum mentioned that a certain poster named MinnesotaSmith was hiking the whole AT and posted a link to WB's.
Never heard of the guy before that but have been checking in to see his progress.
Glad to see he made he made it up Katadin before they closed it.
Hope he enjoys his southbound make up section. Too bad he had to skip over like that.
Anyway I thought the whole AT was called the Long Trail until I started reading here.
One other good thing came out of it also. Some gentleman got a ride from the trailhead into Johnson on Saturday from me. If it hadn't been for WB's he would have done a little more walking.
you're not the first vermonter to think that the AT was called the long trail...
the long trail and the AT actually join together for about 91 miles from the mass/vt border to shepard's pass (i think??). the AT bangs a left and heads to nh while the long trail keeps going up to the vt/canuckian border.
by the way, :welcome to whiteblaze!
Lone Wolf
10-17-2006, 12:27
you're not the first vermonter to think that the AT was called the long trail...
the long trail and the AT actually join together for about 91 miles from the mass/vt border to shepard's pass (i think??). the AT bangs a left and heads to nh while the long trail keeps going up to the vt/canuckian border.
by the way, :welcome to whiteblaze!
The LT/AT join together for 105.2 miles. The AT bangs a RIGHT and goes to N.H.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 13:16
I'm in Hanover, having arrived here by bus last night. There is only one bus a day leaving Medway, Maine, and it arrived here about 2100 hours.
I stayed the night with a friend I made in a hut in the Whites. Knees dictate a couple of zeros. More after I read the latest posts here and get lunch.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 13:21
what was the pouring of the schnapps for?
the sign will be nice and sticky for the next hiker?
I poured a few drops on the right post, which no hiker would IMO likely touch. Anyway, schnapps are fully biodegradable and envirofriendly. Trust me, Maine gets plenty of rain to wash it away in any event.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 13:29
Way to Go Minnesota Smith......the rest will be easy for you....
and this thread should never be closed. I want to know what MS is doing during his retirement.
peace
mf
The plan is (in no particular order):
-write one or more books (I've already published in scientific journals)
-go back to work
-find a wife
-start a family of my own
-rehike Georgia
-go do some unusual Trail magic next year
-go to Trail Days next year (if my work schedule permits), where I'd like to give a talk if possible
-move to Alaska
-share some of my Trail and hiking observations on WhiteBlaze.net
-start up a website
-get 2 cockatiels and/or 1 cockatoo (all of which I'd handfeed myself, as I've done with over a dozen 'tiels already) and/or 1-2 dogs (after I get married)
-register with the local Constitution Party chapter, wherever I end up settling down
-send Katahdin picture cards to everyone who helped me during my thruhike whose address I can obtain (after I get to Kent and finish this thing)
-send educational letters to a couple of ill-conceived hostels or other businesses I encountered during my hike
That's enough on my plate for the time being, I think. ;)
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 13:35
Winter is long and fast approaching.
Let's keep our options open. ;)
The night of 10/13-14, I had both (full, 1-L) Nalgenes get full of slush. That transpired with them inside a plastic bag. I haven't seen this since I left the Smokies around 3/23.
BTW, there were spots of 1" thick ice on the approach to Katahdin the day I summited, plus bits of roughly week-old snow in some crevices just before the Gateway.
-send educational letters to a couple of ill-conceived hostels or other businesses I encountered during my hike
I'm sure that will go over big.
Since you have a few days can you tell us about your apparent turnaround concerning the AMC and the Huts?
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 15:30
MinnesotaSmith-
The plan is (in no particular order):
-.....
-.....
-find a wife"You make it sound as romantic as buying a used car. Be sure to kick the tires first!:rolleyes:
The Solemates
10-17-2006, 15:49
I'm sure that will go over big.
my thoughts exactly. you may want to run those ideas by us here at WB first, MS.
max patch
10-17-2006, 16:27
You make it sound as romantic as buying a used car. Be sure to kick the tires first!:rolleyes:
Big business in buying Russian and other Eastern European wives. Does MS have a credit card?
What's wrong with a few suggestions or constructive criticism on how to provide better service/do business better?
I suppose nothing, suggestions are one thing but when a 1st time thru-hiker comes trotting in and calls your hostel or business "ill-conceived" the 1st thing I'd do is show him or her the door.
We still don't know what MS's suggestions are or how they could be implemented. Perhaps they're minor or quite costly.
What's wrong with a few suggestions or constructive criticism on how to provide better service/do business better?
Why couldn't that have been offered face to face while he was at the establishment? What would he write in a letter that he couldn't have told the business owner or manager while he was there? :-?
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 18:20
I'm sure that will go over big.
Since you have a few days can you tell us about your apparent turnaround concerning the AMC and the Huts?
The essential problem with the hut system in the Whites is that thruhikers and other hikers don't have a right to be there. I hated having to basically repeatedly beg some college kid for the right to spend the night in the trailside shelter, which is exactly what the current setup constitutes. The other is that every other organization overseeing part of the AT (with the sole exception of Baxter State Park) has their feces together to the extent that they are able to construct and maintain a system of free, hikers-are-welcome-with-no-BS shelters along their section. Whatever organizational or personnel issue the AMC has that prevents them from doing the latter, they should get rid of it and have fricking shelters like the rest of the AT clubs. I refuse to accept that the AMC is right and all 35 (or whatever number it is) other AT clubs are wrong in their policies; obviously, it's not all the other members of the band that are out of step with one member.
Now, I will admit that the huts were a good deal from my POV, in that the work I did was of significantly lesser value than the food (alone) that I received, along with the potable water, the (mostly) climate-controlled indoor place to sleep, etc. I believe that I worked harder at my work-for-stay than did some other thrus; I consciously tried to give good value in exchange in advance. Twice I was allowed by the hut croo to sleep in bunks, which I suspect was a violation of policy. I also had a good time interacting with the paying guests; it was a nice break at times from the solitude of the Trail.
The essential core point IMO still stands; (nongroup & human) hikers who cause no problems should have a right to be in the shelters, without someone being able to decide if they are in the mood to disallow those hikers to stay even when there is ample room. Remember that while the AMC hut croos bent over backwards in most cases to fit in thrus while I was in the Whites, one phone call from an AMC bigshot could change all that. In 2 hours time, all thrus passing thru the Whites could find that they have to have reservations and have paid full price to so much as set foot inside the huts for a moment, with no recourse. The shelters in the Whites should be in common, usable as a matter of right by all nongroup human long distance hikers.
Why does it matter if he's a first time thruhiker or not?
A 1st time thru-hiker passes through once and has no idea of what it takes to run any particular hostel, how many funds may or not be available to implement "suggestions' ect. Many 1st timers are more demanding and expect extras like picking them up at a trailhead at the whim of a cellphone call, taking them to the store, or the outfitter. Some actually get pissed when places charge to hold a package. Thru-hikers aren't owed anything and should be thankful for a cheap place to stay period.
The LT/AT join together for 105.2 miles. The AT bangs a RIGHT and goes to N.H.
thanx wolf, i figured i was messin' that up!:D
I poured a few drops on the right post, which no hiker would IMO likely touch. Anyway, schnapps are fully biodegradable and envirofriendly. Trust me, Maine gets plenty of rain to wash it away in any event.
so what was the pouring of the schnapps for???
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 18:34
so what was the pouring of the schnapps for???
I was sharing toasting the moment with schnapps with the mountain, if you will. Like many thrus, I regarded the summit sign as the place to do such a thing, seeing it as the representative of Katahdin in general. Hey, it was a few drops I didn't need myself; I'd have shared with Minnow as well, except that he was underage (and would've refused in any event).
Remember that while the AMC hut croos bent over backwards in most cases to fit in thrus while I was in the Whites, one phone call from an AMC bigshot could change all that. In 2 hours time, all thrus passing thru the Whites could find that they have to have reservations and have paid full price to so much as set foot inside the huts for a moment, with no recourse.
You're talking hypothetically. The AMC was there before the AT which crosses leased land. As far as I can tell, for 70 years it's worked just fine until the latest year of thru-hikers get all miffed because, up until then, they've had a free ride except for the entry permit in the SNP. Did you pay?
For the most part I agree with you and have many concerns about the AMC, but the Whites are unlike any other part of the trail and need better protection which cost money. Personally I'd like to see more affordable self-service Huts such as Carter Notch rather than full service Huts.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 18:52
Why couldn't that have been offered face to face while he was at the establishment? What would he write in a letter that he couldn't have told the business owner or manager while he was there? :-?
Some bigshot guy (suit and tie, fiftyish, about 100 pounds heavier than me) employed by the village of Palmerton self-righteously expounded to me at length about how their one-night-only policy was divinely inspired, not subect to additional information. The guy had learned his last new fact in this life, and had no ability whatsoever to politely listen in turn. He was simply unable to hear how the combination of these facts made a second night option practically necessary:
1) how hikers had to hitch a ride into and out of their town, the 2-mile walk there being risky to the point of foolhardiness (I know, I walked there and it was a dumb thing to have done)
2) how the next shelter north is a fair # of miles away, not the convenient <4 mile distance that would have been best for a trail town
3) how there were many businesses (example: restaurants) that would have loved to have had hikers have time to go there 5x instead of once tops
4) how, with a fully functional library (e.g., had free Internet available to hikers) there, there are multiple reasonable Internet functions for hikers to spend time on, from checking e-mail accounts so they don't expire, ordering replacement gear online, to uploading diaries and photos to Trailjournals and the like
5) how hikers could reasonably prefer not to have to choose (due to time constraints) between doing laundry and resupplying at a grocery store, but could actually want to do (gasp!) both while they were there
6) that hikers are mostly younger and better-educated than the average townie adult, the exact demographic that dying-out microtowns such as Palmerton would normally love to have look around their town long enough to fall in love with it and move there. Many a trail town has had hikers move there after seeing it for the first time. What hiker that felt booted out of town before he had gotten his basic business done would want to move to such a place?
7) And, that hikers do in fact get sick andinjured on the Trail, often in ways that aren't obvious (from stress fractures to shin splints to joint twists, not to mention the &%#@ Lyme Disease his state gave me), regardless of whether he believes it or not.
LOL... I've never heard anyone complain before about getting thrown out of jail. If a place has a one night policy and you want to stay loneger, find another place.
The AT certainly has their share of pampered hikers and IMO it's not a good thing. So much for self-reliance.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:01
2) how the next shelter north is a fair # of miles away, not the convenient <4 mile distance that would have been best for a trail town
wah wah wah.
God forbid the trail isn't convenient for everyone
please what a joke.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:11
wah wah wah.
God forbid the trail isn't convenient for everyone
please what a joke.
The point is that their (completely alterable) hostel policy puts their town over the line into being an impractical, undesirable resupply stop for hikers, that hikers (and their wallets) would be wiser to pass by. Their grocery stores, restaurants, etc., would be far better served by having a second-night option. Not every thruhiker that came through there planned ahead as I did, staying the night before at the last shelter before Palmerton. I would say that (from what I saw other thrus do) that 3x as many came from at least one shelter further south that day. This leaves aside the question of whether or not the bigwigs that run Palmerton actually want to help travelers such as hikers.
wah wah wah.
God forbid the trail isn't convenient for everyone
please what a joke.
I wonder if it ever dawned on him to just plan on tenting?
Not every thruhiker that came through there planned ahead as I did, staying the night before at the last shelter before Palmerton.
If you stayed at the shelter just south of town, WHY IN THE WORLD is a second nights stay even an issue??? I don't understand. Help me please.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:18
The point is that their (completely alterable) hostel policy puts their town over the line into being an impractical, undesirable resupply stop for hikers, that hikers (and their wallets) would be wiser to pass by. Their grocery stores, restaurants, etc., would be far better served by having a second-night option. Not every thruhiker that came through there planned ahead as I did, staying the night before at the last shelter before Palmerton. I would say that (from what I saw other thrus do) that 3x as many came from at least one shelter further south that day. This leaves aside the question of whether or not the bigwigs that run Palmerton actually want to help travelers such as hikers.
He quoted the head of the ATC as saying "the AT is supposed to be a wilderness trail". What, less than 1% of thruhikers are ATC members? The ATC prez only speaks for himself, and as he's undoubtedly not a recent thruhiker (probably not even hiked half the Trail, I'll bet), phooey on what he thinks anyway. Plus, if that position (as that Palmerton guy interprets its application) were taken seriously, I guess I'm not supposed to take a shower for 6+ months, that food will magically appear in my backpack when I need it without my having to go get more, that I'll never need replacements on any of my gear, that my family won't care if they don't hear from me for half a year, etc., etc. What a maroon. :rolleyes:
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:21
I wonder if it ever dawned on him to just plan on tenting?
So, hikers not done with their business in Palmerton in a single afternoon should just plan on tenting on some lawn there until they are finished in that town? I wasn't aware of any place that was OK.
He quoted the head of the ATC as saying "the AT is supposed to be a wilderness trail". What, less than 1% of thruhikers are ATC members? The ATC prez only speaks for himself...
The Executive Director of ATC has a lot more on his plate than worrying about who is going to carry his backpack to the next road crossing each day. :rolleyes:
Why couldn't that have been offered face to face while he was at the establishment? What would he write in a letter that he couldn't have told the business owner or manager while he was there? :-?
Nor, does it make any difference. Some of us are more skilled at the written word. Some more adept at the spoken word. Choose whatever mode of communication that works for you. Communication is critical. How is meaningless.
Weary
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:25
If you stayed at the shelter just south of town, WHY IN THE WORLD is a second nights stay even an issue??? I don't understand. Help me please.
Using the internet for multiple hiking-related issues, resupplying (possibly involving more than 1 grocery store + a hardware store + who knows where else), dealing with gear replacement issues, resting from injury or illness, maybe wanting to actually explore a town a hiker is visiting for the first and last time in his life, etc., etc. Remember that the town is NOT practical to hike in and out of, with the highway situation as it is. That means only in daylight can you get in or out of it, as hitching at night is very difficult (I've done it successfully only once).
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:27
Nor, does it make any difference. Some of us are more skilled at the written word. Some more adept at the spoken word. Choose whatever mode of communication that works for you. Communication is critical. How is meaningless.
Weary
I can't imagine a succint improvement on how you worded that. Bravo, Weary.
totally Boagus
10-17-2006, 19:27
MS spent the night in the Outerbridge shelter, a big 2.5 +- miles from town. He could have had breakfast,lunch and dinner in town, plus hit the stores that he needed and do his laundry before putting his head down in the jail. Then it's a big 5.2 out of town to where theres water and a camp site. As I see it just bad time management.
Using the internet for multiple hiking-related issues, resupplying (possibly involving more than 1 grocery store + a hardware store + who knows where else), dealing with gear replacement issues, resting from injury or illness, maybe wanting to actually explore a town a hiker is visiting for the first and last time in his life, etc., etc. Remember that the town is NOT practical to hike in and out of, with the highway situation as it is. That means only in daylight can you get in or out of it, as hitching at night is very difficult (I've done it successfully only once).
I am simply amazed at the disconnect between your professed political leanings, and what you write here. So, let me get this straight. The municipality of Palmerton should allow hikers to stay multiple days for free in a government facility? How does this square with your (alleged) belief in the philosphies of Ayn Rand and the Constitution Party? :-?
MS, if I'm not mistaken, you could have called Fine's in Slatington and got a free shuttle, stayed as long as you wanted and/or needed and got a free shuttle back to the trail. You had options, but choose the worst. It's not the town of Palmerton's fault.
Seems to me that there is a feeling of entitlement here. If you dont like the way things are somewhere, then make other arrangements. In a free market, people speak with their pocketbooks and their feet. If the rules say one night, then stay one night, period. If you dont like the rules, then stay somewhere else with different rules. Dont like them enough, then hike a different trail.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:36
MS, if I'm not mistaken, you could have called Fine's in Slatington and got a free shuttle, stayed as long as you wanted and/or needed and got a free shuttle back to the trail. You had options, but choose the worst. It's not the town of Palmerton's fault.
Who or what is that? Where is Slatington?
Anyway, I believe I posted above some compelling logic about how the city HNICs had valid selfish reasons for allowing a second night's stay in their hostel, fully outside of any possible desire to aid hikers.
P.S.: Not that it matters, I spent about 3 hours the morning of the day I got into Palmerton counseling a troubled, directionless kid in his early 20s in the shelter just south of Palmerton. He ended by eagerly writing down about 25 book titles I suggested for him that IMO would collectively give him more life insight than 5 years of life and a college degree would.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:41
I wonder if it ever dawned on him to just plan on tenting?
honestly
MS...why not try....gasp.....spending a night in the woods?
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 19:43
MinnesotaSmith-“The essential problem with the hut system in the Whites is that thruhikers and other hikers don't have a right to be there.”Absolutely false! Everyone has an equal right to be there up to the capacity of the huts or shelters. The fact that the AMC system is so heavily used is proof of that. If you get to a shelter anywhere on the entire trail and it is packed, you will not get in, but that is your problem because of poor planning. If you get to any hostel along the trail and you aren’t willing to pay the asking price for a stay, again, that is your problem, not the fault of the establishment.
MinnesotaSmith-“I hated having to basically repeatedly beg some college kid for the right to spend the night in the trailside shelter, which is exactly what the current setup constitutes.”
Pure bull. Whether you’re in VT where you have to pay to stay at some sites or at a motel in NC, you find out what the rates are and decide whether you want pay to stay. If you are begging, that’s a character flaw of yours, don’t try to blame someone else.
MinnesotaSmith-“The other is that every other organization overseeing part of the AT (with the sole exception of Baxter State Park) has their feces together to the extent that they are able to construct and maintain a system of free, hikers-are-welcome-with-no-BS shelters along their section. Whatever organizational or personnel issue the AMC has that prevents them from doing the latter, they should get rid of it and have fricking shelters like the rest of the AT clubs.”
You have a short memory. Back around post 1300 I answered that by saying: “The AMC operates under a special use permit issued by the same "Fedgov" you find distasteful and it is the USFS that calls the shots in the WMNF, not the AMC. The Whites are heavily used by "normal" hikers and there is no way that they will cater to a few thru-hikers, some of whom are quite egocentric, at the expense of hundreds of thousands of other hikers who are generally willing to pay the free market price for the services they have available to them.”
The USFS is the landlord in the Whites and the AMC cannot construct shelters, make campsites, or even maintain trails except where they are expressly authorized by the U.S. Govt. If you don’t like the arrangement, do as I suggested to you before, complain to the USFS.
MinnesotaSmith-“I refuse to accept that the AMC is right and all 35 (or whatever number it is) other AT clubs are wrong in their policies; obviously, it's not all the other members of the band that are out of step with one member.”
Actually it is you that is out of step with reality. It isn’t unusual to see different parts of a trail have far different regulations depending on who is the land owner. Try camping in Big Meadow without paying and see what happens.
As to your recent post that complain ad nauseum about everything the trail has to offer and every place that a normal hiker has had a great time, after all these months on the trail, you still think the trail should conform to you instead of you accepting the trail and enjoying it. I find it sad that you've learned nothing on your hike, what a horrible waste of time.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:44
So, hikers not done with their business in Palmerton in a single afternoon should just plan on tenting on some lawn there until they are finished in that town? I wasn't aware of any place that was OK.
If you can't resupply and do laundry in the course of an afternoon that you have bigger problems then only being able to stay at a hostel for one night.
Laundry takes what, an hour and a half, MAYBE two. resupply, half an hour, MAYBE an hour. Please MS nobody is buying your b.s.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:46
honestly
MS...why not try....gasp.....spending a night in the woods?
I've spent over 200 nights this year in the woods, with a low double-digit # of them in my tent or cowboy-camped. By way of comparison, what are your numbers for this year?
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:47
Another thing to note here is...maybe if you hadn't acted like so pompusly to the guy, and maybe if you actually talked to him, and not talked down to him, you probably could have arranged a second night. Instead you act like a tool and you are asked to move on.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:51
I've spent over 200 nights this year in the woods, with a low double-digit # of them in my tent or cowboy-camped. By way of comparison, what are your numbers for this year?
Ok, so if you spent 200 nights in the woods this year, with a low double digit number, lets say 20, that means you spent 180 nights in shelters. Sounds like a great experience.
minnesotasmith
10-17-2006, 19:52
resupply, half an hour
So, the occasions I've spent more time than that just walking to and from the grocery store (i.e., Gorham and Pearisburg) didn't really happen? Then, there's the issue of (gasp) having to go to more than one store to obtain some items not all available in one location.
I was wondering when tis thread would become entertaining again! :D
Mother's Finest
10-17-2006, 19:54
There he is....our boy is back....
Minnesota Smith is not afraid to let his opinion be known.....
minnesota smith delete some pm's as we are trying to contact you...
peace
mf
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 19:58
So, the occasions I've spent more time than that just walking to and from the grocery store (i.e., Gorham and Pearisburg) didn't really happen? Then, there's the issue of (gasp) having to go to more than one store to obtain some items not all available in one location.
Sure, I can actually accept that. Its true that sometimes things in towns arn't as convinenet as they could be. I wonder why that is? Maybe towns, in some crazed development plan, didn't really factor in hikers when they were being built hundreds of years ago.
And your point isn't really valid because you decided to write the big gripe against Palmerton. The grocery store was what, a whole minutes walk from the hostel??
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 20:00
Minnesota Smith-"I've spent over 200 nights this year in the woods, with a low double-digit # of them in my tent or cowboy-camped."Maybe if you'd spent more nights in the woods and less in towns you wouldn't be complaining so much about your perceived lack of town services and people to wait on you hand and foot.:D
I was wondering when tis thread would become entertaining again! :DRight on. Only problem is what might be entertaining now has a good chance of becoming insufferable later.:-?
Who or what is that? Where is Slatington?
Two miles to the east from the same road/trail junction. Unless they closed shop it should be in all the guidebooks and on the map. No doubt the allure of a "free hostel" blocked it out of your mind.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 20:05
Two miles to the east from the same road/trail junction. Unless they closed shop it should be in all the guidebooks and on the map. No doubt the allure of a "free hostel" blocked it out of your mind.
He probably couldn't read his guide book because the tears he was crying over not being able to do laundry and resupply were obstructing his vision
totally Boagus
10-17-2006, 20:16
MS, I did not see "go back to PA. and man handle a jackhammer" on your list of "to do's" after your hike. Seems like your would lend a hand after suggesting that the trail maintainers "have no work ethic" and the "rocks should be jackhammered" and the trail have "6ins,of pea gravel and look like a woods road" I'm sure the maintainers would just Love to see you come back.
I was wondering when tis thread would become entertaining again! :D
Looks like we now have five things that will get the troops upset: Guns, cellphones,dogs,Warren Doyle and finally anything posted by Minnesota Smith . :-?
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 20:19
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the Palmerton hostel FREE???
Where do you get the nerve to bitch and moan about a hostel that gave you a warm dry place to sleep, gave you a hot shower, gave you access to some hiker boxes, gave you a place to clean and dry your gear and asked for NOTHING in return.
Even if they did charge you 10-15 bucks who cares! They are doing you a much bigger service then you are doing for them.
I'm a big believer in HYOH but I think its ridiculous to bitch and moan about a hiker hostel juyst because they didn't meet your every expectation. Its a HOSTEL not a HOTEL. It's not supposed to accomodate YOUR every need. Its a place where you get cleaned up, patch up some gear, and then MOVE ON.
M.S. needs to learn the difference between a hostel and a hilton.
Two issues:
First The Palmerton issue. It seems that there is enough information published about the towns along the trail that you can find out everything you need to know about the town before you get there, and plan accordingly. While on my thru-hike I never had a problem, because I planned on staying in towns very little (for instance I did not even go into Palmerton) and when I needed to I made sure the accommodations were there, and I found there were alternatives to staying in every town on the trail.
Second I have to agree with Minnisota Smith, the situation in the Whites is not good for Thru-hikers. I do not see any problem with having the hut system and charging hikers whatever they want to stay there, but the problem is they have eliminated the free place to stay alternative that is present everywhere else on the trail. You can hike the entire AT without ever paying to stay anywhere, except the whites. I really think they should have a few free shelters, or at least free campsites.
You can hike the entire AT without ever paying to stay anywhere, except the whites.
Simply not true.
Dances with Mice
10-17-2006, 20:28
And the poets on The Thread
Write nothing at all!
They just stand back
And let it all be...
Tank,
You can camp for free in the Whites as long as you follow the guidelines of staying away from the trail heads and water sources. The forest service publishes the rules. As a matter of fact, MS was asking for weeks before NH for people to send him locations of stealth sites so he could circumvent the huts...but somehow i believe he found a way to stay at most of them.
And the poets on The Thread
Write nothing at all!
They just stand back
And let it all be...
Thank you for your contribution! :D
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 20:32
RITBlake-"M.S. needs to learn the difference between a hostel and a hilton."I was wondering why MS was complaining about the valet service:D
I stayed at Fine's Hotel in Slatington, got laundry done, resupplied, had supper, and got a ride back to the trail the next day without being rushed. Of course I didn't spend 20 hours on the internet trying to stir the pot on WhiteBlaze either. At the Gathering I heard one hiker who was at a hostel with MS say he had to tell him to get of the computer at 3:30am because MS's incessant banging on the keys was keeping him awake.
As far as one of MS's objectives being to write a book, I bet he just collects all his rants on WhiteBlaze and publishes them as a tome.:D
saimyoji
10-17-2006, 20:36
Hmm....a quick resupply in Palmerton, and another day or two over to Wind Gap where you have all amenities at your disposal. Hardly a difficult concept. There are great tent sites just up the ridge from Wind Gap, no need to push all the way to Kirkridge shelter. And you've just re-upped in Wind Gap, so you've still got your 6 gallons of water, 2 pounds of liver, pound of onions....:eek: Just takes a little more planning.
This thread is soooooo much more fun now. No offense matthewskeee
Keep going MS.
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 20:59
Originally Posted by The Old Fhart
Of course I didn't spend 20 hours on the internet trying to stir the pot on WhiteBlaze either.Boston-"Like what you're doing now?"News flash-I'm not in a trail town complaining about lack of services and have never done that either. If I was your comment might make sense. As it is I'm in my own house and can post as I please without annoying any hikers within earshot. Sorry you missed that subtle distinction.;)
did that get me on ignore? :/
You're not that lucky. :-? :eek: ;) :D
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 21:40
Boston-"did that get me on ignore? :/"Never used that feature, not even for you!;)
:) congrats minnsmith on summitting katahdin:cool: neo
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
Lone Wolf
10-17-2006, 22:06
By January 07 it'll be Minnesota who? A fart in the wind.:D
Hikerhead
10-17-2006, 22:11
By January 07 it'll be Minnesota who? A fart in the wind.:D
I wish. I'm afraid by then it's going to be "Trail Advice From An Expert....Minnesota Smith." :eek:
Peace out!
I wish. I'm afraid by then it's going to be "Trail Advice From An Expert....Minnesota Smith." :eek:
I'm wondering how that will go over.:-?:rolleyes:
saimyoji
10-17-2006, 22:17
Nah, he'll be halfway to Alaska by then.
Skidsteer
10-17-2006, 22:27
the thread's on fire in a real death waltz
Between flesh and what's fantasy
And the poets on The Thread
Write nothing at all!
They just stand back
And let it all be...
...tonight in Jungleland....
the goat
10-17-2006, 22:47
I wish. I'm afraid by then it's going to be "Trail Advice From An Expert....Minnesota Smith." :eek:
Peace out!
RIT- he did say that he wants to do a talk at trail days!:D
MS- i'd laugh if it weren't so sad-- i've never heard anyone complain a/b a free hostel before. imo, that's a new low in the "thru-hiker sense of entitlement category".....even for you.
--all of those reasons for why palmerton jail's policies should be altered, (that you entered a coupla pages back) are completely rediculous. care to guess why?.....IT'S FREE!
get over yourself dude.:rolleyes:
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 22:56
i've never heard anyone complain a/b a free hostel before. imo, that's a new low in the "thru-hiker sense of
It is a new low. A sad new low.
However it's nothing new in life. We all know people who always play the 'victim,' always feel sorry for themseleves, and always have some type of complaint no matter what the situation or circumstance.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 23:27
Know what's worse? Getting all butt-hurt over this thread and what someone posts on the internet...Get over it. You guys are worse than minnesota.
Actually if he's mailing out these letters to hostels and businesses then we have a just reason to voice our opinion. He could have done it with out people knowing but he decided to share his thoughts in this public forum. This type of slander and nonsense about a hostel or business effects the entire trail community and we have a responsibility to protect that.
Go back and read the WB archived pages and see how close the Palmerton hostel already came to closing down for good because of a couple of jerk thru hikers. A couple more letters like this and they might start to question again why they are providing a FREE SERVICE for unappreciative people like MS
RIT- he did say that he wants to do a talk at trail days!:D
MS- i'd laugh if it weren't so sad-- i've never heard anyone complain a/b a free hostel before. imo, that's a new low in the "thru-hiker sense of entitlement category".....even for you.
--all of those reasons for why palmerton jail's policies should be altered, (that you entered a coupla pages back) are completely rediculous. care to guess why?.....IT'S FREE! :
If true, you haven't spent much time on the trail -- or much time on this site. Rusty's is free. He was the subject of much praise -- and many complaints on the trail in '93. And numerous complaints on White bLAZE. Goat. You are not speaking from experience, but from reading to much on White Blaze.
MS is neither a devil nor a God. Just an orginary hiker with the usual hiker omplaints, but with some interesting, albeit quirky, opinions.
Weary
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 23:42
How is a well written/reasoned letter "slander and nonsense"?..one man's opinion..that's all...go to bed blake..
I don't see any harm in minnesota reccomending that there be a change in the hostel's policy regarding multiple night stays..he seems to have adequate justification and can elucidate on it..so where's the harm..If minnesota's ideas and reccomendations for the hostel are as ridiculuous as yalls make them out to be, then the hostel owner will see this and quickly dismiss the letter..
again- where's the harm in sending a letter?
hey you're proabably right. It's just one letter, one opinon, probably harmless.
But he chose to take it beyond the letter and bring it here to Whiteblaze.
MS is neither a devil nor a God. Just an orginary hiker with the usual hiker omplaints, but with some interesting, albeit quirky, opinions.
Yes, and many of those opinions are contradictory.
RITBlake
10-17-2006, 23:54
Where it can be "aired" for everyone to see, and well, debate..I think any rational person would come to a rather quick conclusion on MS's complaints about the said free hostel..
I agree, but unfotunatly MS doesn't seem to be open to anyone else's opinion.
The Old Fhart
10-17-2006, 23:55
Boston-"I think any rational person would come to a rather quick conclusion on MS's complaints about the said free hostel.."I think we all agree with you on that point.;)
the goat
10-18-2006, 00:26
If true, you haven't spent much time on the trail -- or much time on this site. Rusty's is free. He was the subject of much praise -- and many complaints on the trail in '93. And numerous complaints on White bLAZE. Goat. You are not speaking from experience, but from reading to much on White Blaze.
i'm trying to figure out how this part of your post makes sense.:-?
"if true"? if what is true?...seriously, i'm confused.
also, rusty's isn't free, weary. he expects a donation, i know this b/c i "speak from experience". i've been there, i donated, and i enjoyed rusty's, as i've stated in previous threads (one of the rare instances where we've agreed on something.;) )
MS is neither a devil nor a God. Just an orginary hiker with the usual hiker omplaints, but with some interesting, albeit quirky, opinions.
i agree, MS is neither devil nor a God. but if you believe that "an ordinary hiker usually compains" a/b free hostels....well, you don't speak from experience, weary, "but from reading too much on White Blaze".:rolleyes:
How is a well written/reasoned letter "slander and nonsense"?..one man's opinion..that's all...go to bed blake..
I don't see any harm in minnesota reccomending that there be a change in the hostel's policy regarding multiple night stays..he seems to have adequate justification and can elucidate on it..so where's the harm..If minnesota's ideas and reccomendations for the hostel are as ridiculuous as yalls make them out to be, then the hostel owner will see this and quickly dismiss the letter..
again- where's the harm in sending a letter?
If you invited a stranger over and made a real nice dinner for them and they bitched because the potato salad was mushy, would you feel less inclined to do it again?
I would. As a matter of fact I probably would not do it again. And, I like my potato salad kinda mushy. If they don't like it, screw them... damnit! :mad:
Freakin' ingrates!:mad:
That's what it is about. ;)
If you invited a stranger over and made a real nice dinner for them and they bitched because the potato salad was mushy, would you feel less inclined to do it again?
I would. As a matter of fact I probably would not do it again. And, I like my potato salad kinda mushy. If they don't like it, screw them... damnit!
Freakin' ingrates!:mad:
That's what it is about.;)
A shut-up and eat host?:eek:
What's your problem? Don't you subscribe to eat your own eats? On second thought, maybe you do.:-?
A shut-up and eat host?:eek:
What's your problem? Don't you subscribe to eat your own eats? On second thought, maybe you do.:-?
Uhmmmm, no! I would be a gracious host no matter how ungrateful my guest was. :rolleyes: I'd just think twice about doing it again. :-?
It's called wearing out a welcome.
first, i stayed at least two nights in palmerton, maybe three, i can't remember cause of that damned mugshots. maybe they didn't like your looks.:-?
second, what "hiking related issues" do you use the internet for? i used the internet once on my thru hike in hot springs, said hi to family.
third, why are you complaining so much? and why have you complained throughout most of your hike?
Rustys ain't free; it's anything butt free.:-?
I think some of the MS bs is little more than finding a way to deal with the rejection he encounters.:eek:
Palmerton wasn't the only place MS was shown the door. I worked at 2 hostels this year. And when I heard hostels were hip- welllll, I had to have one too.:rolleyes: I've dealt w/ plenty of hikers. My point is, you need time limits. Many places (Rustys?) have them. Otherwise you will have a house full of jerks playing sick and hurt and stiff you in return for your hospitality, only to get on the internet and let everyone know what is wrong w/ your place. :mad:
What's the latest update, has MS made it out of bed yet?
Probably scoffing down a free breakfast, being shuttled around town, signing autographs for the coeds at Dartmouth!
My point is, you need time limits. Many places (Rustys?) have them. Otherwise you will have a house full of jerks playing sick and hurt and stiff you in return for your hospitality, only to get on the internet and let everyone know what is wrong w/ your place. :mad:
All while feeling somewhat entitled just because they're "thru-hiking" the Appalacchian Trail.
johnny quest
10-18-2006, 11:20
2 things
as a lurker on this thread im dismayed, minnesota, that you espouse free market laissez faire beliefs then want businesses, organizations and entities to do a better job taking care of every possible hiker scenario that can be thought of.
that being said, as a director of a tourist attraction in a small town, i seek out input from folks who come to my town and business. often its the minnesotas that give the best feedback because they are so critical. and yes, much of the time its bitching and moaning from folks who dont know the reason we do what we do. but sometimes we learn something about how to make it better.
There is a wide gulf between what MS espouses politically and socially, and the way he lives, the way he's done his hike, and what he has had to say to and about those he's encountered. It's called hypocrisy.
Still, it's his life and his hike, and I'm not sure why I should even care.
mweinstone
10-18-2006, 11:56
if one of us was picked apart for a year by strangers,.. we would come up weird sounding too. half your arguments break the rules of arguing. any way. minnesota ,...your the thread. you are so the thread! and when you finnish you will be crowned king of the AT! and in my book,.. you have way more will power than me and i look up to your humble ability to remaine you while others insist you become them.as far as your hiking acomplishments,.. im in awe. as far as your remaking of your plans,.. im proud of my trail for changing even your perspective. its what she does.and as i get internet connections at work and cafes, i will support you allways. need anything,... call. anything. i miss you bro.
Lone Wolf
10-18-2006, 12:02
if one of us was picked apart for a year by strangers,.. we would come up weird sounding too. half your arguments break the rules of arguing. any way. minnesota ,...your the thread. you are so the thread! and when you finnish you will be crowned king of the AT! and in my book,.. you have way more will power than me and i look up to your humble ability to remaine you while others insist you become them.as far as your hiking acomplishments,.. im in awe. as far as your remaking of your plans,.. im proud of my trail for changing even your perspective. its what she does.and as i get internet connections at work and cafes, i will support you allways. need anything,... call. anything. i miss you bro.
How touching. I'm verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves.:D
....I'm verklempt......
A little pennicillin can fix that for you.
RITBlake
10-18-2006, 12:30
How touching. I'm verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves.:D
look at lonewolf with a nice little SNL reference :)
The Solemates
10-18-2006, 12:36
The point is that their (completely alterable) hostel policy puts their town over the line into being an impractical, undesirable resupply stop for hikers, that hikers (and their wallets) would be wiser to pass by. Their grocery stores, restaurants, etc., would be far better served by having a second-night option. Not every thruhiker that came through there planned ahead as I did, staying the night before at the last shelter before Palmerton. I would say that (from what I saw other thrus do) that 3x as many came from at least one shelter further south that day. This leaves aside the question of whether or not the bigwigs that run Palmerton actually want to help travelers such as hikers.
So why didnt you take your own advice, and skip it?
The Old Fhart
10-18-2006, 12:42
Lone Wolf- "How touching. I'm verklempt." Actually, I was gobsmacked!
Two Speed
10-18-2006, 13:24
So why didnt you take your own advice, and skip it?That question pretty much answers itself, doesn't it? Just goes to prove that MS doesn't take anyone's advice, no exceptions!
That said, I'm still going to offer my tardy congratulations to Minnie Smith for summitting Katahdin. May have done it the hard way, but he did do it. Now, those last pesky 280 miles . . .
Jack Tarlin
10-18-2006, 14:06
Just back from the Gathering, good to see things are still lively here.
A few quick thoughts:
Thru-hikers aren't specially entitled to ANYTHING out there....this applies to spots in the AMC Huts; reserved spots in the Smokies, etc.Nor are they entitled to Five Star accomodations in trail facilities or hostels, and this is especially so when these spots are available for free!
Sorry to have to say this, Smitty, but your complaints about Palmerton are more than a little cheesy. For Chrissake, it's a FREE place to stay overnight, and never advertised itself as a comfortable, cushy, full-service hiker facility.
If it wasn't up to your standards, or lacked certain amenities, then you had the right to seek out places that offered these services.
As to your never having heard about other lodging places (or other trail towns even, like Slatington!) well, that's YOUR fault for not doing enough research or studying your Trail guides. There are all sorts of places where hikers can stay---or NOT stay---and that's their descision. In the end, tho, if a place isn't up to standards, then hikers can go elsewhere. But to stay at a place, enjoy what it offers, and THEN complain about it, whether we're talking about Palmerton, the AMC Huts, or anywhere else, comes off as peevishness. Hikers should be happy to get whatever they get and whatever is offered to them. If it ain't enough, they can leave, or opt to stay elsewhere. But to enjoy some place's hospitality (or OVER-enjoy it, like in the Huts) and then bitch about it seems wrong to me.
All that being said, Smitty, very nice work in New Hampshire in Maine; hope I get to see you before I leave town. If you're not tucked into bed, try Five Olde around 10 tonight.
if one of us was picked apart for a year by strangers,.. we would come up weird sounding too. . .
It's MS who picks apart almost all of the rest of US. Is your memory that short? Go back and read some of the nonsense he's written on WB before and during his hike.
TJ aka Teej
10-18-2006, 17:52
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so. I tried to ask him about some of the trail conditions he'd encountered in Maine, but he wanted to talk about other things. I made an excuse and walked away.
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so. I tried to ask him about some of the trail conditions he'd encountered in Maine, but he wanted to talk about other things. I made an excuse and walked away.
I certainly hope he was joking! I don't know about you, but I am not in awe so much as jealous of AT thru-hikers. And they certainly don't compare to those who fought in WWII! That's just ridiculous!
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so. I tried to ask him about some of the trail conditions he'd encountered in Maine, but he wanted to talk about other things. I made an excuse and walked away.
Is MS for real, is he serious or is it one big put on? I hope the latter.
Gray Blazer
10-18-2006, 18:07
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so. I tried to ask him about some of the trail conditions he'd encountered in Maine, but he wanted to talk about other things. I made an excuse and walked away.
Are you for real? The guys getting way too much attention.
And minnesotasmith will be the most famous of them all!
I doubt it, he'll probably stop in Rutland, stay at the 12 Tribes Hostel, find himself a wife and never be heard from again.
I doubt it, he'll probably stop in Rutland, stay at the 12 Tribes Hostel, find himself a wife and never be heard from again.
We can only hope...
leeki pole
10-18-2006, 18:10
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so. I tried to ask him about some of the trail conditions he'd encountered in Maine, but he wanted to talk about other things. I made an excuse and walked away.
In awe of thru-hikers? On par with WWII vets? The Trail gone? Maintainers doing a poor job?
It's time to close the book on Mr. Smith, IMHO.
TJ aka Teej
10-18-2006, 18:22
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13438&c=530
Minnesota and Ranger Paul Corrigan at KSC.
(And man, am I glad I stopped reading this thread 3,300 posta ago...)
RITBlake
10-18-2006, 18:25
It's time to close the book on Mr. Smith, IMHO.
This is the smartest thing ever written in the thread.
Dances with Mice
10-18-2006, 18:25
His record for prognosticating future phenomena hasn't dampened his propensity to forge new ones, has it?
His record for prognosticating future phenomena is well recorded.
Did he ever mention getting lucky in a shelter with Boston? :p
His record for prognosticating future phenomena hasn't dampened his propensity to forge new ones, has it?How right you are.:sun The sky is always falling.;)
I see this thread as more of a chat room than anything else. I hope that MS wasnt serious when he said the thing about WW2 vets. It seems that he has a twisted perspective if it is true.
Met Minnesota Smith at Katahdin Stream Campground on Saturday. He told me that future generations will look back at thru-hikers of today in the same way we look back in awe at the veterans of World War Two, and that the volunteers who tend the AT are doing such a bad job that the trail will disappear in the next ten years or so.
Never mind the fact that Dances With Mice, who has been his staunchest advocate, is a trail maintainer himself. Denigrating the volunteers who have made his hike possible is just epitome of total selfishness.
And the comments alluding to the fact that thru-hikers are heroes???? MS is not only an ingrate. He's obviously delusional as well. What a (fill in the blank).
I wish. I'm afraid by then it's going to be "Trail Advice From An Expert....Minnesota Smith." :eek:
Peace out!
ok, lets make it fun again....what advice would he give.:-?
1. Never carry too much, if your pack weighs in over 100 lbs, you have packed to much
2. 2 sets of gaiters is the minimum...biologically viable girls dig the tan lines.
totally Boagus
10-18-2006, 22:11
Don't forget those jackhammers for PA.
Trillium
10-18-2006, 22:26
third, why are you complaining so much? and why have you complained throughout most of your hike?I think it's a case of glass half empty. :rolleyes: err, make that glass 15/16 empty.:(
Everyone on this thread is complaining about MS because he complained about Palmerton, ect... How does that make sense?
Panzer
(PS. don't even think about complaining about me complaining about you complaining about MS complining about Palmerton)
Everyone on this thread is complaining about MS because he complained about Palmerton, ect... How does that make sense?
Panzer
(PS. don't even think about complaining about me complaining about you complaining about MS complining about Palmerton)
Why would anyone even think of think about complaining about you complaining about them complaining about MS complining about Palmerton... etc... How does that make sense?
Why would anyone even think of think about complaining about you complaining about them complaining about MS complining about Palmerton... etc... How does that make sense?
Something like that. like that...
MS will have full, unhindered access to the internet in around 32-40 days. Never say you have not been given fair warning.:-?:)
The Old Fhart
10-19-2006, 07:54
Panzer1-"Everyone on this thread is complaining about MS because he complained about Palmerton, ect... How does that make sense?"To avoid the angst, go from the longest thread on WhiteBlaze to the shortest thread entitled: "Things Minnesota Smith Hasn't Complained About". ;)
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 09:44
my name is matthew claude weinstone and i am the worlds largest human being. quiet your small minds and absorb the wafting odor of success.let the lingering stench of victory permiate your socks.open your hearts and tents and food bags america! minnisota smith is a common home! after a short stop in kent for a loaf of bread and some milk.yes ladies,..if esbit in the morning is your thing or if long distance internet hiking is your bag,.. youll love ms! somthing for all. thrills! adventure and horror! be there or be square. a cut a minute. a slander a second. an insult an hour. gather round negatites, downers and bumouts. pick apart the man from minnesota. be the first to strip his heart bare.
this post is intended purly as fodder for the detractors so that there flames may be fanned ever higher . in hopes of them burnning up.
Lone Wolf
10-19-2006, 09:46
You need some cinnamon apple shine this morning.
The Solemates
10-19-2006, 10:25
MS will have full, unhindered access to the internet in around 32-40 days. Never say you have not been given fair warning.:-?:)
Aint that the truth. Perhaps this thread should be closed before he is able to spill his nonsense onto it.
Rest Day 3
What's the latest update, has MS made it out of bed yet?
Probably scoffing down a free breakfast, being shuttled around town, signing autographs for the coeds at Dartmouth!
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/misc/progress.gif
What's with that thing crawling around my post?
What's with that thing crawling around my post?I was wondering the same thing.
I was wondering the same thing.
Spooky, I just hit the edit button and it jump to that side. I backed out of there fast! :D
StarLyte
10-19-2006, 10:40
Good morning Matthewski. You're back. You're alive.
I made you a very nice T-shirt and could not find it to give to you at the Gathering. It reads:
Minnesota Smith
--the thread--
Whiteblaze.net
Please PM with your address and I will mail it out today.
It was a pleasure meeting you. I wish I could have spent more time with you. You must come to the PA Ruck. There are folks that live in Philly that would pick you up. That's another thread.
Footslogger
10-19-2006, 11:40
What's with that thing crawling around my post?
==================================
There's a fungus amungus !!
'Slogger
MS will have full, unhindered access to the internet in around 32-40 days.
Coming in December: "Minnesota Smith answers questions from potential thru/section hikers."
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 14:57
i must remind you all that minnesota smith is the single greatest hiker in this or any other world. he stands a mile high in stature and exsudes kindness wherever he goes. he never has an unkind word and only critisizes when appropriate.his streangth and power humble even the biggest boulder fields. he gives freely to those in need of advise and keeps himself on the right side of the tracks. anyone who thinks they can do better,.. try.his love of the trail shows with each correction of route he points out. his constant being picked on phases him not. only the trail does she love him. and a few white blazers. to you smitty i say. fuch em.hike your own hike and we are lovin it. so many people love you smitty and only a few post trash. dont stop posting cause of them. and keep the faith you big fat wonderboy! white blaze members to a one support you.
Lone Wolf
10-19-2006, 14:58
Ward Leonard has minnesota's ass beat!
Hey, I see matthewski pull his head out of MS butt long enough to post. :p
RITBlake
10-19-2006, 15:19
i must remind you all that minnesota smith is the single greatest hiker in this or any other world. he stands a mile high in stature and exsudes kindness wherever he goes. he never has an unkind word and only critisizes when appropriate.his streangth and power humble even the biggest boulder fields. he gives freely to those in need of advise and keeps himself on the right side of the tracks. anyone who thinks they can do better,.. try.his love of the trail shows with each correction of route he points out. his constant being picked on phases him not. only the trail does she love him. and a few white blazers. to you smitty i say. fuch em.hike your own hike and we are lovin it. so many people love you smitty and only a few post trash. dont stop posting cause of them. and keep the faith you big fat wonderboy! white blaze members to a one support you.
time to close down this thread me thinks
The Old Fhart
10-19-2006, 15:49
RITBlake-"time to close down this thread me thinks"No way! It is one of those guilty pleasures, like watching a soap opera (not that I do it;)). I never cease to be amazed at the new ways the man can do or say the most idiotic things and his groupies try to put a positive spin on, say, his farting in someone's face-like by doing so he saved their life. Maybe his ailment (AS) makes him actually believe his alternate world is real-who knows. What I find astounding is that there are actually others that buy into his delusions, almost cultish.
Maybe one of them can write an account of MS's hike and, like Steinbeck, call it "Of Mice and Men". I know who would be cast as Lennie but who on WhiteBlaze would be cast as Lennie's mouse?:-?
Dances with Mice
10-19-2006, 15:49
time to close down this thread me thinksSome Thread subscribers are frustrated because they assumed MS had three days of internet access but he was only online for a short time one day. Calm will return once MS is back on the trail.
The Thread has been through this cycle many times before.
max patch
10-19-2006, 16:24
time to close down this thread me thinks
The thread has one compelling point for its existence.
If MS does write a book -- and somehow gets it published -- I know enough to leave it on the bookshelf and spend my $20 on something else.
i must remind you all that minnesota smith is the single greatest hiker in this or any other world. he stands a mile high in stature and exsudes kindness wherever he goes. he never has an unkind word and only critisizes when appropriate.his streangth and power humble even the biggest boulder fields. he gives freely to those in need of advise and keeps himself on the right side of the tracks. anyone who thinks they can do better,.. try.his love of the trail shows with each correction of route he points out. his constant being picked on phases him not. only the trail does she love him. and a few white blazers. to you smitty i say. fuch em.hike your own hike and we are lovin it. so many people love you smitty and only a few post trash. dont stop posting cause of them. and keep the faith you big fat wonderboy! white blaze members to a one support you.
LOL. What a load of *****.
SGT Rock
10-19-2006, 16:42
The thread has one compelling point for its existence.
If MS does write a book -- and somehow gets it published -- I know enough to leave it on the bookshelf and spend my $20 on something else.
Actually, given the new sense of entitlement, it will probably have a note on the cover: "steal this book"
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 16:49
minnisota smith called. he wants to know who has class. anybody? okay lone wolf and starlyte make two. do i see any others? next bit of buissnes on my desk is the matter of minnesota smith worship. i see enrollment is down. shame. heres an intresting bit of information that was just handed to me. minnisota smith has entered hunting season. also in the news,.mrs smith, who ever she turns out to be has been offered a free weekend in the palmerton jail with her hubby. it seems the sheriff caught wind of the hub bub about his hostle and felt he needed to offer a peace. and finnaly today the president again publicly thanked minnisota smith for being tru to the american dream while speaking to a group of astronauts at mission control.
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 16:51
abby would prefer you plagerize" fuch the system"
SGT Rock
10-19-2006, 16:53
minnisota smith called. he wants to know who has class. anybody? okay lone wolf and starlyte make two. do i see any others? next bit of buissnes on my desk is the matter of minnesota smith worship. i see enrollment is down. shame. heres an intresting bit of information that was just handed to me. minnisota smith has entered hunting season. also in the news,.mrs smith, who ever she turns out to be has been offered a free weekend in the palmerton jail with her hubby. it seems the sheriff caught wind of the hub bub about his hostle and felt he needed to offer a peace. and finnaly today the president again publicly thanked minnisota smith for being tru to the american dream while speaking to a group of astronauts at mission control.
What color is the sky on your planet?
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 16:53
while weer on the subject of tapeing the holes in #14 brass washers and useing them as dimes for free candy,.....i noticed minnisota smith worship is at an all time low.
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 16:56
more hiking , less pokeing. hike now little girlyman. hike,.........or die! if you fail to accomplish your mission mr smith,....as allways the government will dissavowel any knowlage of your existence.
What color is the sky on your planet?
LOL... I wasn't sure to believe it but he's pretty much like that in person. I still can can't figure out where the idolarty of MS comes from.
FD, can you turn MS into a Vishnu?
The thread has one compelling point for its existence.
If MS does write a book -- and somehow gets it published -- I know enough to leave it on the bookshelf and spend my $20 on something else.
May I suggest A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson.
The Old Fhart
10-19-2006, 17:02
mweinstone-"i noticed minnisota smith worship is at an all time low."You should notice a direct correlation between the number of his postings and his negative image.
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 17:10
your a image.
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 17:22
hey fart, milton bradly is comming out with a new game based loosely on the hike and thread of minnesota smith. yeah,...they need you and me so they can know both sides of the story.
its called: minnisotasmith said what? its basicly whisper down the line as a board game.
mweinstone
10-19-2006, 17:26
if anything ever happened to bring our sociaty to a halt like war or terror, and it wont if sarg rock can help it, minnisota smith could well be the last human to complete a northbound thruhike of the appalachian trail.
morbid?
its palmolive.
your soaking in it!
madge!
morbid?
its palmolive.
your soaking in it!
madge!
OK, that is darn funny.
I think I finally get your humor Matt... took me a bit, and I still take serious issue with the fact that you don't seem to be able to find the spellcheck button, but you are indeed a funny guy.
has anyone actually read this thread from start to where ever it stops. I am not sure I could handle it :eek:
has anyone actually read this thread from start to where ever it stops. I am not sure I could handle it :eek:
Its no worse than the Night Crawlers thread over on TT - have they pushed it past 20000 post yet?
OK, that is darn funny.
I think I finally get your humor Matt.
I'll buy a clue!
the goat
10-19-2006, 18:21
OK, that is darn funny.
I think I finally get your humor Matt... took me a bit, and I still take serious issue with the fact that you don't seem to be able to find the spellcheck button, but you are indeed a funny guy.
dude, weinstone is hilarious. :)
Mother's Finest
10-19-2006, 19:35
First of all, MWEINSTONE is the classiest person on this thread. The man has a heart of gold. I heard some real nice things about some of you other cool cats at the gathering.......
if I had half the class he has I would be a teacher. Minnesota Smith is a problem solver. That is what he does. We do not always agree with his solutions, but he is out there in America doing it.....
peace
mf
Lone Wolf
10-19-2006, 19:51
First of all, MWEINSTONE is the classiest person on this thread. The man has a heart of gold. I heard some real nice things about some of you other cool cats at the gathering.......
if I had half the class he has I would be a teacher. Minnesota Smith is a problem solver. That is what he does. We do not always agree with his solutions, but he is out there in America doing it.....
peace
mf
I love ever***nbody!:D Including myself.
((((((((group hug)))))))))
What color is the sky on your planet?
GREEN, No doubt!
...with marshmallows...
I love ever***nbody!:D Including myself.
XOXOXOXOX! :D
Its no worse than the Night Crawlers thread over on TT - have they pushed it past 20000 post yet?
HOI, all I look at on TT is the trips page. I do remember that one though. It did get up there in number of post.
First of all, MWEINSTONE is the classiest person on this thread. The man has a heart of gold.
peace
mf
I wanted to meet him at The Gathering. I really enjoy his writing/rambling.
Lone Wolf
10-19-2006, 22:36
I wanted to meet him at The Gathering. I really enjoy his writing/rambling.
He's a fine young man. I met him.
the goat
10-19-2006, 22:44
matthewski is a solid dude, fun to hang out with too. he also happens to be ***ing hilarious, once you get his humor, it's absolutely priceless.
Dances with Mice
10-19-2006, 22:55
Here you go Matt...That's....
Wrong. On so many levels.
It's just wrong.
The Old Fhart
10-19-2006, 23:20
Sly-"FD, can you turn MS into a Vishnu?"Sly, I think you got Vishnu (the preserver) mixed up with Shiva (the destroyer). Don't you remember the Robert Oppenheimer quote from The Bhagavad Gita when the Manhattan project set off the first atomic bomb: "...now I am become Death [Shiva], the destroyer of worlds..."
Which one do you think MS resembles most closely?:-?
Sly, I think you got Vishnu (the preserver) mixed up with Shiva (the destroyer). Don't you remember the Robert Oppenheimer quote from The Bhagavad Gita when the Manhattan project set off the first atomic bomb: "...now I am become Death [Shiva], the destroyer of worlds..."
Which one do you think MS resembles most closely?:-?
I plead forgetfulness and old age and (a lot of ignorance) it was a WAG. So you think he's be better of as the Shiva?
Now I need to know why DWM doesn't like it? It would seem appropriate.
matthewski is a solid dude, fun to hang out with too. he also happens to be ***ing hilarious, once you get his humor, it's absolutely priceless.
Definitely a character. Funny, the spelling doesn't show up in person. It has a weird effect because I find myself imagining whatever he says as he might write it...
Dances with Mice
10-20-2006, 07:05
Now I need to know why DWM doesn't like it? It would seem appropriate. For a start: Karma. You'd risk PO'ing an entity known as The Destroyer?!
StarLyte
10-20-2006, 07:36
Hello Minnesota Smith ! I am so happy to hear you summitted Katahdin.
We spoke of you at the Gathering. I hope you are well.
Your attendance would be appreciated at a Ruck. Southern or Pennsylvania Ruck. Threads will be posted probably in December regarding these 2 events.
Even though your profile reads you're from Georgia, I am asking you to attend the PA Ruck (http://www.artofthetrail.com/paruck.html). On Saturday afternoon, we have an event known as the "Thru-hiker bull session".......usually lasts about 2 hours or so.......you could be inspiration to others just by speaking to other potential thru-hikers. We invite you. You don't have to be invited to a Ruck to attend though.
I will PM you with more information. ;)
Sly will probably try and pull you down to NOC for the SORuck as well :D It doesn't matter, we'd like to have you at either one or both. The Rucks are a small gathering of hikers and friends, the crowd is anywhere from 50 to 125. Intimate. Very nice. We eat good - potluck.
I wish you well on the remainder of your journey. Peace to you.
:) keep on truckin minnasotasmith,you can do it man:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
For a start: Karma. You'd risk PO'ing an entity known as The Destroyer?!
Oops...... :(
Two Speed
10-20-2006, 10:29
Actually, if I remember the Hindu pantheon correctly Shiva is the Lord of Destruction & Creation. There are some folks here that would know so if I get a chance I'll get an opinion from someone that knows.
Sly will probably try and pull you down to NOC for the SORuck as well :D
Of course, every is welcome. I may even have room in my car.
Two Speed
10-20-2006, 10:38
Man, The Thread is getting on some strange territory here. According to Wikipedia Shiva, among other things, is "both static and dynamic; both creator and destroyer. He is the oldest and the youngest; he is the eternal youth as well as the infant. He is the source of fertility in all living beings. He has gentle as well as fierce forms. Shiva is the greatest of renouncers as well as the ideal lover. He destroys evil and protects good. He bestows prosperity on worshipers although he is austere. He is omnipresent and resides in everyone as pure consciousness."
I suspect The Thread is the representative of Shiva on WB as it's "both static and dynamic; both creator and destroyer, the oldest and the youngest . . . :D
RadioFreq
10-20-2006, 11:00
The plan is (in no particular order):
-go to Trail Days next year (if my work schedule permits), where I'd like to give a talk if possible
Picture this: It's Trail Days 2007. On a beautiful, Damascus afternoon a large crowd consisting of thru hikers, section hikers and the "just the plain curious" have gathered before a small stage. In the center of the stage is a podium with a single microphone connected to a cheap public address system. A faint buzz emanates from the speakers. Anticipation is high. Most in the crowd are engaged in quiet conversations. Hearty handshakes and heartfelt hugs are the norm as long parted friends are reunited. A few others stare forward, neither speaking nor blinking, clutching soiled paper grocery bags from which, if one gets close enough, you can catch the faint odor of rotting tomatoes. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those gazing at the stage with beatific smiles on their faces reminiscent of "Moonies". They are all there for one reason….to see the man, to hear the man speak.
A hush falls over the crowd as a lone figure approaches the mic.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Smith, I'm from Minnesota and you know absolutely nothing about me. Let me enlighten you. I live in a middle class neighborhood with my wife and two children. I currently work as a financial officer for "The Advocate." I am the head of our local DFL caucus. I also do volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and N.O.W."
"I first began backpacking as a teenager. Normally I sleep in a hammock, use hiking poles and my pack with 5 days of food usually weighs in at about 25 pounds. I almost never go camping without my best friend, Shep."
"And one more thing…..I am a former Navy SEAL."
"My name is Smith, I'm from Minnesota and you have been PUNKED!"
(Now wouldn't that be a kick in the head.)
Lone Wolf
10-20-2006, 11:05
He will be long forgotten by Trail Days.
He will be long forgotten by Trail Days.
:D he is a legend he will never be forgotten:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
:D he is a legend he will never be forgotten:cool: neo
The anti-legend, neo! ;)
And the wolves and hounds howl as the great glacier advances southward.
Steve, has the "great glacier" started moving again?
He will be long forgotten by Trail Days.
We can only pray this is true.
Steve, has the "great glacier" started moving again?
I don't know, weather in New England is terrible today. I'm sure a little snow would get our glacier moving. In the meantime, there are a lot of young women in Hanover to be interviewed.
mweinstone
10-20-2006, 14:23
we now pause to remember the blubber lost to he hike. it helped him start and couldnt keep him from finnishing.
mweinstone
10-20-2006, 14:26
what i do now, i do for ms. i will go to my apartment where there is no innternet. there is no trail. no rocks. trees. tentt to sleep in. no nobos no sobos. just a fat city pig we call mat.
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 15:36
Hello Minnesota Smith ! I am so happy to hear you summitted Katahdin.
We spoke of you at the Gathering. I hope you are well.
Your attendance would be appreciated at a Ruck. Southern or Pennsylvania Ruck. Threads will be posted probably in December regarding these 2 events.
Even though your profile reads you're from Georgia, I am asking you to attend the PA Ruck (http://www.artofthetrail.com/paruck.html). On Saturday afternoon, we have an event known as the "Thru-hiker bull session".......usually lasts about 2 hours or so.......you could be inspiration to others just by speaking to other potential thru-hikers. We invite you. You don't have to be invited to a Ruck to attend though.
I will PM you with more information. ;)
Sly will probably try and pull you down to NOC for the SORuck as well :D It doesn't matter, we'd like to have you at either one or both. The Rucks are a small gathering of hikers and friends, the crowd is anywhere from 50 to 125. Intimate. Very nice. We eat good - potluck.
I wish you well on the remainder of your journey. Peace to you.
My PM box is full at the moment. I'm on my way out of Hanover (in the rain, of course). I'm focused on finishing my thru before much else, but would be interested in hiker events after it if they're a ways away, or near my route if they're held during the remainder of it. I would be happy to talk to other people about my experiences thruhiking.
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 15:39
Funny thing just happened in the Dartmouth Bookstore. I actually ran into a couple heading South, and I mean ALL the way South, probably the last two of the season. They're here for a couple of days and then moving on.
I wished them well and mentioned that they'd have a wonderful, but in all likelihood, a fairly solitary journey.
It was only after I spoke with them that I remembered that for at least a day or two it won't be ENTIRELY solitary, they'll have some most interesting company in Vermont!
Pray for them.
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 15:39
May I suggest A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson.
I presume you were being sarcastic, Steve?
A MUCH better AT book IMO is On The Beaten Path by Robert Rubin. He's a book editor by profession, so understands good writing. He hiked the entire trail (unlike Bryson's <700 miles), to boot.
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 15:42
Hey Smitty, sorry I missed you in town, very best of luck with the next few weeks!
I have every confidence you'll finish!
And maybe even be home for Christmas!! :D
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 15:46
I see this thread as more of a chat room than anything else. I hope that MS wasnt serious when he said the thing about WW2 vets. It seems that he has a twisted perspective if it is true.
I said that thruhikers would eventually (like in 20 years) resemble WWII vets in that the point would be reached in that there would be no more being produced. That is the sole similiarity that I drew between them. I have no illusions that my sacrifices or achievements made in the course of my thruhike are on a par with the men who took Iwo Jima or the like.
Yeah, go MS. Stay warm and dry!
My PM box is full at the moment. I'm on my way out of Hanover (in the rain, of course). I'm focused on finishing my thru before much else, but would be interested in hiker events after it if they're a ways away, or near my route if they're held during the remainder of it. I would be happy to talk to other people about my experiences thruhiking.
:) you are doing great man,just keep moving:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 16:01
Hey Smitty, sorry I missed you in town, very best of luck with the next few weeks!
I have every confidence you'll finish!
And maybe even be home for Christmas!! :D
Make that home by Thanksgiving, BTW.
=======================================
Some events while I've been in Hanover:
1) Some undergrad came up to me while I was on the terminal in Robinson Hall and let me know he apparently didn't care for hikers using College facilities.
2) Stayed 1 night here in the house of a section hiker I met in the Whites. Turns out he's a hiking stove designer. I talked stove fuel and related stuff with him for a while. He was unaware of Weathercarrot's maps and the Palmer Drought Index, and was happy to hear of them. WC's map link appeared to be down, BTW.
3) Was going to stay a night at a weekender's dorm room on campus. He was enthusiastic about it, but left to go to a previously arranged study group for a while. Shortly after he left, his suitemate said I had to leave (at 9:40 PM on a rainy night). Got a ride from Campus Police to the other end of campus to go to Velvet Rocks shelter, where it took me almost 2 hours with solid fog/mist/rain (10' visibility at times) to make it to the shelter, arriving around 0100 hours. Spent 3 nights there.
4) Flipflopping Faceplant was there 2nd night. I was just making cocoa when he showed, and gave him a cup, which he was ecstatic over. He's en route to Salisbury.
5) Cute young couple Pacemaker and Timber came by yesterday to cook hot dogs. They had some trouble getting a fire going, so I gathered hardwood twigs & birchbark, and built them a very serviceable fire. They gave me a hotdog with bun and condiments.
6) Rainbow Brite and companion are here in town overnight.
7) A guy came by the shelter day before yesterday and (once he realized what I was) asked me if I needed anything. I told him hikers always like fresh fruit, as we can't take it on the Trail much. He came back by yesterday with his GF, along with 4 bananas, 2 oranges, 2 apples, and a loaf of banana bread. While we were BSing in the shelter, a 50-ish woman and her ~16-YO daughter stopped by. We had a good 70 minutes or so together in the shelter, the 5 of us. Mostly I told funny Trail stories, not being able to lay hands quickly on my Robert Service poem to give them a reading as I otherwise would have done.
I said that thruhikers would eventually (like in 20 years) resemble WWII vets in that the point would be reached in that there would be no more being produced. That is the sole similiarity that I drew between them. I have no illusions that my sacrifices or achievements made in the course of my thruhike are on a par with the men who took Iwo Jima or the like.
MS, Well stated. Thanks for the clarification. Good Luck!
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 16:05
Rustys ain't free; it's anything butt free.:-?
I think some of the MS bs is little more than finding a way to deal with the rejection he encounters.:eek:
Palmerton wasn't the only place MS was shown the door. I worked at 2 hostels this year. And when I heard hostels were hip- welllll, I had to have one too.:rolleyes: I've dealt w/ plenty of hikers. My point is, you need time limits. Many places (Rustys?) have them. Otherwise you will have a house full of jerks playing sick and hurt and stiff you in return for your hospitality, only to get on the internet and let everyone know what is wrong w/ your place. :mad:
1) I was not "shown the door" @ Palmerton. I stayed one night, and left as intended. I had no trouble and gave no trouble. The closest to either was a polite discussion with disagreement that I mentioned earlier, not to be confused with anything that contradicts the above.
2) I never claimed to be injured or ill while at Palmerton.
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 16:08
"Got a ride from the campus police......"
Geez, anyone else out there get the feeling Smitty's leaving something out here? :D
Getting escorted outta Dodge by the local Sheriff is usually indicative of a problem back in town; sure hope Smitty hasn't peed in the pool for next year's hikers!! So tell us, pilgrim, what exactly did you DO to Miss Kitty back in town anyway?? :eek:
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 16:11
RIT- he did say that he wants to do a talk at trail days!:D
MS- i'd laugh if it weren't so sad-- i've never heard anyone complain a/b a free hostel before. imo, that's a new low in the "thru-hiker sense of entitlement category".....even for you.
--all of those reasons for why palmerton jail's policies should be altered, (that you entered a coupla pages back) are completely rediculous. care to guess why?.....IT'S FREE!
get over yourself dude.:rolleyes:
I discussed in some detail why it is in the best interests of Palmerton to encourage hikers to stay in their town a bit longer than one night will allow. The various businesses there that hikers might patronize alone are justification enough for it IMO. How much more simply do I have to state this for the webblazers here @ WB to finally grasp this point?
2 trail legengends in gorham
2006 thru hiker minnesota smith and freestyle budget hammock guru neo
hey minnesotta smith look up rob when you get to dalton mass,he is the greatest just go to the shell
gas station in dalton,:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
I presume you were being sarcastic, Steve?
A MUCH better AT book IMO is On The Beaten Path by Robert Rubin. He's a book editor by profession, so understands good writing. He hiked the entire trail (unlike Bryson's <700 miles), to boot.
MS, You're right I was being sarcastic. I've read the book you reference and enjoyed it. I also read and enjoyed: Walking Home, A Womans Pilgrimage on the Appalachain Trail. by Kelly Winters. She may be a little too liberal for your tastes.
For what its worth, I'll buy your book.
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 16:19
"Got a ride from the campus police......"
Geez, anyone else out there get the feeling Smitty's leaving something out here? :D
Getting escorted outta Dodge by the local Sheriff is usually indicative of a problem back in town; sure hope Smitty hasn't peed in the pool for next year's hikers!! So tell us, pilgrim, what exactly did you DO to Miss Kitty back in town anyway?? :eek:
I was quietly writing in my journal in my absent friend's room. I packed and left with no argument when the suite mate said I needed to, only first pausing (with his okay) to hit the bathroom and fill a Nalgene. He suggested I use the gazebo outside to sleep under, which I decided against in an instant. I headed outside to a foyer about 200 yards away to organize the outside of my pack a bit better for the walk to Velvet Rocks. Some kind of housing director and 2 CCops showed up. They said that I had done nothing wrong, but that (as I had gathered) that the suitemate had the right to veto a guest. I mentioned that if they wanted to help me, a ride across campus to nearer the shelter would be handy, and they agreed readily. I have not talked to my friend since. My thoughts on the subject I have shared with no one else but one nontrail friend by phone out of town.
The Old Fhart
10-20-2006, 16:20
MinnesotaSmith-"How much more simply do I have to state this for the webblazers here @ WB to finally grasp this point?"1) you could start by not talking down to everyone you meet. Hubris doesn't become you.
2) you could tell the truth. Everyone else has a very different version of the "stories" you spin.
minnesotasmith
10-20-2006, 16:20
"Got a ride from the campus police......"
Geez, anyone else out there get the feeling Smitty's leaving something out here? :D
Getting escorted outta Dodge by the local Sheriff is usually indicative of a problem back in town; sure hope Smitty hasn't peed in the pool for next year's hikers!! So tell us, pilgrim, what exactly did you DO to Miss Kitty back in town anyway?? :eek:
We've all seen the movie "First Blood part 1", yes? Remember Rambo's ride to the edge of town early on?
"Got a ride from the campus police......"
Geez, anyone else out there get the feeling Smitty's leaving something out here? :D
Getting escorted outta Dodge by the local Sheriff is usually indicative of a problem back in town; sure hope Smitty hasn't peed in the pool for next year's hikers!! So tell us, pilgrim, what exactly did you DO to Miss Kitty back in town anyway?? :eek:
I was escorted to the city limits by the University Park (SMU) Police once.
The people that run that PD pay good money to keep "longhaired hippies" like me out of their airspace. ;)
He was nice about it though and I thanked him for the ride.:D
the goat
10-20-2006, 16:24
I discussed in some detail why it is in the best interests of Palmerton to encourage hikers to stay in their town a bit longer than one night will allow. The various businesses there that hikers might patronize alone are justification enough for it IMO. How much more simply do I have to state this for the webblazers here @ WB to finally grasp this point?
Some bigshot guy (suit and tie, fiftyish, about 100 pounds heavier than me) employed by the village of Palmerton self-righteously expounded to me at length about how their one-night-only policy was divinely inspired, not subect to additional information. The guy had learned his last new fact in this life, and had no ability whatsoever to politely listen in turn. He was simply unable to hear how the combination of these facts made a second night option practically necessary:
geez ms, kinda sounded to me like you were complaining to me. my apologies if i've misinterpreted you.
it's just that free service providers who've been helping hikers for decades, might be just a little indignant over a passing thru-hiker telling them how they should run things. those of us who've thru-hiked in the past and appreciated those services & those who are yet to hike, who might benefit from them i'm sure would agree.
at any rate, best of luck in the completion of your hike!
I discussed in some detail why it is in the best interests of Palmerton to encourage hikers to stay in their town a bit longer than one night will allow. The various businesses there that hikers might patronize alone are justification enough for it IMO. How much more simply do I have to state this for the webblazers here @ WB to finally grasp this point?
Allowing hikers to stay more than one night in a free hostel can become problematic. What about other hikers coming from behind, do you just say "sorry, no vacancy" while others are resting comfortably?
If the town busineses are interested in keeping hikers, perhaps the town businesses should foot the bill or open their own hostel. Why should the regular tax payers have to moreso than they're doing now?
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 16:33
Yeah, Smitty, I certainly remember Rambo's ride outta town.....and I also remember what he did to the community when he came back!!
What exactly do you have in store for my fair little town anyway? Geez, sure hope you didn't see "High Plains Drifter" as well, cuz it'd only give you more ideas!
And do responsible people in Hanover need to be warned?
Maybe it's a good thing you're leaving after all!! :D
Lone Wolf
10-20-2006, 16:35
Hanover sucks. Why you still there, MS?
For $200 a night you can stay at the Inn! I'm sure the rooms are better than Palmerton and they'll let you stay all you want.
the goat
10-20-2006, 16:37
For $200 a night you can stay at the Inn! I'm sure the rooms are better than Palmerton and they'll let you stay all you want.
....lmao!:D
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 16:40
For $200 a night you can stay at the Inn! I'm sure the rooms are better than Palmerton and they'll let you stay all you want.
Well you know, you get what you pay for. Literally.
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 16:42
Actually, rooms start there at $259.00, but who's counting?
Actually, rooms start there at $259.00, but who's counting?
Maybe we can take a collection!
RITBlake
10-20-2006, 16:51
2 trail legengends in gorham
2006 thru hiker minnesota smith and freestyle budget hammock guru neo
hey minnesotta smith look up rob when you get to dalton mass,he is the greatest here is his phone number 413-684-0256 or just go to the shell
gas station in dalton,:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=13041&catid=member&imageuser=3462
stop posting the same picture please. we all saw it the first two times. move on.
I discussed in some detail why it is in the best interests of Palmerton to encourage hikers to stay in their town a bit longer than one night will allow. The various businesses there that hikers might patronize alone are justification enough for it IMO.
Actually, the town (any town) would benefit much more by hikers staying in PAID accomodations. Room taxes would help the town much more than thru-hiker staying for free in government facilities.
The Old Fhart
10-20-2006, 16:54
Sly-"For $200 a night you can stay at the Inn! I'm sure the rooms are better than Palmerton and they'll let you stay all you want."Don't you remember from Minnesota Smith rant on the Whites that he wants every place along the trail to provide free room and board for thru-hikers, or at least him?
I believe he stopped in the Hanover Inn and had a "polite conversation" for 1/2 an hour about the benefits to Hanover if the Inn would let him stay there free for one or more nights. The self-righteous desk clerk expounded to him at length about how their $259 fee policy was divinely inspired, not subect to additional information. The guy had learned his last new fact in this life, and had no ability whatsoever to politely listen to in turn. He was simply unable to hear how the combination of these facts made letting thru-hikers stay there free was a necessary. I believe it was then that the police provided Minnesota Smith a free ride out of town!:D
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 16:59
Actually, the town (any town) would benefit much more by hikers staying in PAID accomodations. Room taxes would help the town much more than thru-hiker staying for free in government facilities.
Oh no!
Come to think of it, the ATC could use a lot of those dollars they get in better ways if they also stopped providing free shelters on the AT. Maybe MS should write them and recommend the best fiscal policy for the ATC would be to start charging for shelter use like the AMC or just get rid of the entire money draining socialist system. :eek:
I say we have a Minnesota Smith day, and on that day we burn all the shelters to the ground in a glorious bonfire in order to stop the insanity. :mad:
Down with shelters! :clap
The Old Fhart
10-20-2006, 17:17
SGT Rock-"Down with shelters! "That sounded just like Lone Wolf. Scarey!:eek:
StarLyte
10-20-2006, 17:20
Minnesota Smith -
Email me at your convenience so we can discuss it. Not now - after your hike or whenever.
Any other thru hikers interested in participating at the PA Ruck thru-hiker bull session please email me as well (for Southern Ruck interests, please contact Sly). Also, if you are a potential/planned thru-hiker, you'll want to sit in on this event. It's quite an interesting forum.
Jack this means YOU :D
ATrailHiker@Hotmail.com
----back to the thread----
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 17:21
I may be becoming more like LWolf. :o
Lets see how I look after I finish my thru-hike in 2008. If I have long hair, a beard, and start doing shuttles for beer money, then I am probably doomed.
The Old Fhart
10-20-2006, 17:23
SGT Rock-"Lets see how I look after I finish my thru-hike in 2008. If I have long hair, a beard, and start doing shuttles for beer money, then I am probably doomed."...or maybe saved!;)
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 17:30
...or maybe saved!;)
You could be right. There are worse ways to live.
I may be becoming more like LWolf. :o
Lets see how I look after I finish my thru-hike in 2008. If I have long hair, a beard, and start doing shuttles for beer money, then I am probably doomed.
Doomed? If all you gotta worry about is beer money, that sounds like a pretty good deal to me!
:D
RadioFreq
10-20-2006, 17:37
I may be becoming more like LWolf. :o
Lets see how I look after I finish my thru-hike in 2008. If I have long hair, a beard, and start doing shuttles for beer money, then I am probably doomed.
I thought you said you were going to thru-hike in 2010? :confused: Perhaps I'm confusing you with someone else. And as for doing shuttles for beer money I give you the immortal words of that great American philospher, Homer Simpson:
"A good beer is like a good woman. It looks good. It smells good. And you'd step over your mother to get one." ;)
WalkinHome
10-20-2006, 17:38
Wacky Jackie, Pa and I stayed at the Hanover Inn and they gave us a good deal split three ways-stayed 2 nights-they treated us just like the regular guests-I was impressed. Floor two overlooking the quad. Nice
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 17:38
Doomed? If all you gotta worry about is beer money, that sounds like a pretty good deal to me!
:D
If that was all I had to worry about it would mean my wife left me and took the house and the kids.
Naw, I like those things in my life. So what I would also have to do, besides finish my hike and grow some hair, is win the lottery.
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 17:42
I thought you said you were going to thru-hike in 2010? :confused: Perhaps I'm confusing you with someone else. And as for doing shuttles for beer money I give you the immortal words of that great American philospher, Homer Simpson:
"A good beer is like a good woman. It looks good. It smells good. And you'd step over your mother to get one." ;)
I got some sense talked into me recently. So when I get home in 2007 I am dropping my retirement and hiking in 2008. That last promotion just ain't worth it to me anymore. Even if I am selected next year they can shove it. I have a family that needs me and I have done my part for God and country. 21+ years and two combat tours are enough for me. Getting shot at and blown up a couple of times in the last week also helped proved that the ones talking to me were right.
Thanks Hacksaw.
The Old Fhart
10-20-2006, 17:50
Walkin Home-"Wacky Jackie, Pa and I stayed at the Hanover Inn ........"Hey, you could have had a forth with you if you were just there with MS! Of course you'd still have to split it 3 ways and listen to MS regale you with Robert Service poetry all night.
________________
"It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Minnesota Smith"
--------------from the cremation of Sam McGee(MS)-Robert Service)
Jack Tarlin
10-20-2006, 17:51
You have done more than your part, Rock.
See you on the Trail in '08, and hopefully, sooner than that!
max patch
10-20-2006, 17:54
Is it is the best interest of the town of Hanover that The Inn charges an extra $15 for your hiking dog?
Maybe, maybe not. But it's probably in the best interest of the inn.
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 17:56
You have done more than your part, Rock.
See you on the Trail in '08, and hopefully, sooner than that!
I suspect you will. I look forward to it too Jack.
max patch
10-20-2006, 17:56
Good news Rock, thats right around the corner.
That FS road is gonna be something else if every WB member shows up at Springer to see you off!
...if every WB member shows up at Springer to see you off!
That would be a sight to see, and well worth the trip to GA. :sun
SGT Rock
10-20-2006, 18:05
Good news Rock, thats right around the corner.
That FS road is gonna be something else if every WB member shows up at Springer to see you off!
LOL, that would be the LAST thing I would want. But I appreciate the sentiment. What would be nice is seeing some Whiteblazers out on the trail along the way.
Good news Rock, thats right around the corner.
That FS road is gonna be something else if every WB member shows up at Springer to see you off!
For sure, we could pack in a few kegs!
the goat
10-20-2006, 18:10
For sure, we could pack in a few kegs!
now you're talkin'!:D