View Full Version : Interesting idea: The A.T. in a Day
Jack Tarlin
10-06-2009, 19:44
I'd have passed this on earlier but I only just today found out about it today.
Looks like a fun idea and some of you might want to take part.
http://doc.dartmouth.edu/atinaday/pages/home
I'd have passed this on earlier but I only just today found out about it today.
Looks like a fun idea and some of you might want to take part.
http://doc.dartmouth.edu/atinaday/pages/home
I've known about it since Last Friday. Was in line to hike one of two different sections. But the weather slowed me down and somebody even crazier than me signed up for both sections.
A bunch of us tried this about ten years ago. It was called HATT. Hands Across The Trail. Pittsburgh set it up. Didn't get done but was good fun.
Clyde
The folks I was talking with said it had been tried before but not successfully. Small world. They think they can get it done.
bigcranky
10-06-2009, 21:12
Yeah, I did the HATT section from Massey Gap to Damascus, Labor Day weekend of 2000. There were to hikers doing to section north, but the guy who was going to do Watauga Dam to Damascus dropped out at the last minute. So I only got to shake one set of hands.
It was fun.
Bulldawg
10-06-2009, 21:24
I pitched this idea locally as part of scouting's 100 year anniversary in 2010. Having a troup or pack do each section of the trail in one day. It never took much traction, so I gave up. Too much damn red tape in BSA anyway!!
I pitched this idea locally as part of scouting's 100 year anniversary in 2010. Having a troup or pack do each section of the trail in one day. It never took much traction, so I gave up. Too much damn red tape in BSA anyway!!
Been there and done that (3 sons are Eagles). You would probably have had to start promoting it at National in 2000 to get it done by 2010
Bulldawg
10-06-2009, 21:33
Been there and done that (3 sons are Eagles). You would probably have had to start promoting it at National in 2000 to get it done by 2010
The losers at the council wouldn't even listen. Why we even pay a district executive is beyond me. Had him set up with a free camporee and public service project at the county fair last month and couldn't get him to promote it!!
I pitched this idea locally as part of scouting's 100 year anniversary in 2010. Having a troup or pack do each section of the trail in one day. It never took much traction, so I gave up. Too much damn red tape in BSA anyway!!
Dawg, we talked last year about doing this and got some interest here on WB. We can still do it, but it will have to be grass roots. I have some ideas on how to get 'er done.... more to follow.
Bulldawg
10-06-2009, 21:43
Dawg, we talked last year about doing this and got some interest here on WB. We can still do it, but it will have to be grass roots. I have some ideas on how to get 'er done.... more to follow.
I'm game. Go ahead.
I'd have passed this on earlier but I only just today found out about it today.
Looks like a fun idea and some of you might want to take part.
http://doc.dartmouth.edu/atinaday/pages/home
A Dartmouth alum sent this over to me a few days ago but I've been too busy to post it. Thanks for putting it up. Certainly an interesting concept and from the looks of their website, they are still looking for volunteers in the south (GA, NC, TN and VA)
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 08:36
A Dartmouth alum sent this over to me a few days ago but I've been too busy to post it. Thanks for putting it up. Certainly an interesting concept and from the looks of their website, they are still looking for volunteers in the south (GA, NC, TN and VA)
Really? I might check into this then.
I'd like to be the lucky sap who has the Doyle on their leg of the trail.
FIRST ROUNDS ON ME!!!!!
modiyooch
10-07-2009, 14:20
They sent me an email regarding the stretches in VA/TN/NC area that are not covered. I'm surprised that none of the Damascus folks have signed up for the stretch south of Damascus.
There are some stretches that I wouldn't mind redoing since it was overcast (couldn't see the hand in front of my face) when I went thru. I have to think this thru because I have a race saturday morning and then I'm 2 hours from the trail.
Really? I might check into this then.
do it dawg!
Bulldawg
10-07-2009, 16:01
do it dawg!
I kind of got the idea from the website that they only wanted Dartmouth alum. Of which I certainly am not. Also noticed that this is this coming up Saturday. If they still have sections open this late in the game, I'm gonna say it isn't gonna happen.
I'd like to be the lucky sap who has the Doyle on their leg of the trail.
FIRST ROUNDS ON ME!!!!!
If they're smart, they'll have the doyle be the end point for two segments, NOBO and SOBO. So two hikers would finish there. If it's any other way: last half, mid-point, starting point, etc... The entire plan would fail. 2,164 miles completed. Plus one guy who hit the doyle for lunch and never left. Try again next year.
It does sound like a cool idea. And by cool idea I mean a new excuse to go hiking.
ShoelessWanderer
10-07-2009, 16:50
Ahh wished I would have known about this earlier...I lead a hiking group out of VA...we could have helped out!
The Weasel
10-07-2009, 16:54
As I read it, anyone is welcome, and if you participate within the rules and send in the photo, you get a free membership in the DOC. Great idea, wish I was closer!
TW
Jester2000
10-07-2009, 17:13
Read about this in the oft-maligned Backpacker magazine. I have faith that DOC can get it done.
max patch
10-07-2009, 18:04
I like Dartmouth. I really do. The college (and the town) were both very friendly and had more hiker services back when I thru'd than today.. So I tried to sign up using Firefox. No luck. So I tried with Explorer. No luck. Oh well.
BTW, it would proabably be better to use the AT Data book as a mechanism to sign up rather than the map of the trail.
max patch
10-07-2009, 18:48
So I tried to sign up using Firefox. No luck. So I tried with Explorer. No luck. Oh well.
To clarify, there are still sections available to hike. The system to sign up for a section didn't work.
Jack Tarlin
10-07-2009, 19:49
I just heard from the guy helping to run this.
As of today, there are indeed sections of the Trail (especially Virginia!!) where they need some help filling in some holes.
Anyone interested in helping out with this project and getting some hiking in at the same time, please contact these folks, they'd be very happy to hear from you.
modiyooch
10-07-2009, 22:32
Here is some info from the email:
We are very close - only 500 miles left, 400 of which are in Virginia, the rest in Tennessee and North Carolina. 77% total coverage. Over 750 hikers signed up. The DOC is sending vans down to VA to hike the trail, and we may be able to cover up to 300 miles. That means we need at least 20 more non-student hikers to meet our goal. We've contacted thousands of people in Virginia. But we need to keep pushing until we get those miles covered, so forward this to anyone you know. They do not have to be Dartmouth affiliated.
modiyooch
10-07-2009, 22:33
and contact info by region:
12) US 30 in Fayetteville, PA to Va.55 in Linden, VA Angela Dunnham '13
Angela.F.Dunnham@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Angela.F.Dunnham@Dartmouth.edu)
13) Va.55 in Linden, VA to US 250/I-64 in Waynesboro, VA John Ceremsak' 13
John.J.Ceremsak@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=John.J.Ceremsak@Dartmouth.edu)
14) US 250/I-64 in Waynesboro, VA to Rt.43/Pkwy Dr. in Buchanan, VA
Ryan Nightingale '13
ryan.nightingale@dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=ryan.nightingale@dartmouth.edu)
15) Rt.43/Pkwy Dr. in Buchanan, VA to Shumate Bridge in Pearisburg, VA
Ryan Nightingale '13
ryan.nightingale@dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=ryan.nightingale@dartmouth.edu)
16) Shumate Bridge in Pearisburg, VA to Va.16/Sugar Grove Hwy in Sugar Grove, VA
Sam Seehof '13
Samuel.C.Seehof@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Samuel.C.Seehof@Dartmouth.edu)
17) Va.16/Sugar Grove Hwy in Sugar Grove, VA to US321/Rt.67 in Hampton, Tenn
Sam Seehof '13
Samuel.C.Seehof@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Samuel.C.Seehof@Dartmouth.edu)
18) US 321/Rt.67 in Hampton, Tenn to US Rt.19W near Emestville
Melanie Parnon '13
Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu)
19) Spivey Gap/U.S.19W near Emestville to Davenport Gap/Tenn.32
Melanie Parnon '13
Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu)
20) Davenport Gap/Tenn.32 to Winding Stair Gap / US Rt.64 in Franklin, NC
Lindsey Romero '13
Lindsey.Romero@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Lindsey.Romero@Dartmouth.edu)
21) Winding Stair Gap / US Rt.64 in Franklin, NC to Springer Mtn. Summit
Chris O'Connell '13
Christopher.A.O'Connell@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Connell@Dartmouth.edu)
modiyooch
10-07-2009, 22:41
sample of sections needing to be covered:
Tennessee, near Erwin:
Iron Mountain Gap/Tenn.107/N.C.226 to Indian Grave Gap/Rt.395 10.8 miles
Indian Grave Gap/Rt.395 to Nolichucky River Valley 7 miles
Devil Fork Gap/N.C.212 to Allen Gap/N.C.208/Tenn.70 14.1 miles
Hurricane Gap/Lookout Mt. Rd. to Bridge on US Rt.25/Rt.70 5.4 miles
N.C.1182/Max Patch Road to Gulf Rd./Deep Gap 5.6 miles
also
Rt.91 in Damascus to Low Gap/US 421 14.8 miles
Low Gap/US 421 to Tenn.91 6.5 miles
Tenn.91 to Watauga Dam Rd. 15.8 miles
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 08:15
I have volunteered to be one of the "stand by" hiker in Georgia. If someone has an issue where they can't do their selected section, they will call me. I doubt it will happen. But the email I got from Dartmouth says that if they pull this off, it will be the first time any organization has done this.:-?:-?
I have volunteered to be one of the "stand by" hiker in Georgia. If someone has an issue where they can't do their selected section, they will call me. I doubt it will happen. But the email I got from Dartmouth says that if they pull this off, it will be the first time any organization has done this.:-?:-?
shoot. they stole your idea. sue 'em, i would. :)
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 09:26
shoot. they stole your idea. sue 'em, i would. :)
Screw it, BSA had that opportunity, they chose not to persue it. Chicken $hits!!
Screw it, BSA had that opportunity, they chose not to persue it. Chicken $hits!!
grassroots man, grassroots... stay tuned
actually, BSA still has that opportunity... these guys are drafting surrogates, it is not just them hiking
The Weasel
10-08-2009, 11:12
Nothing would prevent any Scout Troop from participating in this. Tour Permits would be approved almost certainly. District/Council participation as a large event would require a lot more organization, which is hard to do on a short-time basis when annual calendars are already in place. But I am sure that if there was a contact to District Executives, the DE's in the areas where "open spots" remain would probably be able to identify a few Troops that would jump at the chance. Even now.
TW
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 11:13
Nothing would prevent any Scout Troop from participating in this. Tour Permits would be approved almost certainly. District/Council participation as a large event would require a lot more organization, which is hard to do on a short-time basis when annual calendars are already in place. But I am sure that if there was a contact to District Executives, the DE's in the areas where "open spots" remain would probably be able to identify a few Troops that would jump at the chance. Even now.
TW
Your jumping into a conversation very late there Weasel. I hate it when folks do that!!
The Weasel
10-08-2009, 11:26
Bulldawg, I thought the point was to find more people to help this, instead of calling Scout leaders bad names. I hope that some Scouters see this thread, realize that they're welcome (and able) to help, and that there is still time to get involved. Sorry that you hate that, but it's on topic and, I hope, helpful. Wish I'd thought of it sooner. It's a great idea and I hope the results get described here when it's over.
TW
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 11:36
Bulldawg, I thought the point was to find more people to help this, instead of calling Scout leaders bad names. I hope that some Scouters see this thread, realize that they're welcome (and able) to help, and that there is still time to get involved. Sorry that you hate that, but it's on topic and, I hope, helpful. Wish I'd thought of it sooner. It's a great idea and I hope the results get described here when it's over.
TW
That's the problem there Weasel. I thought of it, over a year ago. I pitched it as a Scout leader as part of the Centinneal celebration. All troops or packs up the east coast doing exactly what Dartmouth is now doing. But it never took traction because because of all of the red tape at BSA.
That was what I meant about you jumping into a convo way too late. Tin Man and I have been working on this for almost a year and it won't "OFFICIALLY" gain any traction. But thanks for pointing out that some scouts might want to help Dartmouth achieve a status that could have belonged to the BSA!!
max patch
10-08-2009, 11:54
Bulldawg, I thought the point was to find more people to help this, instead of calling Scout leaders bad names. I hope that some Scouters see this thread, realize that they're welcome (and able) to help, and that there is still time to get involved. Sorry that you hate that, but it's on topic and, I hope, helpful. Wish I'd thought of it sooner. It's a great idea and I hope the results get described here when it's over.
TW
The odds of troop leader reading this thread in nc or va near a section that is not filled yet is slim. Do either of you know how to contact the right people?
ShoelessWanderer
10-08-2009, 12:12
The odds of troop leader reading this thread in nc or va near a section that is not filled yet is slim. Do either of you know how to contact the right people?
Best bet is to get ahold of the councils (Blue Ridge Mountain Council in Roanoke, VA-I don't know the other ones...google it, you'll find them), and then they could get you in touch with leaders from the troops.
modiyooch
10-08-2009, 13:54
I'm not going to be able to participate, but I would definately be interested if White Blaze would attempt this challenge next year. I think we could do it.
I want the section from Watauga Lake, NC north.
Good luck to all those involved this Saturday.
Cabin Fever
10-08-2009, 14:03
I'm not going to be able to participate, but I would definately be interested if White Blaze would attempt this challenge next year. I think we could do it.
I want the section from Watauga Lake, NC north.
Good luck to all those involved this Saturday.
Watauga Lake is in TN boss.
Cabin Fever
10-08-2009, 14:04
Our Club sent a broadcast message to our membership and I think it has resulted in about 50 miles of trail taken care of.
ShoelessWanderer
10-08-2009, 14:13
I'm not going to be able to participate, but I would definately be interested if White Blaze would attempt this challenge next year. I think we could do it.
I want the section from Watauga Lake, NC north.
Good luck to all those involved this Saturday.
ahh...if they fail...WB should attempt it, I think we could do it!
The Weasel
10-08-2009, 15:01
The odds of troop leader reading this thread in nc or va near a section that is not filled yet is slim. Do either of you know how to contact the right people?
Max:
I think Bulldawg is doing the right thing the wrong way, and I mean no disrespect in saying so. But in the hope that something like this may happen again, I'll pass along the thoughts of a 30-year Scoutmaster and Council Board member.
First, the "BSA red tape" is because if an event is a Council or District-sponsored event, there are a lot of planning and safety things that need to be dealt with at those levels, including youth-protection issues. Those are good things, but they can take a lot of time, and if there is no strong support at the unit (Troop/Crew/Post) level they will simply not happen. A lot of the time, major events like that require planning in a Cub Scout or Webelos component, and that takes more effort and slows things down. Even if it is merely "Council/District sanctioned," most of that work has to happen. Sorry about that, but most of that is because of limited Council resources (financial and human) for events that may not get a large turnout; keep in mind that District Camporees that get 25% of District membership are considered wildly successful.
Second, the way to get 'traction' isn't from professional staff: DE's are there to help foster membership growth and solve serious problems, and help with finance drives. If you want to get anywhere, you go to the "District Roundtable" (for those who don't know, that's a monthly leader meeting of the entire district ) and have info for other leaders, especially as early as June of the school year before the event (i.e. June 09 for an event in, say, March '10). That's because units plan their year for Sept-August, and if a troop wants to make something like this part of their program, it competes with other camping or hiking events and leaders need to present that info to their Scouts (who do or should do the real planning) well in advance.
Third, if short notice is all that can happen, you can look for Scout Troops in towns that are close to the event and see which ones have Websites; many/most Troops do. For instance, it only took me a moment to find out that Troop 125 meets at the Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Once you have that info, you can email the unit directly or call the Scoutmaster, who usually has his/her phone number posted. (Many councils have direct links to the troops in their area but I've found it easier just to Google "scout troop" and "town name".) If you have at least a month, you can get flyers to the District Roundtable and they will pass them out generally.
This may be information that 'Dawg already knows but others may not, and it may be useful. If not, sorry for cluttering the thread.
TW
modiyooch
10-08-2009, 15:26
Watauga Lake is in TN boss. yep, you are right, about 6-10 miles (?) . It's just that I live in NC and oddly enough those TN locations are closer to me than the NC locations.
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 15:33
Max:
I think Bulldawg is doing the right thing the wrong way, and I mean no disrespect in saying so. But in the hope that something like this may happen again, I'll pass along the thoughts of a 30-year Scoutmaster and Council Board member.
First, the "BSA red tape" is because if an event is a Council or District-sponsored event, there are a lot of planning and safety things that need to be dealt with at those levels, including youth-protection issues. Those are good things, but they can take a lot of time, and if there is no strong support at the unit (Troop/Crew/Post) level they will simply not happen. A lot of the time, major events like that require planning in a Cub Scout or Webelos component, and that takes more effort and slows things down. Even if it is merely "Council/District sanctioned," most of that work has to happen. Sorry about that, but most of that is because of limited Council resources (financial and human) for events that may not get a large turnout; keep in mind that District Camporees that get 25% of District membership are considered wildly successful.
Second, the way to get 'traction' isn't from professional staff: DE's are there to help foster membership growth and solve serious problems, and help with finance drives. If you want to get anywhere, you go to the "District Roundtable" (for those who don't know, that's a monthly leader meeting of the entire district ) and have info for other leaders, especially as early as June of the school year before the event (i.e. June 09 for an event in, say, March '10). That's because units plan their year for Sept-August, and if a troop wants to make something like this part of their program, it competes with other camping or hiking events and leaders need to present that info to their Scouts (who do or should do the real planning) well in advance.
Third, if short notice is all that can happen, you can look for Scout Troops in towns that are close to the event and see which ones have Websites; many/most Troops do. For instance, it only took me a moment to find out that Troop 125 meets at the Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Once you have that info, you can email the unit directly or call the Scoutmaster, who usually has his/her phone number posted. (Many councils have direct links to the troops in their area but I've found it easier just to Google "scout troop" and "town name".) If you have at least a month, you can get flyers to the District Roundtable and they will pass them out generally.
This may be information that 'Dawg already knows but others may not, and it may be useful. If not, sorry for cluttering the thread.
TW
ALL information I already know. I attend roundtable almost monthly. And honestly, how hard could it be to plan a 6-12 mile hike? I planned a hike for our pack in 15 minutes. Gave a 5 minute presentation on the hike at a pack meeting. And now a week later have commitments for 9 boys. It isn't brain surgery. It could have been done, this year, as part of the 100 year celebration. But no traction was gained anywhere. I tried everywhere. People are scared of being outside. Example: the six mile loop hike I currently have planned. One den leader comes up to me and says "Six miles?" all whiny like. I look him and the eyes and said "I can hike 6 miles before lunch, I can hike 6 miles on Sunday morning and be home for church, these boys and YOU can do it in a full day surely?" Scared to get off the paved road. Permeates throughout society and leaks right into the BSA.
Bulldawg
10-08-2009, 15:34
And BTW, our Council is very wealthy. Three properties, two prime lake front properties. That is part of the problem, too many rich fat cats that want to pay their way through scouting involved.
The Weasel
10-08-2009, 15:46
This might be a useful place for a thread-split, since it's a good topic on its own.
Bulldawg, I'm glad you have that information; I suspected you did, but others might not. But you sort of prove my point: Programs that happen at the unit level work best and easiest. (BP believed that districts were only to help make properties or other things at that level possible; Scouting is supposed to be "bottom up" managed, although the Natl Council doesn't emphasize that much.)
But legitimately, if an event is organized or run by the district or council, there are a number of very legitimate youth-protection and program components that have to occur. At the unit level, those are easy/easier to deal with: For this event, I'd make sure we had appropriate trained leadership for our own unit, that our med insurance was in place, transportation was safe, etc. We do that monthly with the same people, so it goes fast. It's a lot more work when you're organizing units you don't know, and which might not be as carefully run as yours is.
As for "6 miles" and reluctant leaders, that's about 3-4 hours in Ga/NC sections of the AT, and you might keep in mind that for some adults, and many kids, that can be physically grueling if they aren't somewhat in shape. You are, but keep in mind that others might not be.
Your council may not be "wealthy" just because of "properties." Costs a huge amount to own them, and they aren't always free of property taxes or other major expenses.
Good luck with your unit. Thanks for your service to Scouting.
TW
modiyooch
10-08-2009, 17:59
Hey NC/TN/VA
As of 5pm today:
"I'm pleased to report that with students hiking in Virginia and the absolutely incredible effort that you made contacting potential hikers, we now have over 2000 miles of coverage, 93% of the trail. There are currently over 850 hikers, including roughly 70 students.
REMAINING SEGMENTS
We only need 13 more hikers to complete our goal. The remaining segments to be covered are:
NC/TN:
Devil Fork Gap/N.C.212 to Allen Gap/N.C.208/Tenn.70 14.1 miles
Bridge on US Rt.25/Rt.70 to Lemon Gap/N.C.1182 14.4 miles
Low Gap to Pecks Corner 13.5 miles
If you can hike one of these sections, please contact Melanie Parnon '13 (Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Melanie.R.Parnon@Dartmouth.edu)) or Lindsey Romero '13 (Lindsey.Romero@Dartmouth.edu (http://www.whiteblaze.net/mc/compose?to=Lindsey.Romero@Dartmouth.edu))
Central VA:
Salt Log Gap/USFS 62 to US 60 8.5 miles
US 60 to Blue Ridge Parkway mile 51.7 10.9 miles
Blue Ridge Parkway mile 51.7 to US 510/Va.130 10.9 miles
Petites Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway mile 71.0 to Blue Ridge Parkway mile 78.4 7.3 miles
Blue Ridge Parkway mile 78.4 to Va.614 11.4 miles
Va.614 to Va.43/Bearwallow Gap 6.4 miles
Va.43/Bearwallow Gap to Black Horse Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway mile 97.7 8.1 miles
Black Horse Gap/Blue Ridge Parkway mile 97.7 to US 220 13.6 miles
US 220 to McAfee Knob 16.1 miles
Va.624 to Craig Creek Rd 15.5 miles"
modiyooch
10-11-2009, 15:58
any feedback on this event?
Bulldawg
10-11-2009, 16:18
any feedback on this event?
I've heard nothing.
I've heard nothing.
I heard someone stole the idea from a scouter.
Bulldawg
10-11-2009, 19:49
I heard someone stole the idea from a scouter.
It's a rumor I heard myself!
modiyooch
10-11-2009, 19:53
Where there any WBers involved in the hiking?
modiyooch
10-11-2009, 19:54
Where there any WBers involved in the hiking?Were there any WBers involved in the hiking?
It's a rumor I heard myself!
where there's smoke, there's fire!
max patch
10-12-2009, 10:15
any feedback on this event?
Close but no cigar.
Bulldawg
10-12-2009, 10:54
Close but no cigar.
Sure enough? I hadn't heard yet.