Positive and negative changes in last 5 years

[Desert Lobster]

concerning the actual trail, the surrounding communities and establishments, the hikers themselves, etc.? Shelters come and gone, relocations, businesses and AT supporters coming and going, encroachments of civilization, areas being set aside to protect the AT corridor, trends amongst hikers, etc.?

Just for example, Shaws being gone being a negative.

[mountain squid]

Shaw, himself is gone , but Shaw's Lodging is still there. I had a very positive experience there last year and was very pleased (breakfast included). So, I think that Shaws is a positive.

See you on the trail,
mt squid

[Sleepy the Arab]

One of the best relocations happened around 2002, just south of Double Spring Shelter (the second one), where the trail was routed through the Osborne Tract. What a fantastic walk!

Under bad relocations, I'd say the one just after Humpback rocks in Virginia takes the number one spot. Instead of three miles from point A to point B, the trail was lengthened to 5.6 in a long, winding roundabout that just stinks.

I'm also not fond of the new Mega-shelters such as the ones at Sassafras Gap and Birch Run. Small, subtle and out of sight should be the shelter mantra.

(Insert Lone Wolf saying "shelters are dirty, infested mouseholes" in 3...2...1...)

[bigmac_in]

One of the best relocations happened around 2002, just south of Double Spring Shelter (the second one), where the trail was routed through the Osborne Tract. What a fantastic walk!

Under bad relocations, I'd say the one just after Humpback rocks in Virginia takes the number one spot. Instead of three miles from point A to point B, the trail was lengthened to 5.6 in a long, winding roundabout that just stinks.

I'm also not fond of the new Mega-shelters such as the ones at Sassafras Gap and Birch Run. Small, subtle and out of sight should be the shelter mantra.

(Insert Lone Wolf saying "shelters are dirty, infested mouseholes" in 3...2...1...)

Now THAT'S funny..........

[Jester2000]

The existence of White Blaze is definitely a positive thing in the past five years. Oh, also, I'm even more handsome than I was five years ago, which I know is hard to believe, but it's true.

[terrapin_too]

Appalachian Trail Conference became Appalachain Trail Conservancy.

[Brrrb Oregon]

The existence of White Blaze is definitely a positive thing in the past five years. Oh, also, I'm even more handsome than I was five years ago, which I know is hard to believe, but it's true.

Sorry, but we haven't met...
How many degrees of freedom were available on the looks?

[Lone Wolf]

(Insert Lone Wolf saying "shelters are dirty, infested mouseholes" in 3...2...1...)

nah. it is what is is. i dislike wooden boxes. i want folks to lay out on mama earth . when its rainin too

[Lugnut]

Oh, also, I'm even more handsome than I was five years ago, which I know is hard to believe, but it's true.

Just how bad did you look 5 years ago?

[Desert Lobster]

Did Mrs. Shaw move away? I thought the son was going to sell the place?

[The Scribe]

So far, it sounds like the tradition has carried on.

[TJ aka Teej]

Did Mrs. Shaw move away?

Pat Shaw, after decades of hard work, has retired and moved out of state to live with relatives. The new owners are from Monson, and are fine folks.

[Big Dawg]

i dislike wooden boxes.

have you always felt this way, or was there a time when you stayed in those wooden boxes, had bad experiences, and eventually wrote em off? just curious.....

[Jan LiteShoe]

i want folks to lay out on mama earth . when its rainin too

Earl Schaeffer felt that way too. Felt there was some significant connection. His small shelter in PA has no floor, you sleep in the dirt. I forget the name of that shelter, but it's next to the large new Peters shelter (I believe, CRS disease).

[Nightwalker]

I thought the son was going to sell the place?

He did. He now has two large 4WD trucks and two snowmobiles in his yard.

I really enjoyed Shaws. The new owners are fantastic. Never was there when Keith was alive, though.

[BlackCloud]

All negative. Period.

[MOWGLI]

All negative. Period.

Except for the advent of college courses that teach hiking & backpacking.

Blackcloud. Fill your cup up til it flows over. It's half empty.

[Sleepy the Arab]

I forgot to add that Ron Haven and Miss Janet have both done wonders to their respective towns of Franklin and Erwin in the past five years.

Hanover has gone the other way with the loss of the frats that would allow hikers to spend the night (although the "unofficial" places are aleviating some of the burden).

[MOWGLI]

The ATC's new focus on protecting the trail corridor for future generations is a great move. They have a daunting task before them, and could use all the help any us us would be willing to provide.

[Sly]

Blackcloud. Fill your cup up til it flows over. It's half empty.

I don't think he has a cup.