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One place where donations are "encouraged" is the Upper Goose Pond Cabin in Massachusetts. This anonymous poll asks anyone who has stayed there how much they contributed.
One place where donations are "encouraged" is the Upper Goose Pond Cabin in Massachusetts. This anonymous poll asks anyone who has stayed there how much they contributed.
I don't really remember, but I sensed I was one of the heavier contributors to hostels while on the trail in 1993 and in 1995, when I went back to pick up those sections that health and weather forced me to skip in 1993.
Weary
It was $3 in '98 and that's what I paid.
Three bucks last year, to use a tent platform as far from the cabin as I could get. I could have stayed in the cabin, but didn't like the company.
The Mass AT Committee has recently clarified the policy that there is no fee at UGP and donations are entirely voluntary. There will no longer be a suggested donation amount and hikers should not be asked for money.
Uncle Silly
11-04-2005, 17:09
i think i was pretty cash-short when i was there, left what i could, at least a couple bucks and maybe a fiver ...
:) I'm a volunteer caretaker at Upper Goose pond cabin. They no longer have a posted suggested donation. It was $3.00 in the cabin and $2.00 for the use of a platform. This includes breakfast.
This year, with the new set-up of not asking for donations, I collected more money per hiker than when we asked. Some hikers gave as much as $20.00. They said it was worth it.
I still say, Upper Goose Pond Cabin is the best deal on the AT. :)
Grampie-N->2001
Is it cool for weekenders to stay there now?
Lone Wolf
11-06-2005, 00:18
It's AMC owned. Why would anyone give more than $3?
It's AMC owned. Why would anyone give more than $3?
To help offset the operating costs. Duh.
justusryans
11-06-2005, 01:08
To help offset the operating costs. Duh.
If the head of AMC can pay himself the exorbant salery he does then all he's getting from me is 3 bucks.
Originally Posted by L. Wolf
It's AMC owned. Why would anyone give more than $3?
To help offset the operating costs. Duh.
Heh... Then why did you ONLY leave $3?
It's AMC owned. Why would anyone give more than $3?
Actually, I believe the building and surrounding property is federal property. Volunteers from AMC operate it.
I believe the building and surrounding property is federal property
I think that's true, Peaks. In that regard its no different than any of the other AMC facilities along the AT-- Madison Springs Hut excepted.
Peaks is right. The property is owned by the NPS. The cabin is managed by the Berkshire branch of the AMC.
The supplies for the cabin, propane, pancake mix, syrup, coffee etc., come from the donations. Money collected, from hikers, is used to buy these supplies so that the pancake breakfast can be offered. Believe me, it's not a money making deal.
I'll say it again;"It's the best deal on the AT".
:)
If the head of AMC can pay himself the exorbant salery he does then all he's getting from me is 3 bucks.
AMC is a nonprofit corporation. If so the policies and salaries are set by a board of directors. Does anyone have evidence that this isn't true?
Bob--
The AMC web page says that it is for the exclusive use of thru hikers and AT section hikers.
I'm sure you guys are very friendly to any weekender who shows up with a packpack, but iwould it be "right" for a weekender to plan on staying there one or two nights?
Rick B
justusryans
11-06-2005, 10:35
AMC is a nonprofit corporation. If so the policies and salaries are set by a board of directors. Does anyone have evidence that this isn't true?
Not saying that. Am saying a 6 figure salary is excessive for a non-profit:eek:
Bob--
The AMC web page says that it is for the exclusive use of thru hikers and AT section hikers.
I'm sure you guys are very friendly to any weekender who shows up with a packpack, but iwould it be "right" for a weekender to plan on staying there one or two nights?
Rick B
Like the AMP web page says...It's for thru-hikers and AT section hikers. They do not incourage that it be used for day and weekenders.
The caretaker will not normaly turn away anyone who hikes in with a backpack.
Weekenders (and dayhikers too) are just short section hikers!
Weekenders (and dayhikers too) are just short section hikers!
That's my belief also. When I set out to do all of the AT in Maine with my kids 25 years ago. Some of our sections were day hikes, some weekend hikes, and several were four or five day vacation hikes.
Not saying that. Am saying a 6 figure salary is excessive for a non-profit:eek:
AMC is a multi-million dollar operation. It should be run right, and that requires paying someone who can do it right. I doubt that the salary is out of line with other not for profits with similiar sized operations.
Heh... Then why did you ONLY leave $3?
Two dollars was the suggested donation for a tent platform. Heh.
Two dollars was the suggested donation for a tent platform. Heh.
LOL... Good show! :sun
Many memories of the pond. It is a great deal! Why is Madison Hut different?
Many memories of the pond. It is a great deal! Why is Madison Hut different?
I hope Rick answers, but I vaguely remember that the footprint, at least, may be owned by AMC. It's the first hut, created in 1888, or around then, long before there was a National Forest, or an Appalachian Trail, so that seems probable.
Thanks Weary, but what does footprint mean?
With a tent, a "footprint" is the piece of plastic or tyvek you cut to size and slip underneath. :)
With Madison Springs Hut, I think the AMC owns more than just "footprint" under the building. Though I stand to be corrected, I an fairly certain the club owns not only the building, but about an acre of land on which it sits.
With a tent, a "footprint" is the piece of plastic or tyvek you cut to size and slip underneath. :)
With Madison Springs Hut, I think the AMC owns more than just "footprint" under the building. Though I stand to be corrected, I an fairly certain the club owns not only the building, but about an acre of land on which it sits.
Well I said, "foot print at least." An acre sounds reasonable to me, given my somewhat deteriotated memory of such ancient matters. Some old folks seem to lose their recent memory. I remember recent things vividly. I just don't remember all the insignificant crap I've remembered over the years in an insignificant effort "to keep the debate honest."
As of this day, I proclaim: Regardless of how dumb your postings may be. I'm not going to correct them. And if I weaken, please remind me. Because I may forget this vow.
But please don't get teed off if I ignore your reminder.
Weary
Peaks is right. The property is owned by the NPS. The cabin is managed by the Berkshire branch of the AMC.
The supplies for the cabin, propane, pancake mix, syrup, coffee etc., come from the donations. Money collected, from hikers, is used to buy these supplies so that the pancake breakfast can be offered. Believe me, it's not a money making deal.
I'll say it again;"It's the best deal on the AT".
:)
Yes, the land and cabin are owned by NPS. It's managed by the Mass. AT Committee of the Berkshire Chapter of the AMC. The money collected buys supplies and maintenance for the cabin, it does not leave the Mass. AT Committee or benefit the greater AMC. The cabin is managed and maintained in the same way as any other shelter on the AT, ie. by volunteers.
The Solemates
11-08-2005, 15:12
we didnt pay anything to stay there, but we have to plead ignorance as well. it wasnt open yet when we came thru, so we didnt know to pay. there was no caretaker and it was locked up. so we "broke" in, which wasnt too difficult, and then locked back up after our stay.
Just wondering how things may have changed on this as hikers have become more educated.
One place where donations are "encouraged" is the Upper Goose Pond Cabin in Massachusetts. This anonymous poll asks anyone who has stayed there how much they contributed.
You have my answer, but why the question?
Just wondering how things may have changed on this as hikers have become more educated.
Only the ones who continue hiking become more educated (and only if they listen).
Btw: I visit UGP cabin several times a year and usually bring some organic fancy-pants pancake batter, eggs, oil, and maple syrup because I like to treat strangers to what many folks call "trail magic", but I just call kindness. :)
mrcoffeect
04-14-2013, 08:18
one of the nice ladies that work there gave me my trail name in 2010. She asked my trail name and said that was just for the kids . she set me straight and told me I was to be known as mrcoffee from then on. I gave them five bucks, and by her account the best cup of coffee that she ever had. slow perked over small smudge of a fire. yea I carry a five cup percolator.
mrcoffeect
04-14-2013, 08:20
oops, ment to say that I thought trail names were for for the kids