View Full Version : Who are the AT's Greatest Living Legends?
Desert Lobster
10-26-2007, 13:19
Baltimore Jack, LW, Weathercarrot, Pirate,....??
I'd say more people have heard of Wingfoot than anyone else. Does that make him a legend?
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 13:25
I'd say more people have heard of Wingfoot than anyone else. Does that make him a legend?
Maybe more notorious. More people have heard of Hitler too.
Blissful
10-26-2007, 13:31
For me, Ed Garvey.
Well, just realized he isn't alive. But he lives on to me.
Maybe more notorious. More people have heard of Hitler too.
You're comparing WF to Hitler? That's a stretch. He maybe well known but he ain't all that bad.
The great creators of course, Benton McKaye, Myron Avery, no longer living but living on in AT history
SGT Rock
10-26-2007, 13:46
People are actually responding to Lobster. I thought you guys had learned about this.
People are actually responding to Lobster. I thought you guys had learned about this.
Hey Rock, never thought I'd see you here! ;)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-26-2007, 13:50
For those among the living -- J. R. 'Model T' Tate, Gene Espey, Bill Irwin, Scott 'One-Leg' Rogers, Robert 'Sly' Sylvester, Marta and Sue 'Hammock Hanger' Turner come to mind as people I'd like to be when I grow up.
If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.
SGT Rock
10-26-2007, 13:50
Just trying to put out a friendly warning.
RickB without the poll, Lobster never comes back.
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 13:52
You're comparing WF to Hitler? That's a stretch. He maybe well known but he ain't all that bad.
I was afraid some would see that as a comparison between people rather than a comparison between the difference of legendary and notorious.
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 13:55
For those among the living -- J. R. 'Model T' Tate, Gene Espey, Bill Irwin, Scott 'One-Leg' Rogers, Robert 'Sly' Sylvester, Marta and Sue 'Hammock Hanger' Turner come to mind as people I'd like to be when I grow up.
If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.
While always with my heart on hiking the length of the trail, maybe more than once, I'd like to be Dawn MacPhearson (Shaw's), Tom Lavardi or Miss Janet when I grow up.:)
I'm a legend? Now what? :o
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:01
I'm a legend? Now what? :o
Notoriously so, no doubt.
Notoriously so, no doubt.
Well, some say I'm a notorious snorer, but I say they're light sleepers! ;)
According to google "I'm feeling lucky" button............
it's Grandma Gatewood
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:11
According to google "I'm feeling lucky" button............
it's Grandma Gatewood
UH OH. A 'legend' for sure who is highly suspected of yellow blazing. Still a great story. She's seen much of the trail that I still want to see.
According to google "I'm feeling lucky" button............
it's Grandma Gatewood
Get with the program, we're speaking of living legends! ;)
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:13
Get with the program, we're speaking of living legends! ;)
Seems the topic should be open to all, expired or not.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-26-2007, 14:14
I'm a legend? Now what? :oYou are now allowed to rest on your laurels and bask in your own glory
in between hiking the longest and most difficult trails in the US - something you will continue to do just because you are you -- and why you are on my 'legends' list. :D
Seems the topic should be open to all, expired or not.
Well getting lucky on Google "Appalachian trail living legends" turned up none other than...
and the answer is (http://www.lmc.edu/faculty/DoyleW/ATI.html)
Ward Leonard. I hope he get out there to hike again another day.
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:19
Well getting lucky on Google "Appalachian trail living legends" turned up none other than...
and the answer is (http://www.lmc.edu/faculty/DoyleW/ATI.html)
Hmm. Self promotion is a tool no doubt.
For those among the living -- J. R. 'Model T' Tate, Gene Espey, Bill Irwin, Scott 'One-Leg' Rogers, Robert 'Sly' Sylvester, Marta and Sue 'Hammock Hanger' Turner come to mind as people I'd like to be when I grow up.
If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.
Whoa, Ms. Dino--You're making me blush. And here I was thinking I'd win the prize for Longest-Winded TJ, or possibly Whiniest Hiker of 2006.:rolleyes:
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:35
Barefoot Sisters? I've heard lot's about them and their name and lore sure lends a certain perspective hiking the length of the AT.
Dino, you nee to photoshop this with a lobster fisherman! :)
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/troller.htm
Ward Leonard. I hope he get out there to hike again another day.
Yeah, Ward got the recognition he deserved at Trail Days in 1990. I still have the photo somewhere. (Performers holding up a banner and the crowd shouting the refrain, "Ward Stinks.")
whitefoot_hp
10-26-2007, 14:47
whats a thru hiker?
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 14:50
whats a thru hiker?
Now ther's a good question that's been debated in way too many forms.
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 14:54
Ward Leonard. I hope he get out there to hike again another day.
i agree. he's a machine
Ward Leonard and Mr. Doyle are real legends.Oh and pooombah and nitewalker.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-26-2007, 15:53
Dino, you nee to photoshop this with a lobster fisherman! :)
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/troller.htm (http://redwing.hutman.net/%7Emreed/warriorshtm/troller.htm)Anything for you, Mags :D
Creek Dancer
10-26-2007, 15:54
Notorious maybe.
Ward Leonard and Mr. Doyle are real legends.Oh and pooombah and nitewalker.
Well getting lucky on Google "Appalachian trail living legends" turned up none other than...
and the answer is (http://www.lmc.edu/faculty/DoyleW/ATI.html)
I get it. Lobster is WD's alter-ego.
nitewalker
10-26-2007, 16:05
we are all legends in our own minds:eek: .....how about joe dodge of the white mtns.. he may not have been a thruhiker but he was still a hiking machine back in his day. a true pioneer of mtn rescue in his day....
gramma gatewood, would she be a legend???
Just a Hiker
10-26-2007, 16:06
There are some other great hikers nobody has mentioned......like Seiko and Just an Echo.
Anything for you, Mags :D
SWWEEEET!
It is bookmarked and saved!
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 16:37
why does walking a recreational trail a few times make a person legendary? :-?
why does walking a recreational trail a few times make a person legendary? :-?
LW, you are a hero to cyberhikers everywhere!
Names I see most frequently anywhere but on this site:
Baltimore Jack
Waren Doyle
Wingfoot
Grandma Gatewood
Barefoot Sisters
Kirby
Because of their stories handed down from the past.:confused:
Seems the topic should be open to all, expired or not.
Should not forget the expired, those whose visions created the trail, good one Wargy!:)
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 17:17
Should not forget the expired, those whose visions created the trail, good one Wargy!:)
Thank you.:)
living legends. I'd include Bill Irwin, One-leg Scott Rogers, Model-T, LW, Baltimore Jack, Warren Doyle, Wingfoot, Miss Janet, Bob Peoples, I'll still include Miss Tillie. Every year there are outstanding hikers, like the Barefoot Sisters, or TubaMan, but I think a legend is someone who other people have built up and continue to talk about year after year. Oh, can't forget Steve the ferryman. I'm sure there are others I'm not thnking of, but these are who come to mind right now.
Oh, can't forget Steve the ferryman.
A legend for sure and lifesaver of many!
jersey joe
10-26-2007, 18:33
I'd have to say that the most well known person associated with the AT today has got to be Bill Bryson.
But he is not legendary by any means.
briarpatch
10-26-2007, 20:13
Gene Espy.
Programbo
10-26-2007, 20:34
Well since the subject says "Living" I`ll go with Thurston Griggs
I'd say more people have heard of Wingfoot than anyone else. Does that make him a legend?
Wing Who? Maybe you are thinking of Sling Blade.
Well since the subject says "Living" I`ll go with Thurston Griggs
Interesting man...click here (http://userpages.umbc.edu/~tgriggs/autobio.html#_toc2256425).
Names I see most frequently anywhere but on this site:
Baltimore Jack
Waren Doyle
Wingfoot
Grandma Gatewood
Barefoot Sisters
Kirby
Cyber Hikers from Hell.
Sleepy the Arab
10-26-2007, 22:04
Oh drat! Once again, I am not on the list(s)! Guess I'll have to make another attempt.
The Weasel
10-26-2007, 22:24
One would have to be blind to leave one name in particular off this list.
TW
One would have to be blind to leave one name in particular off this list.
Not sure who you mean, Weasel, but I notice nobody's mentioned Earl Shaffer.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-26-2007, 22:33
Not sure who you mean, Weasel, but I notice nobody's mentioned Earl Shaffer.
.......If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.Still got me on ignore, Terrapin? :D
Still got me on ignore, Terrapin? :D
Never did, dino. Why would you think so? But I apologize for my oversight.
The Weasel
10-26-2007, 22:55
Not sure who you mean, Weasel, but I notice nobody's mentioned Earl Shaffer.
No, although Earl qualifies. Seems to me that falling down a few thousand times along the trail would be a qualifier for Trail Legend. Hard not to see that. ;)
TW
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 22:55
A legend for sure and lifesaver of many!
bull**t. he's a guy that runs a business
The Weasel
10-26-2007, 22:56
bull**t. he's a guy that runs a business
Does that mean Dan Bruce couldn't be a legend until he gave up his business recently?
TW
Skidsteer
10-26-2007, 23:03
No, although Earl qualifies. Seems to me that falling down a few thousand times along the trail would be a qualifier for Trail Legend. Hard not to see that. ;)
Bill Irwin? Already mentioned.
For those among the living -- J. R. 'Model T' Tate, Gene Espey, Bill Irwin, Scott 'One-Leg' Rogers, Robert 'Sly' Sylvester, Marta and Sue 'Hammock Hanger' Turner come to mind as people I'd like to be when I grow up.
If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 23:11
Does that mean Dan Bruce couldn't be a legend until he gave up his business recently?
TW
The AT is a walking path. there are no legends. Thru-hiking means nothing. You're a wannabe. It means nothing. :cool:
The Weasel
10-26-2007, 23:17
Bill Irwin? Already mentioned.
Good. Missed that one. Deserves being mentioned twice.
TW
The Weasel
10-26-2007, 23:19
The AT is a walking path. there are no legends. Thru-hiking means nothing. You're a wannabe. It means nothing. :cool:
This guy doesn't 'wannabe' anything he isn't already. And other people may not be legends to you, but that doesn't mean they aren't legends. You're not always right, Wolf, nor are you always wrong.
TW
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota
Smith hiker extrodinaire.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-26-2007, 23:22
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota Smith hiker extrodinaire.:::: Dino seen biting Pirate on the toes ::::
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota
Smith hiker extrodinaire.
Now that's the funniest post I've read all day. Good one, Pirate. :banana
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 23:28
This guy doesn't 'wannabe' anything he isn't already. And other people may not be legends to you, but that doesn't mean they aren't legends. You're not always right, Wolf, nor are you always wrong.
TW
earl was an anti-social. that made him famous
Desert Lobster
10-26-2007, 23:35
Living legends! Not dead folk!
Lone Wolf
10-26-2007, 23:37
Living legends! Not dead folk!
there are none.
cheflovesbeer
10-26-2007, 23:42
there are none.
I have to agree, they are like yetis.
warraghiyagey
10-26-2007, 23:45
there are none.
I gotta say it seems that any parameters used to measure the legend of a person fall entirely into the subjective. The concept 'legend' may not be the word to best describe people of note who have walked the trail.
While some think Wolf is cantankerous, it seems he has a grasp on this. Legend isn't the right word. But, for sure, there have been a lot of names floated out there that many of us have reverence for.
Legendary? There is no way to measure. It's purely subjective.
Tax payers, donaters, and trail maintainers. T' hell with everyone who just walks the trail.
It's purely subjective.
It's a Desert Loser thread. What'd you expect?
warraghiyagey
10-27-2007, 00:09
It's a Desert Loser thread. What'd you expect?
A lot of contention over a non-issue. Oh. . . now I see your point.:)
Thurston Griggs is one of the most interesting people I have ever met, Gene Espy probably the most humble and Bob Peoples I consider a close friend.
These people, and countless others like them, are legends as human beings; they just happen to hike the same trails as we do.
warraghiyagey
10-27-2007, 00:38
Thurston Griggs is one of the most interesting people I have ever met, Gene Espy probably the most humble and Bob Peoples I consider a close friend.
These people, and countless others like them, are legends as human beings; they just happen to hike the same trails as we do.
Subjectively speaking, that is.
minnesotasmith
10-27-2007, 04:29
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota
Smith hiker extrodinaire.
The guy who couldn't be bothered to shower regularly when he lived 20' from a free one (Neels Gap, late Feb. 2006)?
BTW, Pirate, you have yet to publicly admit that you were all wrong on maildrops working. I got over 20 of them during my thruhike, with nary a one lost. :D
minnesotasmith
10-27-2007, 04:30
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Squeaky, or "yogis food and bedding from other hikers" Brian Robinson.
Mr. Clean
10-27-2007, 04:50
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota
Smith hiker extrodinaire.
Pirate, I was waiting for that one, but I sure wasn't going to bring it up. :banana
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-27-2007, 08:11
Tax payers, donaters, and trail maintainers. T' hell with everyone who just walks the trail.If our criteria is to be who did or does the most for the trail:
Myron Avery & Benton MacKaye for the original vision, Franklin D. Roosevelt for declaring much of the corridor part of the trail and organizing the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - a group responsible in large part for turning the vision into reality, all others involved in acquiring the land & building the trail.
Trail maintainers everywhere along the AT - for without them, the trail would cease to exist. Higher pedestals for people like Bob peoples who organize efforts to rebuild sections every year.
The groups and people who have worked tirelessly and largely without recognition to acquire land and enlarge easements to keep the trail somewhat in the woods instead of it becoming a path between or thru areas of vacation housing, time-share resorts, subdivisions, etc.
The guy who couldn't be bothered to shower regularly when he lived 20' from a free one (Neels Gap, late Feb. 2006)?
BTW, Pirate, you have yet to publicly admit that you were all wrong on maildrops working. I got over 20 of them during my thruhike, with nary a one lost. :D
I suspose you have not heard of the water shortage in Georgia. As far as mail drops, they don't work and will never work. The postal service workers got your mail to you so you would get out of town faster.:banana
AT-HITMAN2005
10-27-2007, 10:56
a couple of definitions of legend found on dictionary.com:
1. a nonhistorical or unverifiable story handed down by tradition from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical.
2. a collection of stories about an admirable person.
3. a person who is the center of such stories.
in my experience living legends are built up in someone's mind to the point when if you ever actually meet them they usually fall well short of expectations.
that being said, 2 people that this didn't apply to that i met on my hike are Bob Peoples and Miss Janet.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Squeaky, or "yogis food and bedding from other hikers" Brian Robinson.
You have proof or just running your mouth and furthering rumors?
Thurston Griggs is one of the most interesting people I have ever met, Gene Espy probably the most humble and Bob Peoples I consider a close friend.
These people, and countless others like them, are legends as human beings; they just happen to hike the same trails as we do.
Yeah but none as as well known as Wingfoot! :D But Lobster said "greatest" living legends. :-? So, well known and great, it would have to be Bob. :)
Let's not forget Rusty, from the hard time hollow.
camojack
10-27-2007, 22:45
Tax payers, donaters, and trail maintainers. T' hell with everyone who just walks the trail.
Well, I'm all of the above...but I'm only legendary for my tolerance of hot, spicy foods. :eek:
Guess I'd better clarify that; while I haven't donated to this website (yet, give me another couple of weeks), I do donate regularly to a number of trail-related organizations, amongst (many) other worthwhile causes.
In fact, even though Weary generally pisses me off with his obfuscation, I just mailed a check to his beloved MATLT...
In fact, even though Weary generally pisses me off with his obfuscation, I just mailed a check to his beloved MATLT...
Atta boy! :D
[QUOTE=Pirate;436159]Let's not forget Rusty, from the hard time hollow.[/QUOTE
We"re all waiting to see if LW will second this nomination. :p
Well, I'm all of the above...but I'm only legendary for my tolerance of hot, spicy foods. :eek:
Guess I'd better clarify that; while I haven't donated to this website (yet, give me another couple of weeks), I do donate regularly to a number of trail-related organizations, amongst (many) other worthwhile causes.
In fact, even though Weary generally pisses me off with his obfuscation, I just mailed a check to his beloved MATLT...
You're my hero Jack.
Seriously, thanks for giving and just not taking.
sloopjonboswell
10-28-2007, 01:14
dirtnap, smokey t, lumpy, matthewski, jester, baltimore jack, pirate, mala, wee willy, lone wolf, chomp, vsa, driveby, tom levardi, the doyle, moose killer, the mayor of unionville, all legends by my definition
warraghiyagey
10-28-2007, 01:51
Let's not forget Rusty, from the hard time hollow.
Why is it called the 'hard time hollow?'
I knew I'd forget someone, can't leave out Ron Haven...
Ron Haven is a gem for sure :)
Baltimore Jack, LW, Weathercarrot, Pirate,....??
i'll add: "Model T", "Jigsaw", "Too-Tall", "DragonFly","Spunky"...
Hammock Hanger
10-28-2007, 09:11
For those among the living -- J. R. 'Model T' Tate, Gene Espey, Bill Irwin, Scott 'One-Leg' Rogers, Robert 'Sly' Sylvester, Marta and Sue 'Hammock Hanger' Turner come to mind as people I'd like to be when I grow up.
If we include those now hiking on golden trails - Granny Gatwood, Earl Shaffer, Marion Avery and Benton MacKay.
You should pray not to grow up.... ;)
camojack
10-28-2007, 09:17
Atta boy! :D
Actually, it wasn't the first time. :cool:
camojack
10-28-2007, 09:19
You're my hero Jack.
Seriously, thanks for giving and just not taking.
You're welcome...but I believe in giving back; there are actually a lot of people who do, methinks. :-?
minnesotasmith
10-28-2007, 23:59
You have proof or just running your mouth and furthering rumors?
A hiker I met told me about seeing this.
Sounds like the latter, why bother?:-?
Ward Leonard. I hope he get out there to hike again another day.
That boy can do some miles in a day. Ward is definetly loved by some here in Damascus.
Barefoot Sisters? I've heard lot's about them and their name and lore sure lends a certain perspective hiking the length of the AT.
I vote for them. What about the "Family From The North?" Didn't the Barefoot Sisters help them in their debut?
why does walking a recreational trail a few times make a person legendary? :-?
When are you gonna get it Lone Wolf? It just does alright? Listen I'm a legend for the simple fact that I can look out my front door and right across the trail to Carls house.
living legends. I'd include Bill Irwin, One-leg Scott Rogers, Model-T, LW, Baltimore Jack, Warren Doyle, Wingfoot, Miss Janet, Bob Peoples, I'll still include Miss Tillie. Every year there are outstanding hikers, like the Barefoot Sisters, or TubaMan, but I think a legend is someone who other people have built up and continue to talk about year after year. Oh, can't forget Steve the ferryman. I'm sure there are others I'm not thnking of, but these are who come to mind right now.
Now I tell ya, Blind Bill definetly has my vote! And Tuba man for sure too! Did you all know that Tuba Man also biked across America with that Tuba strapped to his back? Last time I heard about him was that he was going to hike across Australia with the dern thing....:-?
This guy doesn't 'wannabe' anything he isn't already. And other people may not be legends to you, but that doesn't mean they aren't legends. You're not always right, Wolf, nor are you always wrong.
TW
Wolf is always right even when he's wrong, plus he's a living legend....
Don't forget gods gift to women Minnesota
Smith hiker extrodinaire.
Man the gals still talk about him..........
dirtnap, smokey t, lumpy, matthewski, jester, baltimore jack, pirate, mala, wee willy, lone wolf, chomp, vsa, driveby, tom levardi, the doyle, moose killer, the mayor of unionville, all legends by my definition
Dirtnap is notorious for being, well dirty. And I can't believe you classed him with the rest of this clan. And didn't Chomp kiss the plaque with his ass?
Matty will be a god of the AT community one of these days that's for sure...
I nominate One Gallon (Bill Nedderman)
I suppose he's not an "AT" Legend since he has "only" : ) done the Appalachian Trail twice and moved on to other things. But One Gallon also also hiked the PCT twice and is currently on his third run of the CDT. Last year he did the reverse journey of Lewis and Clark, taking a small kayak from the West coast to the East coast, including 139 miles or so of portaging. He doesn't journal or promote himself or try to set records, but lives in Iowa part of the year then wander off on his next great journey. On the PCT we celebrated in Etna when he estimated he had hiked enough miles (24,900?) to have gone around the world.
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 03:52
[quote=The Only Wanderer;436994]
Man the gals still talk about him..........
quote]
You through tears right before they slit their wrists.
[quote=The Only Wanderer;436994]
Man the gals still talk about him..........
quote]
You through tears right before they slit their wrists.
you and i both need to make a donation so that we can edit our posts. what does this mean? i never heard such a sentence?
minnesotasmith
10-29-2007, 04:55
I suspose (sic) you have not heard of the water shortage in Georgia.
Showers are (after drinking) what water is for, Pirate, far more than for washing SUVs, watering large lawns, making government/environmental advocacy organization buildings habitable, etc. Anyway, there was no water shortage in GA in February last year.
==================================================
On another note...
The Photoshopped image of me superimposed with the sheep is amusing. However, it would make FAR more sense to match such a sex partner up with hikers who are far less picky about the above-the-norm hairiness of potential partners, such as bearded males or hairy-legged radical feminist females (neither of which *I* would have any interest in). ;)
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 13:11
[quote=warraghiyagey;437002]
you and i both need to make a donation so that we can edit our posts. what does this mean? i never heard such a sentence?
Oops, the first word was supposed to be 'Yeah,' not You.:rolleyes: And you're right, I'll be a donating member by Dec. Using my trail budget now to hike Tennessee to Springer.:)
Where can I get a copy of that picture of you and the sheep?
Jim Adams
10-29-2007, 14:34
Nean needs on that list.
Intellegent, helps everyone, full of common sense and just plain knows his s**t.
The man has been around a trail or two.
geek
leeki pole
10-29-2007, 14:49
Anybody mention Weary? He's done a heck of a lot for the Trail.
The greatest hikers of all time.
The greatest hikers of all time.
There's a pair to beat a flush! :rolleyes:
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-29-2007, 15:15
The greatest hikers of all time.::: Dino mopping chicken bullion off monitor and keyboard :::
SGT Rock
10-29-2007, 15:43
Damn, if I am going to ever be a trail legend I gotta start getting toilet paper now.
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 16:22
Damn, if I am going to ever be a trail legend I gotta start getting toilet paper now.
Too late for TP. You're already there, subjectively speaking of course.:)
SGT Rock
10-29-2007, 16:24
I'm just a hiker.
Lone Wolf
10-29-2007, 16:27
there are no living trail legends. there's nothing legendary about walking a footpath.
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 16:28
there are no living trail legends. there's nothing legendary about walking a footpath.
Said the guy that's also on my list, subjectively speaking of course.:)
Each and every one of us who has taken the jump to hike the trail. Left work, family and the comforts of home, is a legend to someone. Someone who can't or dosen't have the guts to do it. The people you left to do this, if they supported you, and respect you for your decision........you are a legend to them.
Don't strive to be a legend. Just live a legendary life
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 17:39
Each and every one of us who has taken the jump to hike the trail. Left work, family and the comforts of home, is a legend to someone. Someone who can't or dosen't have the guts to do it. The people you left to do this, if they supported you, and respect you for your decision........you are a legend to them.
Don't strive to be a legend. Just live a legendary life
Bravo! Wow, Wonder, that may be one of the most eloquent posts I've ever read. Thanks.:) :) :) :)
You get 200 points!
Bravo! Wow, Wonder, that may be one of the most eloquent posts I've ever read. Thanks.:) :) :) :)
You get 200 points!
Does 200 points make her a legend?
warraghiyagey
10-29-2007, 18:06
Does 200 points make her a legend?
Nope, just high scorer on the day.
Nope, just high scorer on the day.
Oh, I thought that distinction went to the one shoveling the most bs. Maybe that is a different category? :-?
Cookerhiker
10-29-2007, 19:14
Each and every one of us who has taken the jump to hike the trail. Left work, family and the comforts of home, is a legend to someone. Someone who can't or dosen't have the guts to do it. The people you left to do this, if they supported you, and respect you for your decision........you are a legend to them.
Don't strive to be a legend. Just live a legendary life
I like that.:sun
I like that.:sun
It certainly does sound good. I believe my wife has another name for describing me to her friends when I am hiking and I am pretty sure it is not "he's a legend".
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 01:50
Oh, I thought that distinction went to the one shoveling the most bs. Maybe that is a different category? :-?
Nope, points for good energy only. By the way you took the overall lead away from Dino (200 points) with you Bill the cat - cat spitting photo. That's also a record for most points at once. And you can't lose any, even if you suggest McCandless had a death wish.;)
Does 200 points make her a legend?
Nope, just makes me someone who doesn't give a crap about who other people think are "legends" There are many people, hiker and non-hiker both, who inspire me. But that's just it....they inspire me. I think that people need to hold on to their personal legends, gather inspiration from that.......not just what they've read in some book. Most of those who are my personal legends are people I've met in my travels, who will never have a word spoken about them.........who I've learned about their accomplishments through conversation.
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 11:50
Oops, sorry Tin Man, it was Terrapin that got the 300 points. My B.
Lone Wolf
10-30-2007, 13:38
Bill Bryson is a legend
My personal favorites are Crazy Horse (has a Corvette for a backpack) and Buddy and Jensina Crossman from Rainbow Springs Campground.
If anyone fits into this category it has to be Warren Doyle. Due to his work with ALDA, all of his miles on the trail and his AT class. I have run into him a few times on the trail and he is great to talk to and loves the AT. I hiked with a few people this summer who took his class and it gave them the confidence to get out and thru-hike the AT. All of them completed their thru-hikes by the way.
I would also put Wingfoot into this category. His website introduced many to the trail and helped them prepare for their hikes. I learned a lot on his site the made my thru-hike much easier. His book is the best data resource available for the AT. I found it more useful then the companion or the data book.
Pootz 07
***creackkk*** (sound of a giant can of worms being opened)
Lone Wolf
10-30-2007, 15:43
If anyone fits into this category it has to be Warren Doyle. Due to his work with ALDA, all of his miles on the trail and his AT class. I have run into him a few times on the trail and he is great to talk to and loves the AT. I hiked with a few people this summer who took his class and it gave them the confidence to get out and thru-hike the AT. All of them completed their thru-hikes by the way.
I would also put Wingfoot into this category. His website introduced many to the trail and helped them prepare for their hikes. I learned a lot on his site the made my thru-hike much easier. His book is the best data resource available for the AT. I found it more useful then the companion or the data book.
Pootz 07
Warren and Wingfoot certainly fit the bill for legends even though there are none
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 16:04
Bill Bryson is a legend
Warren and Wingfoot certainly fit the bill for legends even though there are none
Hmmm. Waffles for breakfast?:p
Lone Wolf
10-30-2007, 16:05
i'm a legend. there are no legends
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 16:10
i'm a legend. there are no legends
Wolf, you slay me.:) I almost choked on my Nattyice - a busch league beer for sure. . . OHhhhhh!!!!
Johnny Thunder
10-30-2007, 16:11
This is not my beautiful wife
This is not my beautiful house
SGT Rock
10-30-2007, 16:17
If anyone fits into this category it has to be Warren Doyle. Due to his work with ALDA, all of his miles on the trail and his AT class. I have run into him a few times on the trail and he is great to talk to and loves the AT. I hiked with a few people this summer who took his class and it gave them the confidence to get out and thru-hike the AT. All of them completed their thru-hikes by the way.
I would also put Wingfoot into this category. His website introduced many to the trail and helped them prepare for their hikes. I learned a lot on his site the made my thru-hike much easier. His book is the best data resource available for the AT. I found it more useful then the companion or the data book.
Pootz 07
S: (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?o2=&o0=1&o7=&o5=&o1=1&o6=&o4=&o3=&s=fable&i=2&h=000#c) (n) (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/)legend (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?o2=&o0=1&o7=&o5=&o1=1&o6=&o4=&o3=&s=legend), fable (a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events)
From http://wordnet.princeton.edu/
Sounds about right. :D
My dog Sally is a legend, but there are no legends.............
Lone Wolf
10-30-2007, 16:20
My dog Sally is a legend, but there are no legends.............
yeah she's a legend around town amongst other dogs for puttin' out. i've seen her getting laid 3 times this week. you best get her fixed
Every map has a legend.
20 points?
SGT Rock
10-30-2007, 16:24
Every map has a legend.
20 points?
S: (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?o2=&o0=1&o7=&o5=&o1=1&o6=&o4=&o3=&s=legend&i=1&h=00#c) (n) (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/)caption (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?o2=&o0=1&o7=&o5=&o1=1&o6=&o4=&o3=&s=caption), legend (brief description accompanying an illustration)
From: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/
20 points awarded
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 17:01
Every map has a legend.
20 points?
Mudhead - you're now in the points. 20 for you.:)
Terrapin has the lead with 300 - Damn it - he doesn't like Alexander Supertramp but I'm impartial with the points. He got them all with the 'Bill the Cat' photo.
Damn it - he doesn't like Alexander Supertramp but I'm impartial with the points.
I'm not lacking for ego but never had the gumption to call myself "Alexander Supertramp." I'm telling you, the kid had a screw loose.
warraghiyagey
10-30-2007, 17:23
I'm not lacking for ego but never had the gumption to call myself "Alexander Supertramp." I'm telling you, the kid had a screw loose.
Don't we all.
Skidsteer
10-30-2007, 17:35
yeah she's a legend around town amongst other dogs for puttin' out. i've seen her getting laid 3 times this week. you best get her fixed
Or tell Sally to quit layin' down (http://video.google.com/url?docid=-4998701461289413533&esrc=sr4&ev=v&len=386&q=Lay%2Bdown%2Bsally%2Beric%2Bclapton%2Bgenre%3AMU SIC%2BOR%2Btype%3AMUSIC_VIDEO&srcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D uqELgVWeVGM&vidurl=%2Fvideoplay%3Fdocid%3D-4998701461289413533%26q%3DLay%2Bdown%2Bsally%2Beri c%2Bclapton%2Bgenre%253AMUSIC%2BOR%2Btype%253AMUSI C_VIDEO%26total%3D14%26start%3D0%26num%3D10%26so%3 D0%26type%3Dsearch%26plindex%3D3&usg=AL29H20x8FsXd7qE9Fv5RZl9bqL63X7mhw).
from dictionary.com ...
—Antonyms 1. fact.
LW is correct, there are no legends (except on a map...maybe). :)
cannonball
10-30-2007, 20:11
yeah she's a legend around town amongst other dogs for puttin' out. i've seen her getting laid 3 times this week. you best get her fixed
Larry's dog is easy?
My dog Sally is a legend, but there are no legends.............You have an unfixed dog Larry? Bob Barker's gonna whip your azz. Seriously, get her fixed unless you want many more.
Nightwalker
10-30-2007, 20:43
I'm telling you, the kid had a screw loose.
I've got several. But I'm just infamous.
I'm a legend. there are no legends
Him too. Infamous, not un-screwed
Does 200 points make her a legend?
No, but it'll win most Quidditch matches. :)
Lone Wolf
10-30-2007, 20:55
Larry's dog is easy?
all bitches in heat are
Jim Adams
10-30-2007, 21:28
yeah she's a legend around town amongst other dogs for puttin' out. i've seen her getting laid 3 times this week. you best get her fixed
LW,
Thanks!!! First time I've laughed today.:D
geek
minnesotasmith
11-01-2007, 03:16
Proving one of my favorite points, that dogs are animals, not hikers, that only HUMANS are hikers.
The evidence? The site mods routinely delete references to the sexuality of hikers, but saw NO problem in leaving intact multiple references on this thread to a dog having sex. :D
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 03:30
Proving one of my favorite points, that dogs are animals, not hikers, that only HUMANS are hikers.
The evidence? The site mods routinely delete references to the sexuality of hikers, but saw NO problem in leaving intact multiple references on this thread to a dog having sex. :D
Convoluted logic would be absolutely indignant if if you went anywhere near it's category with that, ummmm. . . piece of, uhh. . . work.
Oh, and uhhh, - "references to the sexuality of hikers," - methinks though dost protest waaaaayyyyyyyyy too much.
minnesotasmith
11-01-2007, 03:39
Oh, and uhhh, - "references to the sexuality of hikers," - methinks though dost protest waaaaayyyyyyyyy too much.
Well, I did get repeatedly accused of bestiality on a recent thread, and it got left in there, while a perfectly factual correction I made on a thruhiker-slang thread about the definition of "brown-blazing" (saying nothing about another hiker except what he himself said about himself in a group of hikers) got deleted, so perhaps I have a point here.
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 03:55
Well, I did get repeatedly accused of bestiality on a recent thread, and it got left in there, while a perfectly factual correction I made on a thruhiker-slang thread about the definition of "brown-blazing" (saying nothing about another hiker except what he himself said about himself in a group of hikers) got deleted, so perhaps I have a point here.
I may have said lots of things to fellow hikers that I would never expect to see repeated here. Not because they're particularly secret, but because of the sanctity of fellowship, face to face, among people.
It's not a stretch to imagine that at no time during your intercourse with him did he say to you' "Oh, by the way could you give this a crass mention on the internet when you finish the trail."
As for your alleged thread deletion double-standard - do you believe in Karma?
minnesotasmith
11-01-2007, 04:50
It's not a stretch to imagine that at no time during your intercourse with him did he say to you' "Oh, by the way could you give this a crass mention on the internet when you finish the trail."
As for your alleged thread deletion double-standard - do you believe in Karma?
1) He griped about being asked that on at least two separate occasions (that I witnessed) in front of GROUPS of hikers, once a group of six. He could not have had an expectation of privacy about his complaint. He also made his, uh, background public in several shelter registers that I read, so it was neither secret, nor something he could have meant to keep secret.
2) No, I don't believe in Karma, a Buddhist precept. I'm Christian.
dixicritter
11-01-2007, 08:24
MS... drop it. Those types of references have routinely been deleted on this site and you know it. Let it go. And for the record... I am the one that deleted said posts on Brown blazing.
SGT Rock
11-01-2007, 08:29
Proving one of my favorite points, that dogs are animals, not hikers, that only HUMANS are hikers.
The evidence? The site mods routinely delete references to the sexuality of hikers, but saw NO problem in leaving intact multiple references on this thread to a dog having sex. :D
Hey MS. ****.
You have a problem? PM me. Otherwise you are babbling again.
Sally has only put out three times to the same dog that has never cut her yet. By the way, I wouldn't mind her and this dog having pups, it will be a good mix. He is one of them weiner dogs and she has a lot more beagle in her than lab.
Sally is a legend alright. She is legend for being the friendliest dog on the AT. That is a quote I have heard from a many a hiker passing as they entered into town on their southbound trek.............
Alligator
11-01-2007, 09:31
Sally has only put out three times to the same dog that has never cut her yet. By the way, I wouldn't mind her and this dog having pups, it will be a good mix. He is one of them weiner dogs and she has a lot more beagle in her than lab.
Sally is a legend alright. She is legend for being the friendliest dog on the AT. That is a quote I have heard from a many a hiker passing as they entered into town on their southbound trek.............There's plenty of dogs in the world getting put down, please get her fixed.
Gator, please send the money to do it............
Lone Wolf
11-01-2007, 09:34
Gator, please send the money to do it............
you shoulda thought of that before you took on the responsibility of owning a dog
Alligator
11-01-2007, 09:35
Gator, please send the money to do it............I'll send you $10, PM me your address. As a responsible pet owner, you need to raise the rest. Getting your pet spaid/neutered is paramount to owning a pet.
Lone Wolf
11-01-2007, 09:36
I'll send you $10, PM me your address. As a responsible pet owner, you need to raise the rest. Getting your pet spaid/neutered is paramount to owning a pet.
why send him money?
Okay its attack Larry time again I see.................
My dog will be fine. If she has pups, I will find homes for them or I will keep them.
I love this dog and I will deal with whatever comes along.
By the way Gator, I was only joking. I don't need the money. I'll earn it.
Alligator
11-01-2007, 09:39
why send him money?I like TOW, he's got a good heart. I think he'll pay it forward. If he gets it done, there'll be one less litter of puppies being destroyed.
I put off getting her spayed thinking that it would be okay. Well I found out I was wrong.
I'm going to find out next week if she concieved. If not I'll get her spayed. If she has, I already have homes for at least three pups.........
I like TOW, he's got a good heart.
thanx for the compliment. I'll do what is right.
Johnny Thunder
11-01-2007, 09:49
Geez, TOW...didn't you ever watch "The Price is Right".
(just saw a video where Barker, in an audition for SportsCenter, claims to have put Adam Sandler on the map...go find it...it's funny)
hahaha......................
It's getting as expensive to go to the vet as it to go to the doc............
Miss Janet
11-01-2007, 10:54
Larry,check with the county animal shelter. They usually have a low cost spay neuter program or can help you find a vet that will work with you. Sally is a cutie but we really don't need more puppies... go look at the shelter and you will see a lot of pups that somebody "wanted" at one time.
minnesotasmith
11-01-2007, 11:26
That deals with the unfortunate change towards laziness and tendency to put on weight that surely many of us have seen in castrated male dogs is a dog vasectomy. I read something over a year ago about how there are some vets that will perform them now. The price is still 4 digits, last I heard, but for some dog owners with an especially prized dog, this may make sense.
Jack Tarlin
11-01-2007, 12:50
OK, Smitty, so you're telling us that de-nutting a dog makes them plump and lazy?
OK. Fine.
So what's YOUR excuse? :D
Lot of folks think a fully intact male dog will always be a jerk.
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 12:53
OK, Smitty, so you're telling us that de-nutting a dog makes them plump and lazy?
OK. Fine.
So what's YOUR excuse? :D
Ouch.:D
Eunuch???:D :D
minnesotasmith
11-01-2007, 12:59
My bit of a belly's not from being a beerhound. :D
Veterinary article on some more undesirable side effects of castrating male dogs:
http://www.showdogsupersite.com/kenlclub/breedvet/neutr.html
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 13:13
Always a safe bet to never click on a Smitty link.
dixicritter
11-01-2007, 13:30
What was this thread about again?
~goes off to check~
Lone Wolf
11-01-2007, 13:30
What was this thread about again?
~goes off to check~
supposed trail legends. there are none
dixicritter
11-01-2007, 13:32
supposed trail legends. there are none
Oh yeah that's right.
warraghiyagey
11-01-2007, 13:38
Oh yeah that's right.
I think the horse is dead.
For me, Ed Garvey.
Well, just realized he isn't alive. But he lives on to me.
:) his book he published about his 1970 thru hike got me staterd:cool: neo
:D can i vote for me lol:cool: neo
People are actually responding to Lobster. I thought you guys had learned about this.
:D just feeding the troll lol rock:cool: neo
cannonball
11-01-2007, 13:46
Each and every one of us who has taken the jump to hike the trail. Left work, family and the comforts of home, is a legend to someone. Someone who can't or dosen't have the guts to do it. The people you left to do this, if they supported you, and respect you for your decision........you are a legend to them.
Don't strive to be a legend. Just live a legendary life
Wonder-pen?:eek:
this is who i am voting for:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10749&catid=530
Larry,check with the county animal shelter. They usually have a low cost spay neuter program or can help you find a vet that will work with you. Sally is a cutie but we really don't need more puppies... go look at the shelter and you will see a lot of pups that somebody "wanted" at one time.
Our nearest county animal shelter is many miles away and in another county. It's just cheaper to get it done here.
supposed trail legends. there are none
Sally's a legend even if she does get around............:D
this is who i am voting for:cool: neo
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10749&catid=530
i second that opinion................:D
Sally is a legend alright. She is legend for being the friendliest dog on the AT. That is a quote I have heard from a many a hiker passing as they entered into town on their southbound trek.............
Oh, I don't know about that. I hear tell of a dog in Erwin named Fabian that is pretty darn legendary. The number of hikers Fabian has hiked with is incalculable (sp?)
At this time of the year, you just might see a snow wampa (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/Wampa.jpg)(Plural Wampases). They are rare and legendary. Rumor has it they live on the flanks of the Whites right off the AT.
In my opnion, they are the greatest legendary AT hikers.
Dammit, Mags, I didn't want my pic appearing on this thread!
Always a safe bet to never click on a Smitty link.
Startin' to realize that. Might be the first candidate for the ignore list.
Oh, I don't know about that. I hear tell of a dog in Erwin named Fabian that is pretty darn legendary. The number of hikers Fabian has hiked with is incalculable (sp?)
That's right, I remember her. jack hiked in here with her right before trail days.........
Miss Janet
11-03-2007, 11:00
HER?? Fabian would be so hurt. He thinks he is as sexy as his teen heartthrob from the 50's! And while the number of people he has hiked with hasn't been counted his mileage is at over 5,000 AT miles... all between Hot Springs and Damascus! Most of his miles are on the sections between Sams Gap and 19E.
Maybe instead of AT LEGENDS we should have a vote for Appalachian Trail Superlatives ... like you had in your High School Yearbook.
"Most Trail Spirited"
"Best Trail Couple"
"Most Likely to hike again."
warraghiyagey
11-03-2007, 11:05
"Most Trail Spirited"
"Best Trail Couple"
"Most Likely to hike again."
- Most likely to get seriously lost
- Most likely to fall and can't get up
- Most likely to extend town-stops
- Most likely to take the longest to thru-hike
At this time of the year, you just might see a snow wampa (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/25/Wampa.jpg)(Plural Wampases). They are rare and legendary. Rumor has it they live on the flanks of the Whites right off the AT.
In my opnion, they are the greatest legendary AT hikers.
Hey , that looks alot like Clawtooth, the legendary creature that haunts Bigelow hikers in winter. It has an upper tooth shaped like a claw that it snags it's prey(hikers?) with.
It's midnight howls can be heard over the roar of a windy night from miles away:eek: The locals stay off the mountain in winter for fear of being snagged by it.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-03-2007, 11:46
This thread simply would not be complete without a mention of a former thread about Fabian's gender (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17951) :D
Lone Wolf
11-03-2007, 11:48
- Most likely to get seriously lost
- Most likely to fall and can't get up
- Most likely to extend town-stops
- Most likely to take the longest to thru-hike
-Most likely to concieve
Pacific Tortuga
11-03-2007, 13:52
The first hiker I met after a shake down from Kincora to Damascus was a character named, Crazy Horse. He seemed to think of himself in legend terms.
Talked about buying Dave's Place and bootin Wally as his first move.
Tipi Walter
11-03-2007, 14:25
I think the top 10 backpackers, AT or otherwise, with the most bag nights, should be considered Legends. What constitutes bag nights? Does living in a primitive cabin with a woodstove mean more bag nights? Nope. Does living in a Tipi with a woodstove and sleeping in, duh, a sleeping bag, mean more bag nights? Nope. Anyone who lives outdoors carrying a pack with all of his current belongings and sleeping out "in it" adds up the bag nights, whether it be in a tent or a hammock or a bedroll or a tarp.
The person with the most bag nights then becomes a Legend, etc. In other words, who is it that never comes in from the cold? Who never comes back home? These guys are to my mind the legends. And if you call them homeless bums, well, you've missed your calling as a backpacker and as a nature boy and are probably on the wrong website.
I think the top 10 backpackers, AT or otherwise, with the most bag nights, should be considered Legends. What constitutes bag nights? Does living in a primitive cabin with a woodstove mean more bag nights? Nope. Does living in a Tipi with a woodstove and sleeping in, duh, a sleeping bag, mean more bag nights? Nope. Anyone who lives outdoors carrying a pack with all of his current belongings and sleeping out "in it" adds up the bag nights, whether it be in a tent or a hammock or a bedroll or a tarp.
The person with the most bag nights then becomes a Legend, etc. In other words, who is it that never comes in from the cold? Who never comes back home? These guys are to my mind the legends. And if you call them homeless bums, well, you've missed your calling as a backpacker and as a nature boy and are probably on the wrong website.Thoughtful post, as usual, Tipi. Was a pleasure to meet you on the BMT maintanence trip. I hope you are doing well.:sun
warraghiyagey
11-03-2007, 15:23
-Most likely to concieve
Better probably to just try repeatedly but fail.:rolleyes:
HER?? Fabian would be so hurt. He thinks he is as sexy as his teen heartthrob from the 50's! And while the number of people he has hiked with hasn't been counted his mileage is at over 5,000 AT miles... all between Hot Springs and Damascus! Most of his miles are on the sections between Sams Gap and 19E.
"
My apologies to Fabian. Since my dog is female I just naturally thought Fabian was female as well..........I din't know Fabian was a mans name...........
-Most likely to concieve
your probably referring to Sally there aren't you...........got to be a legend for something you know..............and you know what? Sally looks just lie a dog too. can you believe that????????
Lone Wolf
11-03-2007, 19:43
your probably referring to Sally there aren't you...........
no. in my years out here there have been gals that were known for "puttin' out". a couple of times the gals concieved. fathers day was confusing
Cookerhiker
11-03-2007, 22:45
..........I din't know Fabian was a mans name...........
Shows how young you are. You don't remember Fabian from the late '50s & early '60s. All the girls loved him.
Hey , that looks alot like Clawtooth, the legendary creature that haunts Bigelow hikers in winter. It has an upper tooth shaped like a claw that it snags it's prey(hikers?) with.
It's midnight howls can be heard over the roar of a windy night from miles away:eek: The locals stay off the mountain in winter for fear of being snagged by it.
Damn! See..this creature is TRULY the most legendary hiker. Since they are furry Mo Fos, they don't need no stinkin' sleeping bag...
no. in my years out here there have been gals that were known for "puttin' out". a couple of times the gals concieved. fathers day was confusing
..................:D
Shows how young you are. You don't remember Fabian from the late '50s & early '60s. All the girls loved him.
i'm 47, and i don't care what anyone says fabian is a feminine name. of course i would never tell fabian directly to his face you know. don't want to see any teeth marks on me.............:o
Fabian was short for Fabiano, a genuine Italian name that just happens to sound feminine. Fabian was, by the way, the worst singer of the teen idols(showing my age).I have no doubt Ms Janets Fabian is a better singer than the original. :cool:
The reason trail names are used, and the reason people disappear from the trail:
in my years out here there have been gals that were known for "puttin' out". a couple of times the gals concieved. fathers day was confusing
And the most popular defense "The kid ain't mine; I pulled out way in time."
Ward Leonard has it all over the barefoot sisters.He is a true legend.
4eyedbuzzard
11-30-2007, 23:52
earl was an anti-social. that made him famous
PTSD - prior to recognition as a diagnosis in DSM III.
faarside
12-01-2007, 13:43
He doesn't receive much recognition... He's thru-hiked the A.T. MANY times (all the while with a serious heart condition)... He's one of the most genuine and nicest folks you will ever meet...
He is... JUST-AN-ECHO
Digger'02
12-05-2007, 16:44
I think Joe Dodge Jr- the man who hiked up, rappeled down and hung the beard (a 15 ft spruce) on the old man in the Mt the night before the President spoke at franconia, then hiked out, hiked up and cooked breakfast at Lakes of the Clouds the next morning!
thats legendary
Ward chip leonard the art of thru hiking.
Just a Hiker
12-06-2007, 23:15
He doesn't receive much recognition... He's thru-hiked the A.T. MANY times (all the while with a serious heart condition)... He's one of the most genuine and nicest folks you will ever meet...
He is... JUST-AN-ECHO
Echo is a good man! I hiked with him for awhile and he made quite an impression on me. I am proud to say he gave me my trail name, and he taught me alot about generosity.
Just Jim
Let it be and Roy are some hikers worth mentioning.
Can't say that I've met as many thru hikers as some of you here... but if you are talking about the same Roy I meet @ Catfish fire tower in NJ (hiked in sandals, used wood walking sticks and cooked on a fire)....he's quite a nice guy. He seemed to know tons about the trail and nature in general. We chatted with him for hours. We always meet someone on the trail, some more interesting than others, but he definetly stood out. L.Wolf knew of him.
warren doyle
12-12-2007, 16:40
Roy is a wonderful person. Talked with him for about one hour in Damascus on Sunday during an Appalachian Trail Institute visit. I hope he publishes a book some day.
Gave him my Katahdin hat that I have worn every day during the past year.
It was nice to meet him this August after he just forded the Kennebec southbound right before I was fording it northbound, which is
a rare occurrence these days - classic 'old-school' moment.
maxNcathy
12-12-2007, 17:33
Legends of the AT??
As a former teacher I would (just for fun) grade hikers
like so:
Hiked more than 50 miles on the AT and enjoyed it....C
Hiked half the distance of the AT...........................B
Hiked the whole AT and still loves hiking..................A
Thru hiked the AT twice and is still humble...............A+
Hiked the AT three times and is still mobile ............. A+++
Thru hiked the AT more than three times.................Hiker Legend,summa cum laude*
*Should be permanently committed into a Hiker Hall of Fame.
Note: that gives me:.......... C+ ..."Sandalwood needs to spend more time hiking if he wishes to do better."
LOL
Lone Wolf
12-12-2007, 17:43
Legends of the AT??
Thru hiked the AT more than three times.................Hiker Legend,summa cum laude*
*Should be permanently committed into a Hiker Hall of Fame.
there's nothing legendary about hiking the AT 3 or more times. it's just a lifestyle. people doing it obviously have the time, $$ and few commitments like spouses, children, mortgages, bills, etc. they made choices that enable them to live the long distance hiker lifestyle.
warren doyle
12-12-2007, 17:53
I have/had two spouses (one past and one present - both AT thru-hikers); two children (one college graduate and possible 2008AT SOBO; one soon-to-be college graduate and 1993-2000AT hiker); no mortgage; no car payments; no loans; no debt; I'm a first-generation college student from a working class background; and, I have never quit a job (or lost a job) to do a thru-hike.
Commitments - many.
Choices - good.
Let it be and Roy are some hikers worth mentioning.
I just met Roy two days ago...............
maxNcathy
12-12-2007, 18:22
I have/had two spouses (one past and one present - both AT thru-hikers); two children (one college graduate and possible 2008AT SOBO; one soon-to-be college graduate and 1993-2000AT hiker); no mortgage; no car payments; no loans; no debt; I'm a first-generation college student from a working class background; and, I have never quit a job (or lost a job) to do a thru-hike.
Commitments - many.
Choices - good.
Hi Warren, Did You meet either (future) wife on the AT?
I would like to do a thru hike but I think it would strain my marriage too much. What is your experience with that? Do You think thru hiking leads to marriage breakups?
I tell my wife for every week that I will be away from her hiking will let me live 3 extra weeks so there will be a net gain in how long I will be healthy and alive with her. lol...maybe true too.
PS Do You have a favorite 100 mile stretch of Trail on the AT that You would share with me as I am a section hiker..will be skipping parts of Trail that don't interest me..ie will not have time for.
I would like to do a thru hike but I think it would strain my marriage too much. What is your experience with that? Do You think thru hiking leads to marriage breakups?
Probably an interesting thread in and of itself: long distance hiking while married. I believe most of the serial thru-hikers on this site (LW, BJ, Sly, et. al.) are single. Tough balancing act... The only solution I see is where both partners hike. Speaking for myself, it was tough getting a six-week LOA for this year's section hike. But it worked out OK.
Jack Tarlin
12-12-2007, 18:36
Most serial thru-hikers are single?
Um, Lone Wolf is NOT single and hasn't been for quite awhile. Sly is only recently single and was in a wonderful long-term, committed relationship for many years. I was divorced long before I started long-distance hiking.
Note to Terrapin: If you're gonna talk about people or their personal lives, please try and get your facts straight.
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 18:43
Gotta agree. Being unmarried and being single are two different things. LWolf has a great lady and Sly has our deepest sympathy.
Some of my friends nonhiking wives are extremely grateful for their husbands' hiking absences. Why, I can only imagine. Husbands at home seem to fare worse than wives at home as far as I have observed. Er, not to be too sexist, and obviously there are many factors that affect the statistic, but it seems wives on the trail generally are less faithful to their man at home than vice versa. Again, just my observation of a small sample. With love all things are possible, however.
The Old Fhart
12-12-2007, 19:09
This shirt indicates there may be strain in some thru hikes that cause problems in marriages.
2801(click on photo for full size)
Jack Tarlin
12-12-2007, 19:12
Geez, but do you see who he's hitting on? :eek:
Maybe she'll quit chasing you now! :D
The Weasel
12-12-2007, 19:47
In terms of legends, I'd include two that are "unsung". They are Lyndon Johnson and Stuart Udall. This isn't a political thing, and both had other problems. But Lyndon Johnson is the President who first pushed for a federal "long trails" program, and Stu Udall is the one who got him to do it and then pushed the program through to the finish. I'm not sure that Udall ever walked much, if any, of the AT, although Bill Clinton's Interior Secretary walked a chunk of it, and Lyndon's closest touch to our trail was flying over it to Camp David, I expect. But without them, it's doubtful that the AT - and the other long trails - would have the kind of federal and public support that it has today.
So I'd include them.
TW
Most serial thru-hikers are single?
Um, Lone Wolf is NOT single and hasn't been for quite awhile. Sly is only recently single and was in a wonderful long-term, committed relationship for many years. I was divorced long before I started long-distance hiking.
I think you're making my point, Jack. It appears, in at least a few of the above cases, that marriage and long-distance hiking were not concurrent. I understand LW isn't exactly "single", but I haven't heard him use the word "marriage" either, and AFAIK, his thru-hiking (or rather, long-distance blue-blazing) days are mostly in the past. IIRC, he and Gypsy met while hiking, so that affects matters as well.
Of course, there's Jim and Ginny Owen -- but they hike together.
Anyway, I'm interested in further examples or counter-examples and other people's thoughts on this matter. I would expect that long periods of separation are not, in general, conducive to or indicative of a healthy marriage. In my case, even six weeks' absence was a bit of a challenge.
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 20:47
I've been deployed for a few years total. Married 19 going on 20.
Jack Tarlin
12-12-2007, 20:51
Many folks have perfectly happy marriages or relationships despite long-periods of separation, Terrapin. In some cases, the marriage can become stronger. I'd be loathe to make the generalizations that you seem to be making.
I've been deployed for a few years total. Married 19 going on 20.
So you figure you will get the OK to hike the AT a couple more times once 2008 is under your belt?
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 20:53
Here is one - Wildcat, a local that is on the last leg of his tripple crown - about 200 miles left on a SOBO of th CDT - married for many many years and still going while still doing long trails. http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5154
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 20:56
So you figure you will get the OK to hike the AT a couple more times once 2008 is under your belt?
Maybe, I don't know until I hike it ;). More than likely I will want to go find some new things to look at if I can finance it. I think for a married man that supporting a family while doing lots of long hikes would be the main issue if your wife is cool with it.
Oh, speaking of that sort of thing. Model T has how many thrus now? Still married after lots of years, lots of deployments, lots of trail time, and lots of grand children. http://modelt.homestead.com/
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-12-2007, 20:57
Many couples endure long periods of separation - as Rock notes. Relationships don't get much more committed than LW and Gypsy. Not everyone feels the need to get married to express that commitment. Sly and the late Cheryl were another example of love and devotion. {{{ Sly }}}
If the only thing holding a relationship together is constant contact, the relationship has problems. What is going to happen to those relationships when one member gets something like Alzheimer's or any other disease that causes personality changes (many do).... that person will be there physically only and there had better be something deeper than constant contact to carry the couple thru.
bigboots
12-12-2007, 21:07
I have never quit a job (or lost a job) to do a thru-hike.
Commitments - many.
Choices - good.
So what do I tell the boss to make him not fire me on the spot (or tp allow me to return) when I tell him I want to leave for 5-6 months???:-? Any suggestions?
Bigboots
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 21:39
Tell him you want a leave of absence and why. If you get fired, find a new boss.
smokymtnsteve
12-12-2007, 21:41
Free At Last!
I have met many men and women alike that are happily married that have done a thru-hike............
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 21:45
Free At Last!
Amen brother. I told my boss I wanted a leave of absense to hike the trail and he fired me ;)
Ok, it is more like I had to retire to make it happen. Maybe my next job will be a split between being a Ridgerunner for the Smokies and working at the local outfitter so I have some freedom to hike.
I have been unemployed for 16, going on 17, years now, it is avery difficult life.:D
Kirby
dixicritter
12-12-2007, 21:59
I've been deployed for a few years total. Married 19 going on 20.
Yep. Can't get rid of me that easily darlin! ;)
SGT Rock
12-12-2007, 22:15
Like I would try getting rid of you.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-12-2007, 22:16
Another devoted couple :D
Better to feared than loved, but best to be both....