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  1. #1
    ME => GA 19AT3 rickb's Avatar
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    Default Did the Crawford Family (7 of 8) really summit?

    You know what they say about people who assume...

    The reason I am asking is the only online “confirmation” I have seen is from the BSP Facebook page.

    And on the FB page they don’t mention the Crawfords by name, or even make mention of the family of eight.

    Rather, they just commended a “couple with a 2 year old” that asked about the rules “recently” and were told they could not be waived.

    That post was on Tuesday afternoon.

    Is it possible BSP was referring to another couple?

    Alternatively, is it possible BSP made that post regarding their communication the Crawfords before they even entered the Park? If you read it carefully it says nothing about the family’s actual experience on Katahdin.

    Do we know for a fact that seven (and only seven) of the Crawfords sumitted?

    BSP didn’t say that, just that they (the couple) devised a plan to take turns. BSP never offered congratulations — understandable if they were not there to observe first hand.

    We have not heard from the Crawford’s directly about their time in the Park.

    Was BSP setting the stage in case we ever were to see photos of little Ranier on Baxter Peak?

    Is Ben gauging social media and setting the stage before posting them?

    Am I nuts for even considering the possibility?
    Last edited by rickb; 08-10-2018 at 06:22.

  2. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by rickb View Post
    You know what they say about people who assume...

    The reason I am asking is the only online “confirmation” I have seen is from the BSP Facebook page.

    And on the FB page they don’t mention the Crawfords by name, or even make mention of the family of eight.

    Rather, they just commended a “couple with a 2 year old” that asked about the rules “recently” and were told they could not be waived.

    That post was on Tuesday afternoon.

    Is it possible BSP was referring to another couple?

    Alternatively, is it possible BSP made that post regarding their communication the Crawfords before they even entered the Park? If you read it carefully it says nothing about the family’s actual experience on Katahdin.

    Do we know for a fact that seven (and only seven) of the Crawfords sumitted?

    BSP didn’t say that, just that they (the couple) devised a plan to take turns. BSP never offered congratulations — understandable if they were not there to observe first hand.

    We have not heard from the Crawford’s directly about their time in the Park.

    Was BSP setting the stage in case we ever were to see photos of little Ranier on Baxter Peak?

    Is Ben gauging social media and setting the stage before posting them?

    Am I nuts for even considering the possibility?
    No...you're not nuts for considering the possibility.
    It's seems it was a very "timed" and vague post by BSP the other day which could have easily been cleared up by the OP. (or maybe the OP didn't read the responses)

    I see a post on FB by the shuttle driver that drove them to BSP yesterday (8-9-2018).

    Time while sort it all out.

    Personally, if I was part of the Crawford's family, my vote at the family meeting would be for the whole family to stop at tree line.
    They have nothing to prove to anyone.

    Pretty amazing family and has to be a positive inspiration to other families considering going on any adventure.
    "Fight For Together" and the possibilities are endless.

    I can't imagine anyone wanting them to fail, but there seems to be many in that boat, both here on WB and on FB. You know....the "HYOH" as long as I approve bunch.

    I respect the family of eight. They had a good walk and are excellent ambassadors for the Appalachian Trail.
    Stumpknocker
    Appalachian Trail is 35.9% complete.

  3. #3

    Default

    They have been making YouTube videos the entire way. Don’t you think they did the final day as well? The posts are just a couple weeks behind. Be patient.

  4. #4

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    From the Timing of their videos, vs the Parks explanation, I would say they are speaking of another family however if the Crawfords called, they could have only spoke of the 2 year old then that is all the park would know.. thus not referencing the rest of the kids, in due fact, the other kids are not the point of this subject line and by not mentioning them as well, it keeps somewhat a level of privacy from the parks POV. My assumption is, there will be a video, and the entire family (8) will be at the Katahdin sign. The family has money and IMO it is worth it to them to break the rule, do what they want for the picture, and pay the fine.
    Trail Miles: 4,927.6
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  5. #5
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    Default

    One person suggested that they carry a small tree up with them, thereby keeping the youngster "below" tree line. LOL

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by stumpknocker View Post
    Personally, if I was part of the Crawford's family, my vote at the family meeting would be for the whole family to stop at tree line.
    They have nothing to prove to anyone..
    +1. Stop at the property line to the park and leave it at that. That would sure make a point.

  7. #7
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stumpknocker View Post
    I see a post on FB by the shuttle driver that drove them to BSP yesterday (8-9-2018).
    Mind giving a link or a specific reference?

  8. #8
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    They finished yesterday at the tree line and did it together!!! (There is a link to their Instragram from the youtube videos that you can see, even if not on Instagram)

    I am so impressed by them and what they accomplished and the adversity they overcame. I was hoping to meet them but missed seeing them by two days on my New Hampshire section hike in July.

    (On the other hand, I am not impressed by many of the forum members here, but I am going to bite my tongue and leave it at that)

  9. #9
    Registered User IslandPete's Avatar
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    The “break the rules and pay the fine” suggestions kinda confuse me...

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by tommaloney View Post
    Mind giving a link or a specific reference?
    Hope this works;

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

    This is the entire family's summit photo at tree line.

    Real classy ending for the Crawford family!!! Total respect from me.
    Stumpknocker
    Appalachian Trail is 35.9% complete.

  11. #11
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    Default

    Thanks stumpknocker. That does work. They were consistent with their belief system right to the end of their thru. Amazing family.

  12. #12

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    BTW kudos to Hudson from Bearded Woods Hostel for making the sign, carrying it up Katahdin, and orchestrating this "summit" finale.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater
    Last edited by Teacher & Snacktime; 08-10-2018 at 12:26.
    "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it."

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gambit McCrae View Post
    From the Timing of their videos, vs the Parks explanation, I would say they are speaking of another family however if the Crawfords called, they could have only spoke of the 2 year old then that is all the park would know.. thus not referencing the rest of the kids, in due fact, the other kids are not the point of this subject line and by not mentioning them as well, it keeps somewhat a level of privacy from the parks POV. My assumption is, there will be a video, and the entire family (8) will be at the Katahdin sign. The family has money and IMO it is worth it to them to break the rule, do what they want for the picture, and pay the fine.

    No, not how it happened, though they did get their photo at the Katahdin sign!
    "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it."

  14. #14
    ME => GA 19AT3 rickb's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by stumpknocker View Post
    Hope this works;

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

    This is the entire family's summit photo at tree line.

    Real classy ending for the Crawford family!!! Total respect from me.
    Just wonderful!

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gambit McCrae View Post
    The family has money and IMO it is worth it to them to break the rule, do what they want for the picture, and pay the fine.
    That kind of arrogant attitude is what creates problems for rule and law abiding hikers.

  16. #16
    GSMNP 900 Miler
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gpburdelljr View Post
    That kind of arrogant attitude is what creates problems for rule and law abiding hikers.
    So wish this forum had a "Like" button

  17. #17
    ME => GA 19AT3 rickb's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gpburdelljr View Post
    That kind of arrogant attitude is what creates problems for rule and law abiding hikers.
    I think it is great they ended exactly how they did for so many reasons.

    They really had to stay together, right?

    Sometimes decisions regarding “rules” are not black and white, however.

    Long-time readers of BSP drama know just how seriously the park takes infractions on Katahdin.

    An average Joe, might not. Even if one is told “no” on the phone, that gives little context— was the “No” because some mid-level person did not want to take responsibility for the health and wealfare of their child? Or was the “no” because the park has elevated its rules (which are not found anywhere else in America) to something of great importance. I think I know, but would everyone?

    Did you notice the beer in the background of the summit shot of a rather inspirational septuagenarian who posted recently? If so, do you think it would have been lugged up if there was a good understanding of just how egregious an act the park views that kind of transgression?

    That is why I posted in a now deleated thread that I hoped the ATC made contact with the Family to provide some background on BSP, and it’s particular “focus”.

    I have no idea if that occurred, but when there are “highly unusual” rules on the books, having some understanding of why they are there, and how breaking them might have consequence for others matters, I think. I bet the family came to understand this.

    But I do get that some think all rules/laws matter to some in the absolute, regardless. Perhaps even the laws on the books that make it illegal to educate your dog in the city of Hartford CT.
    Last edited by rickb; 08-10-2018 at 17:09.

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by rickb View Post
    I think it is great they ended exactly how they did for so many reasons.

    They really had to stay together, right?

    Sometimes decisions regarding “rules” are not black and white, however.

    Long-time readers of BSP drama know just how seriously the park takes infractions on Katahdin.

    An average Joe, might not. Even if one is told “no” on the phone, that gives little context— was the “No” because some mid-level person did not want to take responsibility for the health and wealfare of their child? Or was the “no” because the park has elevated its rules (which are not found anywhere else in America) to something of great importance. I think I know, but would everyone?

    Did you notice the beer in the background of the summit shot of a rather inspirational septuagenarian who posted recently? If so, do you think it would have been lugged up if there was a good understanding of just how egregious an act the park views that kind of transgression?

    That is why I posted in a now deleated thread that I hoped the ATC made contact with the Family to provide some background on BSP, and it’s particular “focus”.

    I have no idea if that occurred, but when there are “highly unusual” rules on the books, having some understanding of why they are there, and how breaking them might have consequence for others matters, I think. I bet the family came to understand this.

    But I do get that some think all rules/laws matter to some in the absolute, regardless. Perhaps even the laws on the books that make it illegal to educate your dog in the city of Hartford CT.
    So if you see some posted rules, you’re free to decide if you think they are serious about it? I don’t think so. As a guest, it’s just plain common courtesy to obey the posted rules.
    Last edited by gpburdelljr; 08-10-2018 at 22:03.

  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by stumpknocker View Post
    Hope this works;

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

    This is the entire family's summit photo at tree line.

    Real classy ending for the Crawford family!!! Total respect from me.
    I couldn’t agree more. Besides, this ending leaves them with a more memorable story. When someone asks the kids in ten years about their journey, they will likely end their story with a footnote about the stupid 6-year old rule. Ha!!

  20. #20
    ME => GA 19AT3 rickb's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gpburdelljr View Post
    So if you see some posted rules, you’re free to decide if you think they are serious about it? I don’t think so. As a guest, it’s just plain common courtesy to obey the posted rules.
    It is hard to make it all the way to Maine or Springer without breaking some.

    Did you know, for example that you would be violating Federal regulations if you fail to hang your food 10” in the air and 4” from a tree in the Whites, in most any place that does not have a bear box?

    65824DEF-0208-47E9-9B90-A2E3F22C0465.png F414C994-3647-4FEC-851D-05427F10333F.png

    And how many conciencious thru hikers violate the letter of camping regulations at least once during their hikes — even if they respect the spirit of them. Then there are violations of important LNT “rules” that while not in the Federal register, have a significant impact on the Trail.

    Understanding that is not promoting bad behavior, it recognizing reality.

    Understanding That BSP goes ape**** over some things — don’t you love the timing of their Facebook post about two year olds, which they just clarified had nothing to do ith th Crawford’s — is important for people to know.

    The ATC thinks this is important enough that they pay to have a representative in Monson to do just that.

    So yea, it is important to know which rules are taken seriously — and which aren’t.

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