[cdt-l] Keep Smilin'

[Bruce Ward]

Then it has to be a Guinesss...let me know when you are out our way.

 

Bruce Ward

Executive Director

Continental Divide Trail Alliance

PO Box 628 

Pine, CO 80470

 

Tel.  303  838 3760

Cell: 303 917 1476

Fax: 303 838 3960

 

Shipping Address:

CDTA

13700 Highway 285

Pine CO 80470

 

________________________________

From: cdt-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:cdt-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of RICHARD MALLERY
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:55 AM
To: cdt-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [cdt-l] Keep Smilin'

 

I would just like to say that this is a great list of kindred spirits.
We don't have to agree on everything. Debate is healthy. We will not
settle the bootheel or many other conflicts here--but not talking about
them will not make them go away. What will alleviate a lot of confusion
for new hikers to the trail is information. Armed with information they
will make their choices. I do not want my recent postings to leave the
impression on those new to the trail that it is a dangerous or hostile
environment out there. Quite the opposite. I camped just outside
Littleton the day of the Columbine shooting spree on my way to the
trail. Watching the news you would think the world had gone mad--and not
a safe place to wander. I spent the next five months meeting friendly,
helpful, generous people along this most spectacular of long trails in
the world. Do not make the mistake of visualizing ranchers as
unfriendly, gun-totting, anti-federalist. They are just good, hard
working people. I met three before I even made it to Pie Town. All gave
me water and area information. I, like you, must be the Chamber of
Commerce for hikers. I talked about the low impact practices of
backpackers and their respect for the land and property. If I came to a
fence made of brittle ocotillo post (often) I didn't climb over and
break it down like those negligent elk who still think its their land. I
belly crawled under. I left gates the way I found them. Common sense and
common courtesy will take you across the country with little problem in
the way of relationships. Backpackers do have some perception problem
from those who do not understand us. 

I'm in Northern Lower Michigan. We are called Trolls. No, really Ben.
People in the UP (Upper Peninsula) call us below the Mackinaw
Bridge--Trolls. Anyway, the North Country Trail goes through here. One
of the funniest stories I use doing speaking engagements is about
Senator Mack, a political curmudgeon from the UP. He opposed the North
Country Trail. At one meeting he said, "Those backpackers come to town
and all they bring is one dollar and one pair of underwear--And they
don't change either one of them." 

Now you and I know that is only half true. If there's a strawberry
milkshake to be had that dollar is history. 

Anyway, I hope we are all parting this debate as friends. I know I'm
happy, Bruce is buying the beer. I'm Irish, I don't forget promises like
that. I also want to thank Sly for letting these post continue when some
wanted them stopped. That's what a list like this is all about. --Keep
Smilin' Dick E. Bird 

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