[pct-l] Whores and the TahquitzInn

[Jack Coughlin]

Sigh...
   
  This is unfortunately not a new phenomenon. In 1996 ALDHA (east) started an Endangered 
  Services Campaign to try to raise awareness among hikers  (to use their words) to Hike In
  Harmony and be a Social Animal because so many services were closing their doors to 
  hikers on the AT.   ALDHA has created posters to try getting this message across.
  In 2001 on the PCT, myself and two other hikers allowed the folks in Siead Valley to vent 
  their frustrations on us because of a pack of inconsiderate hikers and when I got to Cascade 
  Lockes I was refused a room at a motel because of these same hikers.   As far as hikers 
  handling the problem themselves.  I tried.  I talked to the most receptive members  of 
  that group in Oregon to try to get them to understand the impact of their behavoir but it didn't 
  work as was evident when I got to Cascade Locke.  The sad thing is as individuals they all 
  seemed like good people but in a group they were aweful.
   
  I don't know the answer but wish I did.  It seems on the PCT that some hikers get so spoiled 
  by all the kindness of the trail angels down south that they feel entitled to that treatment 
  everywhere they go.  I had hikers complain about Poohs Corner because there were too 
  many rules.  I talked to those hikers too and asked them what they expected from someone 
  who invites you into their home, feeds you, gives you a place to sleep and do laundry and the 
  answer I got was "well it's not like the Saufleys."   (This is not meant as an attack on Jeff 
  and Donna who are simply amazing people but nothing is like the Saufley's)
   
  In answer to Andrea's questions.  Hikers should  expect nothing special from businesses 
  and trail angels and any time they are treated with kindness they should be extremely 
  thankful for anything they are given.  Some hikers say they are on limited budgets and 
  therefore should be treated special but I so disagree.  Long distance hikers make a 
  conscious decision to quit their jobs and spend 5 to 6 months as "unemployed vagrants" and 
  nobody owes them anything.
   
  Thank you to any and all trail angels out there for helping out hikers.  If it becomes a financial 
  burden there is nothing wrong with asking for contributions to help cover costs.  If a hiker 
  doesn't like it, that's their problem not yours.  Wish them well and send them on their way.
   
  Sorry for ranting here but this is a sore subject with me and a problem that should not exist.
   
  Sincerely,
   
  Jack AT 94, PCT 01
   
  Merry Christmas