Hate to hear this, always wanted to meet him
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Hate to hear this, always wanted to meet him
I met BJ in a shelter in NC, near Standing Indian Mtn right before a horrible storm.
I recall that at first we thought "here is a dirty homeless person taking up the shelter". There was stuff scattered everywhere.
He said that he hated shelters, and did not like to use outhouses... I mentioned that I had been hiking the AT since about 1970 and he said that was a lot longer than he had been hiking it. I think he stayed the night in that shelter, while we headed out into the storm and got drenched just before reaching the next shelter.
Ran into Jack several times thru the years. He always seemed to be popping up in the most unexpected places. Spent a couple of nights with him. He was very gracious but could rub some people the wrong way. I remember one night at Brown Fork Gap shelter he got everyone at the shelter to pool their food and he cooked up a fantastic trail meal. Another time he was cooking trail magic at Hikers Welcome Hostel and trashing SOBO's. Good time. RIP Jack.
I meet him at Kincora going through that section last year.
Very gracious and kind person.
He seemed pretty young, gone way too soon.
Condolences to his loved ones........he will be missed.
Floyd
He loved ragging on about SOBOs. I recall his words exactly: go SOBO if you "wanna spend Thanksgiving in a box."
I think I first met Jack sharing a bottle with Keith Shaw Jr., in the boathouse or garage across the road from Shaw's. In truth I don't have a positive ID, but everything fits. 90% sure it was Jack. It was at least 15 years ago. He will be missed.
RIP Jack. You will be missed
Sad news indeed. A true trail legend. My condolences to his family.
Met BJ several times. His contributions - both here on WB and in person to aspiring thruhikers - were almost always sound and well-reasoned. He will be missed.
Dear jillian,
Your father is sorely missed.
You have a place in hikerdom .
You are family.
Matty.
From his profile page...http://whiteblaze.net/forum/member.php/227-Jack-Tarlin
Man, myth, legend........... Stories that never got old.
Very sad news. A true advocate for the trail.
Never met him but enjoyed reading his posts. He seemed like a great guy always willing to help. RIP
Baltimore Jack inspired many of us to be better more conscientious less selfish people first hikers second. Always enjoyed his presence as an AT supporting fixture. His depth of knowledge, thoughts, and contributions beyond himself demonstrated a trail and life wisdom arrived at by contemplating lifelong experiences I will sorely miss. Jack Tarlin certainly loved the AT and hikers. TU BJ for embracing this sometimes brash young wannabe hiker always steering me in a positive trail and life direction. The AT community has lost another father. Many are richer, wiser and better through his efforts.
From his profile: "Am primarily interested in helping and assisting first-time thru-hikers with their trip planning and preparations, and am always available to do so."
Honest words he lived by!!! He walked his talk and walked his walk. Jack knew himself well sometimes being hard on himself.
From Jack’s Facebook page, and in his own words this past April 22 (after Prince died):
“This is pretty impressive. If you Google "Prince Tributes Purple" (Images), you'll find lots more. The Niagara Falls shots are pretty amazing. Makes me wonder what I'll get on the Trail when I check out. Maybe I rate a purple headlamp or two, I'll be happy with that!”
I was stunned to read the news this morning… I’d have to say he rates far more than “a purple headlamp or two.” May he rest in peace and his wisdom, kind acts, and stories be shared with others. He will never truly be gone as long as he is remembered. I offer my condolences to all who knew and loved him.
****.. sad news indeed. ****.. we rarely agreed.. **** ... RIP BJ.. cheers.. to a legend and mentor to many..