ATC Says Trail Magic is Bad for the Trail

[MuddyWaters]

When it comes to feeds -- especially the larger ones --what percentage are driven by former thru hikers?

Are they considered groupies too, or is there another word for them?

I came across a couple of ex thru hiker doing trail food in Shenandoah, at a wayside, right where the hikers came out of woods. Carefully screening hikers to see if they were thru hikers before offering.

I was like ....dude...you know theres are restaurant right there , 50 yds away with burgers and shakes , right? whats the point.
They just wanted to talk to thru hikers...

[Curious G]

Hysterical! What's with all the word games? The trails are for hiking right? For hikers. So you are either a hiker on a trail for hiking or a visiting other at a weird petting zoo for humans passing out candy after the AT Conservancy has asked you not to. Because? Hikers are desperate? Why not row out to cruise ships in port and pass out beads fruit and flowers? Booze and food? You could join at shuffleboard and ferry passengers to shore maybe stay the night and try your luck at the casino? Hear all about other folks vacations. I've been reading up here online and if you google trail magic the results are not attractive from a hikers view. I signed up here to learn something and the news isn't good. Which is sad because it seems like its a lot easier to just not do something than it is to actually have to go do something if that makes sense. All you have to do to do whats right is nothing. Stay home. Or take a hike literally. You'll love it! My suspicion is that this should be filed under hey you get off of my cloud. I understand folks are trying to be kind and I don't want hurt feelings but let's respect the rules and each others space especially the very special places made for special reasons. To be alone or with friends and just walk. Thanks

[Uncle Joe]

Judging by the number of Yay's and Nay's TM must be doing about right.

[Seatbelt]

we're talking about trail groupies and the culture around the trail, both of which contribute to the "trail magic" issue.

groupie is not just a word for girls who follow rock bands around and culture is not just a word that refers to pieces of art in a museum. the appalachian trail has both a culture and groupies.

you keep insisting in looking at these things with such a narrow focus

Young man you don't have to "school" me on what a groupie or culture means. To insinuate that I don't know is insulting. And I am not the one with a narrow focus here. I have not accused everyone involved with TM as having an agenda. I have simply invited you and others to look at other possibilities for their motives, definitely not a characteristic of "narrow focus".

[Don H]

Hysterical! What's with all the word games? The trails are for hiking right? For hikers. So you are either a hiker on a trail for hiking or a visiting other at a weird petting zoo for humans passing out candy after the AT Conservancy has asked you not to. ...

I understand folks are trying to be kind and I don't want hurt feelings but let's respect the rules and each others space especially the very special places made for special reasons. To be alone or with friends and just walk. Thanks

The ATC did not ask anyone to stop trail magic, they did put out a list of suggestions on how to do it in a way that minimizes impact.

https://www.appalachiantrail.org/doc...rail-magic.pdf

[Seatbelt]

Young man you don't have to "school" me on what a groupie or culture means. To insinuate that I don't know is insulting. And I am not the one with a narrow focus here. I have not accused everyone involved with TM as having an agenda. I have simply invited you and others to look at other possibilities for their motives, definitely not a characteristic of "narrow focus".

Sorry if I came across "mean sounding". After reading my post, it didn't appear in the tone it was meant. I do agree that the "groupie" thing is becoming a problem, but it is only at certain times and certain places. The overall trail experience, in my experience, is mostly not like this and is whatever one makes of it. I don't see how the problem as mentioned could be eliminated or even slowed down. It is an extension or overflow of real society in the younger generation these days.

[tdoczi]

I have not accused everyone involved with TM as having an agenda.

nor have i, or anyone else.

but for some reason you insist on reading our comments that way.

[Seatbelt]

nor have i, or anyone else.

but for some reason you insist on reading our comments that way.

Wow, post 174 a clear 180 from this. No point is further discussing this with you. you've already changed your position, congrats!

[rocketsocks]

Why are we still calling organized hiker feeds trail magic...it's not!

[Sarcasm the elf]

Why are we still calling organized hiker feeds trail magic...it's not!

Because traditionally they would hire magicians to entertain the hikers while eating. Duh!

[Teacher & Snacktime]

Because traditionally they would hire magicians to entertain the hikers while eating. Duh!

I thought it was supposed to be reenactments of scenes from Monty Python's Holy Grail !

[rocketsocks]

I thought it was supposed to be reenactments of scenes from Monty Python's Holy Grail !

i once saw a reenactment of all the hall of famers summiting kahtahdin, and Bissels was drinkin' champagne from a boot.

[tdoczi]

Wow, post 174 a clear 180 from this. No point is further discussing this with you. you've already changed your position, congrats!

how is that post saying anyone has an agenda?

but i see your point. in the typing of that post i intended the term "trail magic" to mean the certain types of trail magic that i and others were discussing as being an issue, not all trail magic.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I thought it was supposed to be reenactments of scenes from Monty Python's Holy Grail !

Would explain the cougar sightings!

[rickb]

Why are we still calling organized hiker feeds trail magic...it's not!

Is a disorganized hiker feed OK?

[rocketsocks]

Is a disorganized hiker feed OK?

ask your ATC

[Odd Man Out]

If I were running a business in a trail town selling burgers to hikers and a guy sets up a tent out front giving away burgers, I'd be a little miffed. I'd rather support the local economy.

[Venchka]

If I were running a business in a trail town selling burgers to hikers and a guy sets up a tent out front giving away burgers, I'd be a little miffed. I'd rather support the local economy.

Once upon a time a long time ago in a galaxy far far away,
About 20 pages ago. I said something very similar.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rocketsocks]

If I were running a business in a trail town selling burgers to hikers and a guy sets up a tent out front giving away burgers, I'd be a little miffed. I'd rather support the local economy.

eggsactly!

[Don H]

he had no life outside the AT

Was that a bad thing?