is this something that is needed?
tia
is this something that is needed?
tia
no..
it's voluntary and only when the ATC is issuing them (non covid years)...
10 bucks on Etsy.....lots of colors.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/9277167...=1&bes=1&col=1
No.
Could it lead to interesting conversations with people, who want to hear about your journey so far, perhaps?
I've seen lots of comments about how section hikers have been made to feel inferior to thru hikers, so for that reason, I'm not sure how I would feel about displaying an ATC hang tag. Even if I had one issued from the ATC, I might just bury it in the bottom of my pack, or mail it home.
Why would a thru hiker think they are superior to a section hiker? It is just walking
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait until that other is ready...”~Henry David Thoreau
http://lesstraveledby.net
YouTube Channel
Trailspace Reviews
NHPete said, "I've seen lots of comments about how section hikers have been made to feel inferior to thru hikers,.... "
My question was right on point. Actually, one could make the argument that completion of the entire AT section by section is much, much more difficult from a logistics, cost, and physical pain standpoint and therefore, Section Hikers are superior.
Actually, one could make the argument that completion of the entire AT section by section is much, much more difficult from a logistics, cost, and physical pain standpoint and therefore, Section Hikers are superior
but, in the end, who really cares?
hyoh....
No one makes you feel. They provide opportunities to feel. The choice is yours when it comes to how you think about your hike. There is no scoreboard showing one above another, no objective scale we can use to measure them against each other. We each are out there for our own reasons, enjoying or torturing ourselves as we see best. Simply attempting each day on trail makes you superior to the person you were the day before, but nobody's hike makes them better than others. Judge yourself if you will, but don't worry about whether others think your hike is superior or inferior, just enjoy it while you can!
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait until that other is ready...”~Henry David Thoreau
http://lesstraveledby.net
YouTube Channel
Trailspace Reviews
Those who want the tag care. If you did not care, you would not have responded.
People like me who have wanted for over 40 years to hike the AT in its entirety and who are going to go thru great lengths to do it in accordance with each state's guidelines and/or laws? They might care. Some might care enough to stop donating to the badge maker because they see their broad action to withold recognition as petty, mean spirited, and bureaucratic. Of course, you can mind your own business, too.
thanks folks
So, I should get a patch for my pack that says something along the lines of "Thru-hikers do it to completion. Section hikes keep stopping in the middle"?
Yeah, but it's walking further and being out longer all in one go. It's getting the job done instead of dawdling along a little at a time.
Yeah, and passing math with a C grade by someone that struggles with it is superior to the A+ student that makes it look easy?
But, there IS an objective and clear scoreboard. Okay, maybe we should say scoreboards, plural. Who hikes the fastest? Who hikes the furthest? Who hikes the longest? Who hikes through the worst weather?
The point is exactly as you state in the beginning, "No one makes you feel. They provide opportunities to feel. The choice is yours . . ." Your scoreboard is the only one that really matters. Pick the score board that works for you and don't expect others the use the same one. AND, don't judge others by your scoreboard. . . oh gosh, we're back to hyoh.
Well said.
Yeah, or kicks it's ass.
Personally, I think I'm better than all of you because I haven't wasted 5 months of my life walking through an overpopulated, worn out, green tunnel, with little protective shelters along the way, following a well marked trail like a bunch of sheep. I backpack to higher elevations, with more dramatic views, navigating my own routes through untrailed wildernesses, days from the nearest roads. . .
Obviously, this is a really stupid, useless, and probably hurtful game where nobody wins unless we each acknowledge our need for a personal sense of value in what we do and recognition/appreciation from the people that matter to us. AND, most of all it is a game with no winners unless we each reach out to help others achieve that sense of personal worth and peace that this "game" is all about.
Now, get off the darn computer (speaking to myself) and go for a hike!
I'm not lost. I'm exploring.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait until that other is ready...”~Henry David Thoreau
http://lesstraveledby.net
YouTube Channel
Trailspace Reviews
Well said. I actually can't think of anything objective about what I would consider my personal scoreboard, which is much more subjective bliss, inspirational high, thrilling adrenaline rush, brag-worthy adventure stories, deep personal insightful moments, etc.
And, I do find myself belittling people in my mind that are not focused on the same things I am, even though I know my "scoreboard" isn't necessarily relevant to another person's experiences and values.
I'm not lost. I'm exploring.
Geez, someone slept in their grumpy trousers all winter.
As for me I keep score at my desk in $’s. On the trail I stop keeping score.
Those who want the tag care. If you did not care, you would not have responded.
People like me who have wanted for over 40 years to hike the AT in its entirety and who are going to go thru great lengths to do it in accordance with each state's guidelines and/or laws? They might care.
but the hang tags dont indicate that one has completed the trail...
it just means one has registered at the beginning of the trail indicating that they are
attempting a thru......
scores of people get the tag and dont even make it to virginia.....
the thing that does indicate one has completed the trail, in whatever fashion the hiker does it, and if they choose to get one is the certificate
from the ATC.......
Of course, you can mind your own business, too.
sure i could......but this is a discussion board and i am free to interject my thoughts........
if ya don't like my thoughts, feel free to scroll by or put me on your ignore list......IDGAF......