Alicia's article on Blazing the AT

I just finished reading the third section of Alicia's article on the Blazing of the AT (http://www.trailspace.com/news/2007/11/19/blazing-a-good-trail-the-at-in-maine-part-three.html). If you haven't read it, and the first two parts, I strongly recommend it. First of all, it is really fantastic to have the thoughts of someone whose relative was instrumental in blazing an important section of the AT, and even more fantastic that it is Alicia, one of the principles in Trailspace (don't tell Dave I said this - Alicia is really the most important of the Founders and Keepers Trailspace - just kidding, Dave).

Anyway, that's the kind of thing we need more of - people's thoughts on their trips, whether newbies (like Blackbeard's First Backpack) or Alicia's viewpoint of a very experienced outdoorsperson, who is part of a familial line of woodsy folk.

Great writing, and a great read, Alicia! (yeah, yeah, I know, I should have put all this in the "article comments", and I did say something there, too. But I want to encourage people to read all 3 installments).

Thanks a lot, Bill. I appreciate the kind comments.

Following my great-uncle's scouting route was a unique opportunity to hike his same original section of trail and have that historical perspective. I'm really glad I went and did it this past summer. It's something I've been interested in for years.

Originally I thought of it as a simple hike from point A to point B. But like many an interesting hike or project, it left me with more unanswered than answered questions. And like all good hikes and projects, it challenged a lot of my expectations and taught me a lot in the process (cliche but true).

Maine's a section of AT that relatively few hikers see, and one which commands much respect.

I was struck in Waterman's account regarding history of Northeast hiking trails, about the AT's Connecticut section history, and the political conservatism of early trail builders -- a topic that bears little relevance to Maine.

The extreme deferance to landowners seems, in retrospect, perhaps foolish, given the relatively recent federal government's involvement.

Personally, I very mucy eny the United Kingdom's policy that enables hikers and campers to go nearly anywhere they like without much reference to "property rights."