Did you say "Thank you"?

imported
#1

Did you say “Thank You”?
Did you send that summit photo you promised? Drop a postcard to that favorite hostel? Send a note to that maintaining club? A get well card to Keith Shaw? No doubt you remember seeing those kinds of postcards and photos displayed proudly at many hostels, stores, and post offices. They really do mean a lot to those that receive them.
Addresses for almost the AT folks are in the ALDHA Companion or Wingfoot’s book.
If you need help finding any addresses, post here or drop me a line. I’m sure we can find any addresses you want.
Thank you,
Teej

TJ aka Teej

#2

Is Mr. Shaw sick? I have not heard of this before. I know he is getting up in years. I stopped there in 2000 and he still looked like he could give me a whupping if I acted up. Where can I send him a card?

Big B

#3

When I was at Shaw’s on 7/24/03 he was going under the needle later that week, hope everything is alright.

I think it’s important to send thank you’s to the people who went out of their way to help hikers, especially the many times they saved us and took us out of the rain. People like Tom in Dalton, who take hikers in, give them a huge sundae and a good conversation are worthy of a thank you. IMO there is no need to send one to every establishment thou, especially the ones who charged you 20-30 bucks and didnt give a damn about hikers. You wouldn’t send a thank you to a holiday inn would you?
In short, just celebrate the folks who made a difference

A-Train

#4

Keith Shaw
Shaw’s Boarding House
Pleasant Street
Monson, ME 04464

Mr Shaw still probably could whup any of us :O)

TJ aka Teej

#5

“celebrate the folks who made a difference”

Exactly. I was looking at a bulletin board full of cards at a hostel this summer with the owner. Some hikers had Christmas cards made up with their summit pics, some sent postcards from other trails, all were cherished. She told me that she loved getting cards because she always wonders what happened to the people she cared for, cooked for, or gave rides to. With all the chatter lately about “bad” hiker behavior, I remembered how much this kind of “good” hiker behavior meant to her. I also remember her comment that ‘lots of hikers say they’ll send a card, but few ever do.’

TJ aka Teej

#6

And for those who visited with her, thanks also to Tillie Woods at Woods Hole Hostel! Truly a unique and selfless lady!

sky rider

#7

Danke, Teej, danke veery much. Guzunti!

:bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling

Hans

#8

Teej has raised a tremendous subject! In my experience, I’ve never met a service provider that didn’t absolutely love hearing back from former hiker guests/customers, etc. And, no, of course you’re under no obligation to write everyone. But the places that stand out in your mind, the ones you’d like to return to, the ones who went the extra mile for you—whether it’s a hostel in Tennessee, an Outfitter in West Virginia, a trail angel in Pensylvania, whatever the case, take a minute and send 'em a card. It really brightens their day, and in many cases, it inspires them to keep up with what they’re doing for hikers.

As for Keith in Monson, when I last saw him on 2 October, he seemed fine. But he has had some health issues lately, and I’m sure some cards would cheer him up considerably.

Jack Tarlin

#9

I sent out probably 30 such cards last year. The Peoples @ Kincora actually sent me back a Christmas card and the Shaws sent me a T-shirt!! Neither of which I expected of course. It was nice when the hostel folks would give you an address label that you could just stick in your journal or address book.

Bluebearee

#10

I spent two nights at Shaws’. Oct. 9 & 10 th. Allthow Keith has had some recient medical problems he was doing O.K. during my visit he cooked breakfast both mornings and is still driving his car. The day before they had just butchered one of the steers. Keith sr. comes from good Yankee stock and it’s hard to keep people like that down.
I can only say, if your up that way and don’t stay at Shaws’ Boarding House you are missing a real AT experience.

Grampie

#11

I would agree with Grampie that if you don’t stay at Shaw’s Boarding house you are missing a real AT experience. In addition I would also say that if you do not stay at the Pie Lady’s House you are missing an equally wonderful AT experience.

Blue Jay