There are wants and needs in life. There is no NEED for hostels on the AT. They just make hiking easier. Same as shelters. Folks need to learn how to take better care of thier own ass during bad weather. Suck it up and hike!
Lone Wolf
HOSTEL CLOSING - Appalachian Trail
system
#22
2005 hiker hit the nail on the head. nuff said.
thru-hikers aren’t “entitled” to anything “special” on their hike, but in turn,i’m not sure why they’re expected to sleep in a freekin’ hole and come out smilin’ the next day!if the place sucks and they state their view ,jerks use the excuse,just another thu-hiker who think the world owes him something. that’s an ignorant statement i.m.o.
GA -> ME “05”
system
#23
No need to turn this into a pissing contest. We can discuss this without name calling or insulting one another. 
Jeffrey Hunter
system
#24
fIRST AND FORMOST. I am not bitter towards hikers. Seriously. I shuttle them into town, I get in huge amounts of trouble for 'HOOKING" them up with food, and I also have been blasted for selling bunkrooms for 10$ a night. I ve snuck them into the apartment to sleep in the extra bunk in my room (for free) Ive let them use the internet, Ive done laundry for them… and im Not SUPPOSE TO. When I bring them to EMS to buy new boots and other stuff I mail their old **** back to them… Im not bitter. I trail angel. I make myself pretty much available for them if they need anything. Im sorry thru hike 05 that you choose to judge me upon these threads alone. But. Once again. I am a trail angel. I greet every dang hiker that comes in here. I give them fresh avacados when they leave. I wrap up leftover bread for them to take with them. I give them free **** allllll of the time. You must have worked here when the AMC ran the place, by the way. they left mid contract 90 thousand dollars in debt, and they almost burned down the lodge. so. thats my story and Im sticking to it. :cheers
HEMPTRESS71
system
#25
Sounds like you need to stop coddling thru-hikers and risking your job. They can pay full price like everybody else or move on. They’re not suffering. Thier asses have been kissed since Georgia.
Lone Wolf
system
#26
fIRST. ILL CODDLE WHO EVER I DAMN PLEASE. SECOND. FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ANYTHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT BASCOM LODGE, MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT AFTERBURNER’S NEWEST JOURNAL ENTRY 7-15-06. HE SEEMED TO HAVE A GRAND OLE TIME ON MY MOUNTAIN.:cheers
HEMPTRESS71
system
#27
I think the major problem regarding this issue is that some folks have forgotten what backpacking is suppose to be. Stay out of the hotels, the hostels, the shelters, etc and pitch a solid stormproof 10lb double walled tent every night.
Mad Max