Misunderstanding

imported
#1

I believe that my wording to Treehuggin’ Cowgirl may have caused needless anger; for which I apologize.

I do believe that whether we are hikers or riders (or in some cases both) we should get along and I was in no way trying to start fights. We should be striving to achieve some sort of understanding. We may not always agree on matters but we should approach each other in a more respectful manner because we are all (theoretically) wanting the same thing. I do not believe mudslinging is the answer. I know nothing of treehuggin cowgirls background and she nows nothing of mine. It is unfair to make assumptions about me just as it is unfair to make assumptions about her. We may find we have more in common than we know…sorry we got off to a bad start.

I personally believe the beauty of the CDT is the fact that it allows you to find your own way (but that is my own opinion). With all of the push to get it completed, however, it will be a trail with treadway and gates and will eventually be open to all (if all goes well). I don’t believe we should play the blame game (I am not picking on you cowgirl) but rather we should be actively involved. If we don’t like what the agencies are doing then, as ginny said, get with the CDTA. They are the spearhead behind trail completion and they do work with the land management agencies. In addition I feel it is so important to volunteer on trail projects (CDTA has them every year) and to volunteer with the land management agencies themselves (by adopting a trail segment) and to just do what you can.

I think we should all also remember that even though the CDT is a high priority for completion many agencies are both understaffed and underbudgeted and are unable to get the CDT completed as soon as everybody would like. It is in a constant state of flux and what the trail looks like now may not be what it looks like in a year or two. So there are no gates now but that doesn’t mean there won’t be…I think our involvement will help push things along faster…we shouldn’t be complainers…we should be doers!!! :0)

I am not disputing that portions of this trail are inaccessible to livestock and as a horseowner I agree that alternative routes should be devised…and who knows maybe they are but haven’t been implemented yet.

Regardless…I apologize once again for any way my words may have been taken. It was not my intention to start an argument.

Best wishes to all hikers and riders…

dancingdog1

#2

As with any undertaking, especially the size of a trail like the CDT, there will be disagreements that might result in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

With positive discussion such as this it makes the process smooter.

Tim

#3

Smooter if code for smoother, btw.

Tim

#4

Thanks for beating me to it dancingdog1. I completely overreacted to your comments. I apologize. I’m a little hypersensitive on horse issues and had just had what I hope were my worst days on the CDT, but I shouldn’t have expressed my frustration directly at you. I also shouldn’t have immediately assumed you belonged to the “anti-horse” crowd.

I understand that the trail is most definitely a work in progress (it’s the imaginary trail ;). I’m just trying to draw attention to areas where equestrians have been sidelined. I hope to be a positive force in helping towards the completion of a contiguous, horse-friendly trail.

Again, thanks Dancingdog1 for beating me to the apology. I appreciate it, and I am sorry for my harsh words. Let’s just please keep discussion to here or personal e-mails instead of on my blog. Thanks!!

Treehuggin’ Cowgrl