With all the emphasis on light weight gear and reducing pack weight, mass, and density I was wondering if the tradition of carrying a pebble from Springer to Katadyn was falling out of vogue. I don’t have any clinical research, but I estimate the average pebble to weigh about 2 grams.
bc
We must get the word out that this tradition has to end! If we continue to transport real estate north, Katahdin will become so tall that oxygen canisters will be required to summit and Springer will rival Death Valley. Unless you have a designated SOBO who agrees to return a stone of equal size and weight ecological disaster awaits us all.
But then, there must be a large mountain forming somewhere south of Damascus since so many fall in the first 500.
CitySlicker
I lugged three very very small pebbles from Springer to Katahdin … I carried one for me, my dad, and my mom. Well worth it for me! Then again I was not a Lightweight backpacker. Plus they made great cheap Christmas presents … I placed the Springer pebble with a Katahdin pebble in a frame with my starting and finishing pictures.
:cheers
Flowcefus
I was going to do this but forgot to pick up a rock. I figure I would have lost it somewhere along the way anyway.
I also had three opportunities to moon the cog train on Mt Washington but chickened out. When I saw all those tourists with their cameras poised to take a shot I just coulnt do it. I just imagined that picture being posted on the web and thought the better of it.
I figure hauling myself to Kathadyn is enough work.:boy
jaln
I picked up a small pebble on Springer back in 2001. Section hiking whenever I can make the time, and yes the pebble makes the trip too. I’m kind of a traditional hiker at heart. There is much more to the trail than making the daily miles.:cheers
Billygoatbritt
I wonder how many of those Springer pebbles on Katahdin have been hauled back to Springer by SoBos thinking they had a Katahdin pebble.
celt