Trail Magic and Trail Trash

imported
#1

I would like to thank the person who is leaving Poland Springs water bottles at nearly every road crossing in New Jersey. You have successfully alleviated the need for some to actually plan water needs and have successfully contributed to more trash on the trail. I am sure that you feel that you are providing a service, but feel free to be their daily to haul out the the end result of your efforts.
Currently the water situation in New Jersey is very good and your efforts, though well intentioned, are not needed.
If you desire to give back to the trail contact the NY/NJ Trail Conference for opportunities and ways that give back and preserve the AT.

Bruce G

#2

Hmmm I think that my Mother once said something about, If you can’t say anything nice then don’t, ummmmm, don’t, hmmmmmm what is the end of that again?

Prospector

#3

I will be doing some magic in Snp @ Pocosin Cabin i will be cooking for the 4th.And no thanks I am already a Member of the trail conference and don’t litter the trails and i carry my trash out lol.I hope to meet alot of thru hikers for my thru hike in 07 Hope all has a great 4th…Tambourine

Tambourine

#4

I just came through there and would like to offer a sincere thank you for the water left in NJ & NY. Half the water sources in NY are suspect…and I know that many of the hikers appreciate fresh clean water that they don’t have to treat. One place even has a warning posted about run off coming from a farm upstream. Guess I didn’t know Brucie’s rule to “plan your water needs” rules over a little trail magic. Providers have always cleaned up afterwards.

BTW, the best way to conserve the AT is not to use it at all…which is what many of the conferences and guys like Bruce really want I guess…they really hate it that there’s a footpath at all.

I would also like to thank the club/organization that moved the rocks off the footpath and cut back the overgrowth in northern NY near Rte 52…most clubs use LNT as an excuse to do nothing with their sections. BTW, thanks too to folks like Tambourine.

eb

#5

Geez…did somebodys little boy get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning??? Now Now…play nice…

Pam

#6

I think its a valid point.Although everyone on this sight has great respect for the trail and the"leave no trace"aspect. It never hurts to just blanket the word about picking up your magic aftermath. A cooler full of 4 day old empty soda cans is ,well.

Virginian

#7

I just wonder who pissed in Bruce’s gorp. Your point to be there to pick up someone else’s trash is way off base. It is not the responsibility of the trail angel to tend to the recipient of the magic. You should look for the good in everyone and speak encouragingly. Try not to sound like such a sourpuss. If you want to some trail magic of your own, you go and be the trash guy. It is a very important thing to do, but don’t beat up the waterboy.

Dale

#8

Ran into some thru hikers today and they said how thankful they were that people had left water in NJ/NY. The water sources they had come across were not desirable. So I’m passing on their thank you to those who left the water.

socks

#9

Thanks Virginian. I am not against trail magic. Just that magic that is supposed to “magically clean itself up”

Bruce G