[at-l] Cold weather camping

[Ryan Crawford]

I started on March 9th, 1997.  Other than the first couple of nights it
wasn't bad at all crowd wise.  I was initially going to start a week later
but had heard at the ALDHA Gathering that starting between the March 15th
and April 15th  was a great way to see a ton of people so I moved my start
date back one week.  I would use the same start date/weekend again if I was
planning on a slow thru-hike.

I did a slow thru-hike, WAY TOO SLOW, and pretty much was only doing 8-10
miles a day the first three weeks.  Pretty much trying to add one mile per
day per week.  I met a ton of hikers that year since I was moving so slowly.
I normally only spent no more than a week around any particular hiker/group
of hikers.  It was until the end that I really spent anytime with any one
hiker.

The only trouble I had with other hikers, LMAO!!!, was I believe the second
night out.  I got to the Hawk Mt Shelter.  Quite a few people around that
night.  As we all headed off to bed after a nice evening around the campfire
we kept hearing this noise coming from another thru-hiker.  The noise, his
unbelievable loud snoring, ended up making two of us leave the shelter.  I
won't tell you the name of this Sly little snorer, LOL!!!  Sorry, I couldn't
resist, my devilish side has gotten to me this evening.

Ryan "MEANT 2B" Crawford
Sunapee, NH
GAME 97, MSG 01, SRK 03, Cross Rivendell Trail 06