Comments on: Champagne Gate – Scott Jurek’s AT FKT

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 19:24:05 +0000

In reply to Clint. Discussing the ramifications of it is not endorsing it. To ignore it, and not realize it signals the changing use of the outdoors, is not good imo.

By: Clint

Clint — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 19:37:00 +0000

Publicity stunt. I’m disappointed you acknowledged him. Just my opinion

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:46:21 +0000

In reply to Mike.

In the climbing community, which is just as fractious as the hiking community at times, there was similar arguing.

http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web15w/newswire-caldwell-jorgeson-free-dawn-wall

“The Dawn Wall project has stirred some controversy of its own, for the surrounding media coverage and for Caldwell and Jorgeson’s manner of ascent. “The style is a throwback to the ’50s siege climbing [and] some locals are unhappy about this circus,”

Not sure how the NPS felt..but based on the media blitz that lasted a long time, the effort was probably more organized with NPS being active in the planning vs BSP in this FKT.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 15:41:18 +0000

Was there a similar (polarized) reaction to the media attention when Caldwell/Jorgenson completed their Dawn Wall climb?

I don’t really have a problem with his celebration, even though alcohol is not allowed. How many AT hikers (thrus and otherwise) will have a drink during their hike? Unless someone is totally innocent of this infraction (and others), I would expect they should just keep their mouth shut and not judge.

I don’t begrudge BSP their annoyance either, though.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 12:22:55 +0000

I think he hiked his own hike and I’m happy for him, to set a goal and accomplish it is what we all strive for. It’s not my idea of a thru-hike but it doesn’t matter.

My first thought when I saw the photo’s of his summit was his celebration looked obnoxious and loud. Even I knew alcohol is prohibited (I’ve read the park rules). I’ve been at Baxter Peak when thru hikers finish, yes there’s some noise but overall it’s silent celebration and for some somber as they finish. Each person takes a turn at the sign, even us lowly day hikers. Get your photo, move out of the way. You don’t want it to become like the summit of Mt. Washington. If a thru-hiker wants a few extra minutes I don’t begrudge them one bit.

As for the fines, he should pay them, apologize and move on. He and his entourage broke park rules plain and simple.