NESTVAL 2024 at Westfield State!

 First time in my memory, that Westfield State University hosts New England St Lawrence Valley Geographical Society!

For a link on the meeting see Upcoming Meeting – NESTVAL (aag.org).

And register here.

50 years ago today, in the Presidentials

 Some pics from 50 years ago.

Mt. Madison

Back when I had hair

Former Edmunds Col emergency shelter

So disgusted by crowds on Mt Washington, I waited until Lake of the Clouds to snap pic

Further south, another view of Mt. Washington

The USDA-FS map

Waiting a few days at Pinkham Notch, meant I had great weather to traverse the Trail above the timberline.

Future Dystopian Attractions: Benign Masochism in Dark Tourism

 Dark Tourism Futures: Thoughts, Ideas, Scenarios

 The Future of Dark Tourism by Philip R. Stone (channelviewpublications.com)

Philip R. Stone & Daniel W.M. Wright

Chapter 21

Robert Bristow, Alina Gross & Ian Jenkins

Future Dystopian Attractions: Benign Masochism in Dark Tourism

Bristow et al., examine the nature and future of ‘fright attractions.’ The chapter offers a critical account of how and why voyeuristic audiences are drawn to a fictional future of death and suffering, while insisting on a sanitised spectacle. Taking a cross-cultural approach, Bristow et al., anticipate the future of ‘fright tourism’ based upon a macabre interest in death, yet one that is disinfected from reality. With case examples from Japan, Mexico, and Romania, the study is grounded in notions of risk, folklore and mythmaking, geopolitics, religiously, and cultural identity. The chapter also suggests that a ‘benign masochism’ (of pain and pleasure) might be inherent in fright tourism and will remain a key issue for future (lighter) dark tourism attractions and tourist experiences.

Fifty years ago today on the AT

 Fifty years ago, we hike the trail between Sugarloaf and Spauling Mountains in Maine, the very last piece of trail to make the whole AT complete that was blazed and cleared on August 14, 1937.

Some pics and maps of the area:

and the LiDAR image

Today, 50 years ago, on Appalachian Trail

 The first day of September 1974, Avery LT was our camp after a 21 mile day.  Several nice views from the mountains along the way including mine, the same as Avery’s Silver Aisle picture.   Several LT’s are now found next to the pond.

Except for the lack of backpackers in the shot, this view has to be one of the most iconic views found along the whole AT.  I think it might top McAfee Knob!

The Bigelow Range was initially blazed by Helon N. Taylor, then Game Supervisor in Maine.  The trail was later improved in 1934-36 by the CCC.

A current map of the Mountain can be found here.

A highly recommended hike!