Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 10:08:10 EDT Subject: An AT Institution retires today. Message from John Gordon: Steve The Ferryman hangs up his paddles as he retires from providing the canoe ferry across the Kennebec. If you'd like to drop Steve a card: Steve Longley Longley's Store Rt. 201 The Forks, Maine 04985 I wrote this to Steve today: stevelongley (at the domain) midmaine.com Hi Steve, I'd like to thank you for your extraordinary dedication to the Appalachian Trail community. Since 1987 over 14,000 hikers have been safely transported safely, thanks to you, across the trail's most dangerous 80 yards. There is no doubt in my mind that you have saved lives. I know future thruhikers will continue to enjoy your hospitality at Longley's Store, and past thruhikers will continue to hold their canoe ride across the Kennebec as a highlight of their AT hike. again, many thanks TJ aka John Gordon ALDHA Companion Field Editor, Caratunk > Katahdin (Earlier report) Steve the Ferryman is quitting when his contract is up this October. Steve has decided that after 16 years of running the canoe ferry for AT hikers across the Kennebec it's time to move on with the other personal and business aspects of his life. We had a nice talk on Monday up in Caratunk. Steve's put a considerable amount of thought into his decision. He has many reasons, all valid, and I wish him well. The big push of thruhikers is around Gorham heading north, Steve will be there providing safe crossings for them the next two months. After that it's up to the MATC and ATC to figure out what will happen next season on the AT's most dangerous 80 yards. 'Longley's Store' will still be there next year carrying thru-hiking supplies, and offering inexpensive tent sites for hikers. The website, 888 phone number, and email address are inactive now. The web page, not updated for this season, can still be viewed at www.riversandtrails.com. By the end of this season more than 14,000 AT hikers will have been rowed across the Kennebec since 1987.