Support Your Local AMC Caretaker!

Dylan from Dartmouth

Many people find themselves despairing when it comes to today's youth. Not me. Head out into the backcountry and stay at an AMC hut or shelter and you'll meet some great young people who will restore your optimism for our future.

Case in point: Dylan, the caretaker at Nauman tentsite, which is right next door to Mizpah Spring hut in the southern Presidentials. Dylan recently graduated from Dartmouth College and is spending his summer in the White Mountains, welcoming and educating hikers. He's a roving caretaker, which means he hikes to different sites to give the "regular" caretaker a few days off. Another part of his job is sifting the outhouse compost that can be converted into soil. Yuk. While he's hiking between sites, he carries an axe and clears trail.

He's full of exuberance AND full of tact/grace and people skills. I witnessed this first-hand when a scout group of 19 (Yikes-- 19 is a big-- and illegal- group to take into the backcountry). They slid into Nauman during the afternoon while Dylan was out, and kind of took over the tent platforms. He didn't let this phase him in the least, and was extremely gracious.

I had the pleasure of talking to him about his college days, his major, his European travels, and where life might take him after the summer.Plus, he's got really cool hair.

Do yourself a favor and plan at least one overnight hike that takes you to a backcountry shelter. You'll meet some "interesting" people and some great caretakers. Plus, if it's a shelter you're visiting, you can skip the tent (weight!).