New Hampshire Trail Privies: Sit Free or Die
.jpg "New Hampshire Trail Privies: Sit Free or Die")
I saw a very funny poster in Lincoln, NH Hampshire yesterday, just south of Franconia Notch. It was titled "Sit Free or Die" and depicts 11 New Hampshire shelter privies (outhouses.) Many of the privies you find in New Hampshire, especially on the Appalachian Trail, have unique "personalities." I’ve selected two of my favorites here, the open air, throne-like privy at the Moose Mountain shelter and the Penta Privy, a five sided privy, which can be found at the six sided adirondack style shelter on Mt. Cube.
The phrase sit free or die is a take off on New Hampshire’s state motto, "Live Free of Die", and pretty much sums up New Hampshire residents’ conservative attitude to government intervention in everyday life.
Historically, the phrase comes from an 1809 dinner toast by General John Stark, abbreviated from his original "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils." More recently it has taken on a different meaning, highlighting the fact the New Hampshire does not have a sales tax compared to the one in neighboring Massachusetts, often called Taxachusetts by local residents.
.jpg "New Hampshire Trail Privies: Sit Free or Die")
The sit for free or die poster is published by Moose Country Press and can be purchased in their online store for $15. If you have any interest in Moose or New Hampshire history, I strongly recommend a visit to their site. They have an entire catalog of wonderful prints and art for sale. If you happen to be in Lincoln (exit 32, Interstate 93), you can also buy this poster at the Mountain Wanderer for $12 and save yourself the price of postage.
Actually, it’s worth a drive to Lincoln, just the visit the Mountain Wanderer Map and Book Store, if you are a map addict or like reading about the history, animals, and plants of New’s England’s wilderness and backcountry. The store is owned by Steve Smith, co-editor of the AMC White Mountain Guide
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The privies are a blessing and a curse. I have propped the doors open with a pitch fork so I wouldn’t die from the ripeness. The open throne looks like a perfect solution.
Speaking of the privy, I just read the classic How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art
by Kathleen Meyer. It is fabulous and funny. Lots to think about.
I use the same technique also, except in the winter.
Kathleen’s book is a must have for anyone who needs to poop outdoors. It’s also a great stocking stuffer for the holidays. Families love talking about this kind of thing. Great way to break the ice with your in-laws!