View Full Version : How do you explain it to a "whuffo?"
DrRichardCranium
12-18-2009, 09:20
I used to skydive a few years ago.
Some people are unable to understand why someone would want to skydive. Skydivers call these people "whuffos", which comes from the question "Whuffo you jump out of them perfeckly-good airplanes?"
Other activities also have their whuffos as well. So how do you explain to a whuffo why you'd ever want to hike 2000+ miles straight?
The only answers I can come up with are that I love hiking and backpacking, and that thru-hiking the A.T. is something I've always wanted to do.
So essentially I'm left with "explaining" that I want to thru-hike the AT because, um, I want to.
:-?
sofaking
12-18-2009, 09:26
So essentially I'm left with "explaining" that I want to thru-hike the AT because, um, I want to.
:-?[/quote]
that pretty much sums it up.
Two Speed
12-18-2009, 09:39
Ever thought about asking them whuffo they lay on a couch and watch other people do interesting and exciting things instead of becoming a manatee lookalike?
I used to skydive a few years ago.
Some people are unable to understand why someone would want to skydive. Skydivers call these people "whuffos", which comes from the question "Whuffo you jump out of them perfeckly-good airplanes?"
Other activities also have their whuffos as well. So how do you explain to a whuffo why you'd ever want to hike 2000+ miles straight?
The only answers I can come up with are that I love hiking and backpacking, and that thru-hiking the A.T. is something I've always wanted to do.
So essentially I'm left with "explaining" that I want to thru-hike the AT because, um, I want to.
:-?
Why would you want to hike 2000 miles straight?
Tell them that it's much easier than hiking 2000 miles drunk or high.:rolleyes:
The closest I ever come to making it stick in the teflon brains of the human ball of earthworms called society is that I do it for exercise and fresh air - then come the questions about snakes, bears, and wild mountain people (the last one's easy - I just tell them that I'm the wildest thing out there ;)).
Fresh air they understand, exercise - maybe not so much.
Two Speed
12-18-2009, 09:48
Ever thought about asking them whuffo they lay on a couch and watch other people do interesting and exciting things instead of becoming a manatee lookalike?On reflection that could use some work, but it's been a while since everyone's had a laugh at my expense.
Go nuts.
bigcranky
12-18-2009, 09:51
"If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand."
I have found that overwhelmingly, people understood why I would do such a thing and even had some envy about it. The only things they really struggled with were the idea of doing it alone and the fear of wildlife. Except maybe for one person, anyone who didn't understand pretty much kept it to themselves, maybe made jokes, but weren't drooling morons about it. The one exception was actually aggressive about how wrong it was to hike alone. I just nod my head and ignore.
ShelterLeopard
12-18-2009, 11:02
Tell them you're trying to find alien landing sites- at least it'll make them turn around and fly off pretty quickly... (Well, with my luck, I'd get the guy who said "Me too!")
I haven't come across that yet. Acquaintances have to the person told me that they thought that it was totally cool. People closer to me, family mostly, are the ones that are skeptical of it being a good idea. That's rooted mostly in concern for my well-being. Not just stupidly not having the capacity to understand.
But if it finally comes up, my answer is, "It beats working."
The Weasel
12-18-2009, 11:24
When George Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Mt Everest, he uttered probably the finest three-word answer in history to such questions:
"Because it's there."
TW
john gault
12-18-2009, 11:45
This is a question I use to ask myself while cycling, because I've experienced a similar reaction from people that ask: "What do you get out of cycling?" I've been asked it plenty of times by co-workers when I get to work soaking wet or freezing cold from my 20+ mile commute to work.
I asked my self because I could never come up with an answer to satisfy their curiosity.
All I can say is that for some unknown reason we humans get addicted to certain activities; who is to say that the satisfaction/pleasure I feel from cycling or hiking is better than someone that is addictied to the game of chess or whatever. Yet, that's how we discuss this, by comparing which is better and why.
It's actually a pretty deep question, but most of us seem to want to argue (on a very superficial level) why our activity is superior to another, in complete ignorance of the larger issue or question.
.
Spirit Walker
12-18-2009, 12:57
A lot of people have their own odd dreams, and so they can understand at least a little bit when you say that this is something you've always wanted to do. For them, it may be sailing around the world, owning a farm, starting a business, writing a book, etc. Different dreams, but they have some idea of having a dream and pursuing it.
It has been a real treat when I run into somebody else who actually followed their hearts and lived their dreams. I remember the woman who had worked her way around the world. Or the bicyclists who had spent months exploring Europe. Or the aid worker in Indonesia. I knew we were kindred spirits - even though our dreams were so different. Every once in a while some stranger will meet us on the trail, talk to us a few minutes and it's obvious from the look in their eye that they really do Get It.
OTOH, I've met people who just looked at us as if we were from Mars. A woman in NM who asked, "How can you leave your family and friends for that long?" Another who said, "You camp, outdoors, for six months? WHY????" For some people, the forests, mountains and deserts are truly alien and hostile environments. They can't understand that some of us feel totally at home there. Some can't imagine taking the physical or financial risks that go with long distance hiking. "You may not find a job when you get back." Yep, that's true. But it is less important than the fact that life is short, and if I wait until retirement, I may not be able to do the things I want to do. So I'll risk both injury and poverty. Truly an alien worldview to many people.
FritztheCat
12-18-2009, 13:25
I heard a saying a couple of days ago that goes something like this:
"To those who know, no explanation is necessary. To those who don't, no explanation is sufficient."
"The one exception was actually aggressive about how wrong it was to hike alone."I had one like that last month, having a meal with several people and the topic came up. One fellow --- overall a nice guy --- lectured me for quite some time on how doing what I had done was really risky and (clearly implied, irresponsible, foolish). He went on to tell me about how dangerous bear encounters can be with several little antecdotes that he had heard about or read about, etc.
The only thing that really torqued me off about this was me not getting a word in edgewise until the conversation moving on to another topic. I guess there will always be armchair experts ready to educate us about the things that we've done and that they've read something about!
OTOH, I find it uncomfortable when my hike becomes the topic of conversation for any length of time. The trick that works best for me to avoid feeling like I'm becoming a bore is to turn it around and ask them:
"If you were to go on a life adventure for 6 months somewhere, what would it be?"
Without keeping any careful notes, responses have of course varied but the most common theme has been something ocean-related: from the more adventurous "sail around the world" to just a long conventional cruise. One person didn't know but the question stayed in her mind to the point where she thought it through and sent me a long email later to lay out her dream.
So I think the best "whuffo" response is to draw them out, get them talking in terms of their own big-assed dream if they have one, or to think (even just hypothetically) about what it might be if they don't. In that context, even if they aren't into the mechanics of backpacking, it seems likely that most folks will understand.
David@whiteblaze
12-18-2009, 13:48
This question must be a whole lot easier for you guys to answer than it was for me. My dad and I went to Maine in july, stopped in SNP on the way back and read a few boards about the trail, stopped in a vacant parking lot and i hiked a bit (40 mins. round trip) came back out... i wanna hike it... skip to church the next sunday, and i'm getting grilled by about 20 <15 yo's r ya gunna get ate up ba a baer? and by now, it's only a passing are you still gonna do that?
And of what value was the journey? It is as well for those who ask such questions that there are others who feel the answer and never need to ask.
-- Wally Herbert, polar explorer
OTOH, I find it uncomfortable when my hike becomes the topic of conversation for any length of time. The trick that works best for me to avoid feeling like I'm becoming a bore is to turn it around and ask them:
"If you were to go on a life adventure for 6 months somewhere, what would it be?"
I like that and I'm going to remember it when it comes up. Thanks for that Brian!
Many Walks
12-18-2009, 16:04
I had one guy ask why on earth I would walk the trail over 2,000 miles to Maine. Just told him, cuz that's where the end is. His eyes rolled back in deep thought as I turned and walked away. That was a good day.
I used to skydive a few years ago.
Some people are unable to understand why someone would want to skydive. Skydivers call these people "whuffos", which comes from the question "Whuffo you jump out of them perfeckly-good airplanes?"
Other activities also have their whuffos as well. So how do you explain to a whuffo why you'd ever want to hike 2000+ miles straight?
The only answers I can come up with are that I love hiking and backpacking, and that thru-hiking the A.T. is something I've always wanted to do.
So essentially I'm left with "explaining" that I want to thru-hike the AT because, um, I want to.
:-?
Whuffos are people who really aren't looking for an answer. They are only trying to shut you up about your sky diving or hiking. Seriously dude, no one really cares, so give your friends and family a break. Get over yourself!
I find it uncomfortable when my hike becomes the topic of conversation for any length of time. The trick that works best for me to avoid feeling like I'm becoming a bore is to turn it around and ask them:
"If you were to go on a life adventure for 6 months somewhere, what would it be?"
Yeah, I sometimes feel uncomfortable about talking about it too long, unless it's with someone who is thinking about doing it themselves. I don't like feeling like I'm turning into a zoo creature. It really does help to turn the conversation over to the other person.
My experiences discussing my planned thruhike have been rather mundane. I must hang with some really polite people because the responses range from disinterest to mild incredulity/disbelief, and the entire conversation rarely lasts more than 30 seconds or so. Not one has had anything negative to say about it at all, and I get the impression this is because they don't really know how to respond. Only my father has bothered to ask questions and show any interest. But then again the old man will never pass up the chance to offer me advice regardless of the subject (love him fiercely anyway). LOL!
But then again maybe people that know me just assume planning a trip like this is normal for me. I'm famous for wearing my Nike Shox, even with a suit and tie around the office (much to my boss's dislike, but screw him; I believe you should take care of your feet and dress shoes is not it). I walk or bike around town, and often leave clothes in my office for the week and run the six miles to/from the office. I used to have a problem with coworkers pulling over and offering me rides thinking I must have broken down, but I think they all get it now.
However on a positive note, the few people I have had over at the house and got into a show and tell about my gear have been much more interested. I guess touching and seeing neat gadgets they never knew existed is more tangible to them. My girlfriend (the at least twice a day Starbucks queen) is particularly impressed by the titanium french press that actually makes pretty good coffee.
My only problem is I don't know a soul that hikes (other than you guys of course). I wish I had someone to go with sometimes when I spend weekends on the LSHT. My girlfriend is the type that would lug a hair dryer 20 miles into the wilderness and then wake me up the next morning wanting to know where she could plug it in. Anotherwords, forget about it.
garlic08
12-19-2009, 08:40
My lastest hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail gave me this answer: Somebody has to provide the dreams.
Quite a few times I met a local who, on hearing about the trip, would get that faraway look and slight smile, and I knew I just met a kindred spirit, another wanderer. A few even thanked me for passing through, for making their day.
Also, in the larger towns and cities, life has gotten so complicated for so many people. Some of those overwhelmed people really need to see someone living simply.
ShelterLeopard
12-19-2009, 12:11
I'll say I met a couple people who I wouldn't have thought would be, well, like garlic said, another wanderer at heart. I was doing my major shakedown this past summer (1 1 1/2 weeks in PA) and stopped in Palmerton. At the Cowboy Grocery, I was paying for all my food, and the girl (young, about my age) at the register said "Oh, you're one of those hikers, aren't you?" Kinda thought she was ready to mock me. But I said, no, I'm doing a section and preparing to be "one of those hikers" next year. She got the same faraway look in her eyes that garlic mentioned, and just said "yeah, I'd like to do that some day." It kind of surprised me.
beakerman
12-19-2009, 16:39
Shoot I had to explain to some of my co-workers the other day why I backpacked 50 miles on a vacation I took...they didn't get that so forget trying to explain 2000.
I haven't done a through hike on the AT yet. I just can't manage the finds and time off work at this point but I do hike and backpack every chance I get and they always ask "why?"
Graywolf
12-19-2009, 17:24
A year or so ago, my father and I were coming back from Kansas and we passed through the Ouachita Mountains on the way home, along the Talamina PKWY... As we were rounding a turn, a black bear walked out in front of us. I stopped dead in the road. It was beautiful...My father made the comment later on that that bear is the reason no one should go hiking or camping in the woods...And this is from someone who years ago enjoyed being outdoors..HHHmmmmm...
OTOH, last night I ran into a friend I have not seen in several years...Seems she has been staying with a friend in Murphysboro, TN...We began to talk about the past and she brought up my passion for the outdoors and how at the time she just didn't understand it, but after spending some time in TN, she told me last night she completly understands now...Shes, now preparing for a thru hike....I told her that is cool....
Graywolf
daylaandjasper
12-20-2009, 01:17
I'm not sure I will ever have a better answer than becuase it makes me happy and I feel more at home and alive out there than anywhere else.
I was talking to a waitress at a restaurant in Government Camp. She was a middle-aged woman from Mexico. She asked about hiking the trail alone as a woman. Then she surprised me by telling me she new something of what it was like because she had once had a dream to come to America and go to Disneyland. It took her 40 years but she finally did it. Somehow, because of that faraway look, I could tell there was a huge story in those 40 years and that coming here had not been easy. But I never heard the rest of the story because customers came in.
Before my AT thru-hike, when I'd announced at work that I was going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, no one at work believed me. I'd given 30 days notice and two weeks later I was still being scheduled for projects later on in October of that year.
Then, once people at work realized I was serious and would be leaving, I received all kinds of advice on what firearm I should take with me. I finally said I wasn't taking a firearm. Lots of shocked looks followed by the expected "Why?". I told them I couldn't eat a firearm. I don't think a one of them understood.
Then, at my job exit interview, the actual Head of Human Resources for this sizeable company got it in his head that I would be skiing the Appalachian Trail and started pointing out the deals on LL Bean gear that I might be interested in and asking me what kinds of ski equipment I'd be carrying. I initially told the guy I was going to be backpacking the Appalachian Trail and he didn't catch on. Later in the interview I just went along with the skiing idea and asked him what kinds of skis he thought I should bring along and what kinds of bindings.
Now in case you don't think there is humor in the Universe, I stopped at Gooch Gap to eat some lunch on the 2nd day of my AT thru-hike -- while eating a package of trail mix I turned the wrapper over to see the words on the front of the package that said, "Win a Ski Trip Instantly!"
I'd busted out laughing.
I kept that wrapper as a memento and have it in a box someplace around my place. Still brings a smile to my face when I stumble upon it looking for something else.
Datto
sarahgirl
01-04-2010, 16:52
My response lately is "why not?" and when they tell me I'm crazy to do this, I tell them THEY are the crazy ones not to do it.