I thought that my post might restart the whole "things aren't what they used to be" talk. And there was an unintended note of that in my post too. But I'd rather stay away from it - no need for nostalgia, negativity, or wishes. Nostalgia is often biased and likely misrepresents reality. The human mind is pretty poor at accumulating evidence over long stretches of time. Socially I believe we are in a better place now. We just have some new problems. So let's work on them.
I suggest that folks be themselves. Go ahead and date. It's a thing. Treat everyone with respect. Deal with my own problems instead of externalizing them. If someone says no, it means no. If someone says yes it means yes. Maybe means maybe. Honesty with others is important. Honesty with myself is equally important and takes some work. Self awareness is hard. Work at it. Mistakes will happen and that's where forgiveness comes in - asking for it from others and from myself. Be kind to myself and others.
When this point is reached blanket rules aren't needed anymore. Do what is right in each situation.
(I could argue that the rules are internalized but are now flexible enough to suit any situation. I'm not sure about this - I'll have to think about when I have more time. But this is how I discipline for teaching: the consequence suits the crime. I don't have blanket rules set up but I do set expectations. That's the thing about rules: I can guarantee that they will be broken in an unexpected manner.)
Last edited by Meriadoc; 02-23-2014 at 07:02.
I agree, it was a fantastic experience! I was also "targeted" at DWG by a church, during my weakest moment mentally, and it turned my hike around. I'm not religious but the genuine kindness that some people exhibit, even if they do want to share their beliefs, I deeply appreciate. Now, for the drunk hiker at DWG that tried to pick a fight with church members he wasn't so much of a gentleman.
Now, as far as hikers being "targeted" for sex. Of course it happens! For example, some of the locals in Hot Springs had hiker fever real bad and I imagine some were probably married. After all, they know the hiker has to keep on hiking so they are not worried. My question is, How does the gentleman's rule apply when offered such "trail magic"? And, are these people "smell blind"?
I'll bring the dog
lab pup.jpg
Make room in the shelter, move your hiking poles, lend out your filter, and remember it is just walking. (Shelters, Hiking Poles, Water Filters and Just Walking now in the thread too)
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L’Amour
And remember kids, burning your trash is ecologically friendly
firepit trash.jpg
While the definition changes, since folks are interested in the truth...
A pink blaze is when a hiker of either sex leaves the trail, delays their trip, or jumps forward or back in pursuit of a romantic encounter.
It can be as simple as someone taking break to hang out with their significant other.
It can be as nefarious as getting stuck in a town for a week because you hooked up with the bartender.
It rarely was used to describe interaction with another hiker. A blue blaze is a side trail, a pink blaze is a similar form of distraction. Never meant as a good or bad term.
Oh I realize I'm no current authority, that was the reason for the OP; to find out the current state of affairs on the subject.
So a pink blazer is a hiker stalker these days?
Seems the need for the topic of discussion isn't dead. My past ain't that distant.
Used to be if you hooked up with a fellow hiker, that's all there was to it. You didn't chase a hiker, and if you did it was likely you'd find trouble for it if the feeling wasn't mutual. The gals had a lot more big brothers around if they needed them.
Like any other blaze than white, a pink took you off trail, didn't keep you on it chasing your sister.