have things changed?

[Sailing_Faith]

I did go to my truck and get a ok bottle I had with me and give it to canteen guy.Hope it helps him enjoy his hike.

Rarely is the world changed by war, politics, or great sweeping actions of people acting together. It seems to me that small random acts of kindness are much more powerful.

Through these things we can do are part.... one water bottle at a time.

[Spokes]

...It seems to me that small random acts of kindness are much more powerful...

I agree. And that behavior can be catching too. First thing I started doing when I got to a hut early in the Whites was grab a broom and start cleaning. The Croo's appreciated the help. Wasn't long before some of the other hikers witnessing it took the initiative at the next hut.

Same thing with buying extra soap and shampoo and leaving it in the hostel for the next hiker.

Small acts of kindness...... Yes!

[chief]

I see no reason to be selfish with my used gear
some people get it. some are hopeless .generosity is not a flaw,selfishness is.

Not about being selfish, but about allocating resources to those really in need. Hikers don't qualify!

[Blissful]

Back when I got in to doing long hikes people on the trail acted like family.
Say you stop and upgrade a piece of gear you see someone with lesser gear you pass down your old one.
I was at Neels Gap the other day and watched a guy send home a $8 water bottle replaced with a liter one. when his buddy was using a old plastic canteen that had to weight 4 pounds empty.

I really hope this is a rear thing to see.

Some people just don't think of it, really. I'm sure he and his buddy talked gear before their hike - be surprised if they didn't. The canteen guy maybe liked what he was carrying too... It was a canteen from great grandfather. You never know.

I have seen hikers and townpeople go over and beyond the call of duty to help others in times of need in the course of 4,000+ miles...

[trucker2015]

Maybe canteen guy was using his dad's old canteen for memories. Nothing wrong with using old heavy stuff. Maybe he didn't want anything else when what he had worked fine. Getting something replaced just puts more crap in landfills.

That's what I thought to but talking to him.He has just got into hiking didn't know how big of a pain the canteen would be and didn't have the money to buy a new water bottle at the outfitter.

[Soon Man]

I've got about a dozen water bottles and would gladly give half away. Don't live close to the trail though.

[dragoro]

I see no reason to subsidize hikers.

I see no reason to be friends with people like you.

[mirabela]

Neels Gap is only three or four days along ... maybe some people take a little longer to catch on.

[chief]

I see no reason to be friends with people like you.

I'm totally crushed!

[trucker2015]

I told canteen guy about this site I really hope he logs on. I can't remember his real name.
but I would say he now has a trail name. (Canteen Guy)

[Trail Bug]

I agree with q-tip. I was staying at Shaw's and needed some wool socks. They were all out, but a fellow hiker was finishing up and had 2 pair of new socks that his wife had sent him. Just gave them to me. I offered to pay him but he would not take any money. I repaid his kindness by helping out a few other hikers over the years who were short on gear or cash. I have found most people on the trail to be friendly and willing to share.

[Jim Lemire]

maybe this. maybe that. just goes to show, don't judge.

[Papa D]

Neels Gap is only three or four days along ... maybe some people take a little longer to catch on.

Or two days along

[Papa D]

I have so much fun seeing people figure things out - - I love showing them things (and giving stuff away) - - just the other day, I showed an aspiring thru-hiker how to hold trekking pole leashes - - they are designed to be used in a particular orientation that new hikers often don't pick up on - - or showing someone how to make a nalgene lantern with a headlamp or how to do a "pct style" food hang - - this is just so much fun for me - - I think that goodwill on the trail still exists - - my guess is that the guy sending home the $8 water bottle (wow that's pricy for something you can get for free in any recycling container) just didn't think about it and his friend probably just didn't think to ask.

[Montana AT05]

This thread reminds me of the people who say "Hike Your Own Hike, dude" followed by detailed instructions on how that hike is to be hiked.

It's one thing to appreciate the kindness of others and to be kind yourself, it's another thing to expect kindness from others and to hold your own kindness over them.

True generosity is done in anonymity. Be careful, lest we dislocate our own shoulders while patting our own backs.

[Miner]

True friends don 't give others an $8 heavy water bottle, they buy them a lightweight 32oz Gattoraid bottle with the drink included.

[hikerboy57]

as i am a map freak, and usually have more than one map for the area im hiking, almost every year ive given my spare map away to a thru hiker who had asked me about sites, blue blazes etc.My experience on the trail has always been positive and ive found most hikers willing to help out anyone in need.its like karma, a feeling that if you do good things itll come back to you, although I like to do good things simply because it makes me feel good.
pay it forward.

[rocketsocks]

as i am a map freak, and usually have more than one map for the area im hiking, almost every year ive given my spare map away to a thru hiker who had asked me about sites, blue blazes etc.My experience on the trail has always been positive and ive found most hikers willing to help out anyone in need.its like karma, a feeling that if you do good things itll come back to you, although I like to do good things simply because it makes me feel good.
pay it forward.

Give to get,not a bad thing at all."Always do for others ,and let others do for you"~Bob Dylan

[trucker2015]

Thanks for renewing my faith in trail magic.
The fellowship of hikers is one of the things I have enjoyed about hiking.

[Migrating Bird]

I like to pay it forward every chance I get. I get such a kick out of changing a flat for someone and when they try to pay, I turn and walk away and say "you're welcome". A couple of years ago, I met a young thru hiker coming down Jug End, Nuthatch. She was worried about meeting up with folks in Monterey, MA. I lent her my phone to call as they were driving some distance. We then spoke of the trail ahead and behind, she was concerned that she did not have a warm hat. I explained that the keys to my car are on top of the right front tire at Jug End Rd. In the trunk you will find a bin with a brand new Marmot hat and a bunch of food (left over from my section hike) I told her to take the hat and any food she needed. I still have the note she left me, worth much more than the hat. If she had taken the car, oh well, thats what I pay insurance for.