View Full Version : Hiker behavior you like
saimyoji
01-24-2006, 17:30
As a converse to the annoying hiker thread, what is it that you really appreciate hikers doing, beyond the expected behavior?
sparky2000
01-24-2006, 17:41
Smiling at the worn out unhappy city people who haven't in the past walked one block to McD. The channel changer is so heavy for these people that as soon as voice command changers come out they will email purchase immediately. Smile and give them a little magic, like agree with them.
Footslogger
01-24-2006, 17:46
I always liked meeting positive hikers who gave a little and took a little. Lots of interesting stories/lives on the trail. Musicians and story tellers were alway welcome in my campsite.
'Slogger
Managing their personal hygeine.
Jack Tarlin
01-24-2006, 18:26
Will write longer piece when I'm not at work, but this'll do for now:
I like it when thru-hikers, either during or after their hikes, treat ALL other hikers with respect, and don't condescend to weekenders, overnighters, or other folks who aren't part of the "thru-hiker" fraternity. Every thru-hiker was a short-timer once; every thru-hiker is fated to become a short-timer again. Some folks need to keep this inmind.
Hikers with swollen feet need an icy brook and a couple of ibuprofen.
Hikers with swollen heads need to get over themselves.
The Scribe
01-24-2006, 18:41
JACK WORKS?
Just kidding
I like fellow hikers that treat others and what's around them with respect. Their ego's fit into the shelter/tent/hammock, and they don't think they are centerstage for some off-off-off-broadway production.
:clap Experiences I can think of:
A real professional fluite player one night on Standing Indian.
Baltimore Jack sharing his food with a couple of women who ran out in the 100 Mile Wilderness.
Hikers who went to town for hot dogs and brought back enough for 20 people,
Two boys near Port Clinton who hiked up to a shelter with a case of soda and pizza for everyone,
Pat Frpm Maine when she made me get in my sleeping bag and gave me a Snickers when I was too stupid to realize I was coming down with Hypothermia.
Blister Sister for her spiritual guidence when we went to The Church of The Mountain together.
Jester for just being Jester.
Nomad 98 for giving me my trail name back in 98'
Excellent Good Half Moon who came back and encouraged me to keep going one cold wet night in Georgia.
All the cars that didn't pick me up in the rain at a road crossing when I was having thoughts of yellow blazing.
Complete strangers who shared apples, soda and other treats.
Fellow hikers who would crowd together to make room for one more in the shelter on stormy nights.
Mountain Laurel for sewing a strap back on my Gregory Pack somewhere in Md. She used dental floss.
Everyone who shared stories, food and love on the trail.
Honestly, almost everyone I met between Springer and Katahdin. Thru hikers take care of each other and I benifited from much kindness.
I love it when overnighters bring a case of beer knowing they can't possibly drink it all and ask for help...
Mountain Laurel for sewing a strap back on my Gregory Pack somewhere in Md. She used dental floss.
Mountain Laurel dressed my blisters in Georgia. I was lucky enough to meet her again in Maine after she flip-flopped. What a nice lady!
hikers who remember how far it was back to the last water source they passed. accurately. :D
Hikers who go for joint pizza at 501 shelter.
Hikers who make little arrows showing the right way at those unmarked forks in the trail. Especially the ones who backtracked to let others know when they could have just gone on.
The hiker who brightened everyone's hearts with little smiley faces scratched in the dirt.
Those many many hikers who return in the years to come with Trail Magic.
Those who go on to so Trail maintenance.
The one who consoled me with a handful of candy hearts the day my feet were messed up and painful from Superfeet.
The ones who offer to share in a motel room to save $$.
A sampling of Hiker behavior I like:
Hikers who respects the beauty that lies before them
Hikers who respects wildlife and their environment
Hikers who respect others they meet or camp with
Hikers who don't litter or deface things that doesn't belong to them
Hikers who take out and dispose of more litter than they bring in
Hikers who turn into volunteers who have to clean up behind inconsiderate hikers and fix the trail.
etc, etc, etc......
The long strings of scouts and other groups who step aside and let single hikers by, then camp far from the shelters.
mochilero
01-24-2006, 21:00
I appreciate it when passing hikers give good information and helpful advice on what's coming up. I would like it if another hiker would stop for a game of chess on my portable set too, but that hasn't happened yet.
I like it when they dont snore!
mweinstone
01-24-2006, 21:20
who speak softly
Hikers who bring extra candybars
When jack gives out cigarettes.
Jack Tarlin
01-24-2006, 22:39
Some people I like......
*Positive folks, folks who never whine even when they're entitled to it
*People with a sense of humor, preferably a somewhat twisted one
*People who don't make a big deal of such things as their speed, strength,
mileage achieved, etc
*People who help other hikers, especially newbies, without making the
newbie feel like a dork
*People who respect your privacy and can tell when you don't want to talk
with anyone, hike with anyone, camp with anyone, etc.
*People who might not share your vices, but don't hold them against you,
either
*People who don't have prejudices, or are smart enough to leave them
at home
*Along with their harmonicas, cell phones, and dogs
*People who don't make an enormous deal of their hiking background,
especially if its extensive
*People who listen
*People who can appreciate a well-told off-color joke
*People who'll share "expert" knowledge on something you don't know much
about, especially something like wildflowers, constellations, birds, etc.
*People who share this knowledge without being pompous about it
*People who share stuff without acting like they're saving your life
*People who are straight shooters: They won't bull**** you, won't be nice
in person and then backstab you when you've hiked away, and who wouldn't
say anything about you in person or in a register that they wouldn't say
directly to your face
*People who provide Trail Magic, of any sort
*People who've been on the receiving end of Trail Magic that you missed,
but they insist on sharing it with you
*People who run hostels, especially the very few that run them out of their
own homes
*People who run Outfitters
*People who run other businesses (hotels, restaurants, etc. )who open their
arms to hikers, despite our appearance, filth, stench, etc.
*Any and all Trail Maintainers or other volunteers
*Anyone working in Land preservation/protection that helps the Trail or
the Trail corridor
*Anyone connected with the ATC.
*Anyone connected with ALDHA. Hold on, lemme re-think this!
*The good folks at Five Olde Nugget Alley Tavern; The Dirt Cowboy Cafe
Coffee House; and the staff at the Howe Public Library, who have to put
up with me just about every day between October and March
*People who offer to fill your water bottles, especially when the water's
way far away.
*People who buy their own smokes!
*People who are courteous with their electronic gadgets
*People who are so courteous about them that they leave them at home
*Motel roomates who don't smoke clove cigarettes; aren't NASCAR fans; and
share your feeling that Country Music Television is one of the greatest
contributions to Western Civilization
*Ugly people who are kind enough not to get naked in front of you
*People who give away their unwanted maildrop stuff to their friends
*People that are good at getting campfires going, especially with wet wood
*People who enjoy a drink at the end of the day, especially their own
*People that share food, especially if its special or exotic
*People that will give you some Gatorade or Kool-Aid, even if they're almost
all out themselves
*People who make room in shelters, even when there isn't any
*People who don't put you on the spot by asking "Hey, does anybody mind
if......." Invariably, they're asking about something like playing their tin
whistle, bringing their dog into the shelter, or something equally
objectionable that you DO mind, but don't wanna make a big deal of
*People who leave fruit at trail crossings, especially oranges
*People who put out water jugs during dry spells
*People who leave cookies at shelters
*People who don't ask personal questions
*People who don't share the details of their digestive troubles
*People who don't talk about their feet
*People who never initiate a conversation that includes the word "chafe"
*People who laugh when they're hurting inside; don't mind the cold, and
come into camp with a smile after 20 long ones in the rain
*People who are so happy to be on the Trail that it shows every day
All for now, I'm sure I missed a few.
D'Artagnan
01-25-2006, 10:51
...*People who never initiate a conversation that includes the word "chafe"
My favorite Jack post to date. Had to bust out laughing on that one. Glad I'm alone in the office.
My favorite people on the trail are the same kind of folks I like in everyday life: Those that are humble and generous. They are the folks that make everyone feel good no matter their station in life or trail experience.
In keeping with Jack's sentiment so eloquently shared above:
People who never initiate a conversation that includes the words "does this look infected to you?"
Some people I like......
*Positive folks, folks who never whine even when they're entitled to it
*People with a sense of humor, preferably a somewhat twisted one
*People who don't make a big deal of such things as their speed, strength,
mileage achieved, etc
*People who help other hikers, especially newbies, without making the
newbie feel like a dork
*People who respect your privacy and can tell when you don't want to talk
with anyone, hike with anyone, camp with anyone, etc.
*People who might not share your vices, but don't hold them against you,
either
*People who don't have prejudices, or are smart enough to leave them
at home
*Along with their harmonicas, cell phones, and dogs
*People who don't make an enormous deal of their hiking background,
especially if its extensive
*People who listen
*People who can appreciate a well-told off-color joke
*People who'll share "expert" knowledge on something you don't know much
about, especially something like wildflowers, constellations, birds, etc.
*People who share this knowledge without being pompous about it
*People who share stuff without acting like they're saving your life
*People who are straight shooters: They won't bull**** you, won't be nice
in person and then backstab you when you've hiked away, and who wouldn't
say anything about you in person or in a register that they wouldn't say
directly to your face
*People who provide Trail Magic, of any sort
*People who've been on the receiving end of Trail Magic that you missed,
but they insist on sharing it with you
*People who run hostels, especially the very few that run them out of their
own homes
*People who run Outfitters
*People who run other businesses (hotels, restaurants, etc. )who open their
arms to hikers, despite our appearance, filth, stench, etc.
*Any and all Trail Maintainers or other volunteers
*Anyone working in Land preservation/protection that helps the Trail or
the Trail corridor
*Anyone connected with the ATC.
*Anyone connected with ALDHA. Hold on, lemme re-think this!
*The good folks at Five Olde Nugget Alley Tavern; The Dirt Cowboy Cafe
Coffee House; and the staff at the Howe Public Library, who have to put
up with me just about every day between October and March
*People who offer to fill your water bottles, especially when the water's
way far away.
*People who buy their own smokes!
*People who are courteous with their electronic gadgets
*People who are so courteous about them that they leave them at home
*Motel roomates who don't smoke clove cigarettes; aren't NASCAR fans; and
share your feeling that Country Music Television is one of the greatest
contributions to Western Civilization
*Ugly people who are kind enough not to get naked in front of you
*People who give away their unwanted maildrop stuff to their friends
*People that are good at getting campfires going, especially with wet wood
*People who enjoy a drink at the end of the day, especially their own
*People that share food, especially if its special or exotic
*People that will give you some Gatorade or Kool-Aid, even if they're almost
all out themselves
*People who make room in shelters, even when there isn't any
*People who don't put you on the spot by asking "Hey, does anybody mind
if......." Invariably, they're asking about something like playing their tin
whistle, bringing their dog into the shelter, or something equally
objectionable that you DO mind, but don't wanna make a big deal of
*People who leave fruit at trail crossings, especially oranges
*People who put out water jugs during dry spells
*People who leave cookies at shelters
*People who don't ask personal questions
*People who don't share the details of their digestive troubles
*People who don't talk about their feet
*People who never initiate a conversation that includes the word "chafe"
*People who laugh when they're hurting inside; don't mind the cold, and
come into camp with a smile after 20 long ones in the rain
*People who are so happy to be on the Trail that it shows every day
All for now, I'm sure I missed a few.
Jack..You hit the nail right on the head..Like most, a good post.:)
Rain Man
01-25-2006, 11:44
As a converse to the annoying hiker thread, what is it that you really appreciate hikers doing, beyond the expected behavior?
Uh... running sites like WhiteBlaze.net for the rest of us?!!!
Rain:sunMan
.
Over the years that I was cutting blowdown with handtools I had several thru-hikers stop and help - these people are definately hikers that I like and I just wish I could remember all their names - I remember Dare helping me with crosscutting a blowdown on Hightop and Green Singer helping me with another big blowdown just north of Turk's Gap in SNP - all together there were about a dozen thru-hikers that helped out with the cutting and many more that would help by letting me know where to find PIA blowdowns.
Hikers who practice proper trail sanitation. ESPECIALLY at the privyless Smoky shelters!
Hammock Hanger
01-25-2006, 12:35
just nice decent people.
jmaclennan
01-25-2006, 13:03
i like meeting beautiful members of the opposite sex who i end up getting married to.
I love it when overnighters bring a case of beer knowing they can't possibly drink it all and ask for help...
That's is awesome. Very good behaviour indeed.
I love it when overnighters bring a case of beer knowing they can't possibly drink it all and ask for help...
I've never been that lucky. However I (a trail volunteer) have seen the carnage left after the party and offending parties have long gone. Their motto "Litter..The natural way of life"!
Footslogger
01-25-2006, 13:16
i like meeting beautiful members of the opposite sex who i end up getting married to.
===================================
...is this based on personal experience ?? Best regards to LadyBug !!
'Slogger
Motel roomates who ...aren't NASCAR fans; and share your feeling that Country Music Television is one of the greatest contributions to Western Civilization
Contradictory?
I love hikers who love people. I enjoy people watching and conversation, especially when the people are eccentric and the conversation unusual.... People are like gorp and hikers are like the chocolate bits...
I've never been that lucky. However I (a trail volunteer) have seen the carnage left after the party and offending parties have long gone. Their motto "Litter..The natural way of life"!
That's unfortunate. Every time I've ever experinced such fortune, it's always been packed out. People that litter suck!
That's unfortunate. Every time I've ever experinced such fortune, it's always been packed out. People that litter suck!
If hikers won't pack it out I wish they would at least throw the stuff out in the open instead of in the bush's and the worst is tossing the cans, bottles, and aluminum foil into a fire/fire ring. These people can't even litter nicely.
People you spent an evening by the fire, and who are on shorter sections than you, who leave trail magic at the next crossing. Although beer at 10 am with 10 miles+ to go kind of slowed us down one day this past fall.
RockyTrail
01-25-2006, 19:17
As a converse to the annoying hiker thread, what is it that you really appreciate hikers doing, beyond the expected behavior?
I really appreciate a smile, wave, or friendly "Hello" as we pass on the trail.
You'll always get that from me!:sun
Wolf - 23000
01-25-2006, 23:08
Being out on the trail is to me, coming home. There is to much crazyness in the world for me in everyday life - greed, people you can trust, two face people. Out there, there are still a few people like that but if you don't like them you just simple hike on and don't have to deal with them again.
Wolf
I enjoy meeting folks on the trail who want to converse briefly about where they're from and where they are going. It's always fun to talk to enthusiastic thru hikers about their experiences. It's great to meet someone coming from the opposite direction who can tell you what's coming up (water, climbs, etc...).
the goat
01-31-2006, 17:37
strict adherence to the policy of "puff, puff, give":sun
strict adherence to the policy of "puff, puff, give":sunHear, hear!:jump
walkin' wally
02-01-2006, 19:04
Several years ago meeting thru hikers Empty Head and Eric at Carl Newhall Shelter above Gulf Hagas and explaining that I was "just a section hiker". Eric laughed and said "It's all the same". While I was happy to just do 10 miles they were doing twice that. Nice people who spent time to talk. :)
saimyoji
02-01-2006, 19:18
While I smiled and applauded some of the comments here, I think its innappropriate to encourage illegal substance use. I just saw a story on the news of a family that saved 7 months to buy their handicapped littled girl (7) a new wheelchair had been stolen by drug addicts looking to sell it for dope money. WRONG.
I like it when people say hello and don't ask me for stuff they forgot to bring. I'm always happy to share ( I once gave up half my water to a hiker who had none) but would rather arrive without worrying about the water source.
While I smiled and applauded some of the comments here, I think its innappropriate to encourage illegal substance use. I just saw a story on the news of a family that saved 7 months to buy their handicapped littled girl (7) a new wheelchair had been stolen by drug addicts looking to sell it for dope money. WRONG.
I like it when people say hello and don't ask me for stuff they forgot to bring. I'm always happy to share ( I once gave up half my water to a hiker who had none) but would rather arrive without worrying about the water source.
Know the difference between legal and illegal? Politics and Greed. Isn't it ironic that the "legal" substances likey destroy more families and individuals health than all the illegal ones combined. Just a guess, but whoever took the wheelchair wasn't strung out on weed. I wonder if the parents of this child were on the highly addictive legal substances, thus adding months to the childs wait. And I just got to believe there is someplace that will loan/give a needy child a wheelchair. Reminds me of the guy up on his soapbox w/ a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other, preaching the dangers of "gateway" "drugs". Good Grief :rolleyes:
I like people who don't sterotype and judge others.:) :clap
Btw, I once stole my grandmothers crutches and traded them for a venti Starbucks.:o
While I smiled and applauded some of the comments here, I think its innappropriate to encourage illegal substance use. I just saw a story on the news of a family that saved 7 months to buy their handicapped littled girl (7) a new wheelchair had been stolen by drug addicts looking to sell it for dope money. WRONG.
I like it when people say hello and don't ask me for stuff they forgot to bring. I'm always happy to share ( I once gave up half my water to a hiker who had none) but would rather arrive without worrying about the water source.Yeah, stealing is wrong. Catching a buzz or altering conciousness is a basic human desire...mabye even an unsung instinct. It's as much a part of humanity as religion. Altered states of conciousness have given humanty a view into itself that has an ugly facet, so what else is new? The connection between theft and drugs is a result of human nature, which is unfortunayely fallible and corrubtible. (I suppose it would be ok to encourage "legal" substance abuse...? How about encouraging moral satndards and accountabilty and ettiquette in people and children, so they know better, rather than allowing them to blame their crimes on drug addiction) no offense but I think thats a silly comment...mabye you were just joking?
Btw, I once stole my grandmothers crutches and traded them for a venti Starbucks.:o
i have to say caffiene is the best legal drug i've ever used. [:
Kozmic Zian
02-03-2006, 09:38
Yea, Guys....I like when I come up to a shelter, and last nights tenants left if clean, with the firepit in 'good shape', no litter, no leavings (as naieve hikers figure out they don't need something, so just leave in shelter, etc.), no fowl paper hanging out of the privey. Also, when passing someone going the other direction, a smile maybe and a hello, etc. Also, when approaching from the rear, a little anouncement, like, 'hello there, how are you? Coming thru', etc. Just common courtesy and respect for everyone and all things on The Trail....wouldn't it be great? Neva hatchie, GI.....Hi, everyone!;)