View Full Version : Threats on the trail....
longshank
02-03-2006, 14:38
Forget the southern thing, does anyone have stories of violence or antagonistic behavior towards hikers by locals or townies? How hiker-unfriendly can a town be?
Forget the southern thing, does anyone have stories of violence or antagonistic behavior towards hikers by locals or townies? How hiker-unfriendly can a town be?
another pointless thread:cool: neo
The most unfriendly town I ran into was Port Clinton; nearly every business seemed to want us gone. I gather that is not everyone's experience there; maybe it was a bad day?
That was the only real problem spot I ran into in 2004. Oops, that is in towns, shelters near roads were another matter, especially the Governor Clement Shelter in Vermont. A woman stayed there alone a couple nights before and found herself in the middle of drunks in pickups driving around the shelter and throwing bottles. I looked at the tire tracks and kept right on going.
The most unfriendly town I ran into was Port Clinton; nearly every business seemed to want us gone. I gather that is not everyone's experience there; maybe it was a bad day?
That was the only real problem spot I ran into in 2004. Oops, that is in towns, shelters near roads were another matter, especially the Governor Clement Shelter in Vermont. A woman stayed there alone a couple nights before and found herself in the middle of drunks in pickups driving around the shelter and throwing bottles. I looked at the tire tracks and kept right on going.
i did not like port clinton either,i waited and waited to get served at the portclinton hotel resturant,finally i left hungry without being served so i ate at another place:cool: neo
portclinton sucks
longshank
02-03-2006, 15:39
Not a useless thread at all, neo. I've heard stories of and experienced firsthand unfriendly towns on the trail. It would be helpfull to know in advance if there are problem areas.
Chef2000
02-03-2006, 15:52
There is a guy in The Fontana area called "The Diddler", he bother me and some other male hikers in 2000. I reported him to the TVA police and turns out he is a registered sex offender in NC. He is on their website and has done time for sex crimes.
Also beware of Drunken Cherokees.
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 15:54
It would be helpfull to know in advance if there are problem areas.
If you conduct yourself in public the way you have on this BBS, you are sure to encounter problems just about anywhere.
You live in NYC ... Use the same common sense on the AT as one hopes you would at home and you'll be fine. Of course, there will always be drunken losers looking to start crap with anyone and everyone, but it's little different than the LES at 2 am on a Saturday. The biggest difference is that on the AT, chances are, you'll find yourself alone more often than not, without the relative safety of taxi cabs, all night restaurants, and police patrolling the area. Minimize your risks by being respectful and keeping a low profile.
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 15:55
There is a guy in The Fontana area called "The Diddler", he bother me and some other male hikers in 2000. I reported him to the TVA police and turns out he is a registered sex offender in NC. He is on their website and has done time for sex crimes.
Also beware of Drunken Cherokees.
The 'diddler'!! Are you serious? What exactly did he do, and why didn't you stomp his guts out?
I actually think that this thread is much, much better than the southern thing because it's not singling out the south unfairly based on prejudice. Still a pretty negative thread and not all sunny-happy, but not entirely without merit.
Personally, never felt threatened on the trail by people.
longshank
02-03-2006, 15:57
If you conduct yourself in public the way you have on this BBS, you are sure to encounter problems just about anywhere.
You live in NYC ... Use the same common sense on the AT as one hopes you would at home and you'll be fine. Of course, there will always be drunken losers looking to start crap with anyone and everyone, but it's little different than the LES at 2 am on a Saturday. The biggest difference is that on the AT, chances are, you'll find yourself alone more often than not, without the relative safety of taxi cabs, all night restaurants, and police patrolling the area. Minimize your risks by being respectful and keeping a low profile.
Thank you for the sage wisdom, but I wasn't asking for advice on how I should or should not behave.
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 16:00
If you conduct yourself in public the way you have on this BBS, you are sure to encounter problems just about anywhere.
You live in NYC ... Use the same common sense on the AT as one hopes you would at home and you'll be fine. Of course, there will always be drunken losers looking to start crap with anyone and everyone, but it's little different than the LES at 2 am on a Saturday. The biggest difference is that on the AT, chances are, you'll find yourself alone more often than not, without the relative safety of taxi cabs, all night restaurants, and police patrolling the area. Minimize your risks by being respectful and keeping a low profile.
Showoman, your advice is helpful but still full codescension, it appeared to be a blow aimed at longshanks who has not acted any worse than others that have attacked him. Its a step in the right direction, and definitly better than the name calling that has been going on
I finfd the Port Clinton Reference Strange. The only business that I know of that is hostel to hikers is the bed and breakfast. Several years ago a thru hiker stiffed them. The PortClinton hotel depends on the thru hikers, the Peanut shop is owned by a former thru hiker, and the 3 C's Diner go out of their way. I don'tknow about the out fitter there.
Grey Owl
A distrustful story:
Once a friend and I hitched into town to get something at a Rite Aid. My friend used a traveler's check and had signed it in front of the check-out girl and the manager comes over and wouldn't let the check be used. It wasn't like Rite Aid would lose money if it was stolen. The manager just didn't trust a scruffy hiker for some reason.
Fortunately, we told the bank next door the story and they let my friend cash the check even though it was already signed.
I think that was in 1994 in Abingdon, VA which should have been used to hikers.
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 16:12
I am just calling it as I see it. From his first days on this BBS, Longshank conducted himself in an inappropriate manner, which resulted in some of his posts being edited or deleted. This is all I am referring to, not the ridiculous back and forth flame war that has ensued.
Now, let's put this all in AT context ... say you are in a town somewhere along the trail that isn't particularly friendly to hikers to begin with. You amble into the local watering hole, stinking and dirty, and some toothless local mutters something about "filthly hiker trash."
Now, if Longshank were to respond the way in which he has responded to others on this BBS when taunted, he might say something like "At least I am not some toothless hillbilly ... why don't you go home and ***** your sister..." That would not be my choice of words to stay out of trouble in unfamiliar surroundings.
The only good way I can think of to handle a situation like that would be to turn around and leave. Yeah, under other circumstances, I might be inclined to stand my ground, have my drink,and ignore their taunts ... but not when I am alone, on foot, in a town I am unfamiliar with.
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 16:15
A distrustful story:
Once a friend and I hitched into town to get something at a Rite Aid. My friend used a traveler's check and had signed it in front of the check-out girl and the manager comes over and wouldn't let the check be used. It wasn't like Rite Aid would lose money if it was stolen. The manager just didn't trust a scruffy hiker for some reason.
Fortunately, we told the bank next door the story and they let my friend cash the check even though it was already signed.
I've had the feeling that when some people see a 'scruffy' hiker they assume that your homeless. Many people that live near the trail still have no idea what it is, or they are at best suspicious of who would be on it
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 16:22
I am just calling it as I see it. From his first days on this BBS, Longshank conducted himself in an inappropriate manner, which resulted in some of his posts being edited or deleted. This is all I am referring to, not the ridiculous back and forth flame war that has ensued.
Now, let's put this all in AT context ... say you are in a town somewhere along the trail that isn't particularly friendly to hikers to begin with. You amble into the local watering hole, stinking and dirty, and some toothless local mutters something about "filthly hiker trash."
Now, if Longshank were to respond the way in which he has responded to others on this BBS when taunted, he might say something like "At least I am not some toothless hillbilly ... why don't you go home and ***** your sister..." That would not be my choice of words to stay out of trouble in unfamiliar surroundings.
The only good way I can think of to handle a situation like that would be to turn around and leave. Yeah, under other circumstances, I might be inclined to stand my ground, have my drink,and ignore their taunts ... but not when I am alone, on foot, in a town I am unfamiliar with.
I agree with most of what your saying. In regards to longshanks, though, I feel your not 100% fair. Yes, he has responded harshly to offenses (as have I), but you can't punch someone in the face, then point your finger when he hits you back. Your disapproval would be much more efficiently aimed at the original offenders.
Anyway, yes, by wisely guiding our own actions we might avoid most dangerous situations.
I finfd the Port Clinton Reference Strange. The only business that I know of that is hostel to hikers is the bed and breakfast. Several years ago a thru hiker stiffed them. The PortClinton hotel depends on the thru hikers, the Peanut shop is owned by a former thru hiker, and the 3 C's Diner go out of their way. I don'tknow about the out fitter there.
Grey Owl
the bed and breafast was were i ate:cool: neo
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:33
I am just calling it as I see it. From his first days on this BBS, Longshank conducted himself in an inappropriate manner, which resulted in some of his posts being edited or deleted. This is all I am referring to, not the ridiculous back and forth flame war that has ensued.
Now, let's put this all in AT context ... say you are in a town somewhere along the trail that isn't particularly friendly to hikers to begin with. You amble into the local watering hole, stinking and dirty, and some toothless local mutters something about "filthly hiker trash."
Now, if Longshank were to respond the way in which he has responded to others on this BBS when taunted, he might say something like "At least I am not some toothless hillbilly ... why don't you go home and ***** your sister..." That would not be my choice of words to stay out of trouble in unfamiliar surroundings.
The only good way I can think of to handle a situation like that would be to turn around and leave. Yeah, under other circumstances, I might be inclined to stand my ground, have my drink,and ignore their taunts ... but not when I am alone, on foot, in a town I am unfamiliar with.
this is not a thread about your unsolicited opinions on my behavior. Please start a new thread if that is what you wish to discuss. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
this is not a thread about your unsolicited opinions on my behavior. Please start a new thread if that is what you wish to discuss. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
trolls anoy me:cool: neo
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 16:46
Yes, he has responded harshly to offenses (as have I), but you can't punch someone in the face, then point your finger when he hits you back.
Well isn't this what Longshanks has done here? He joined this forum, made many unsolicited, inappropriate remarks FROM THE BEGINNING, and when his remarks were edited for content, cried "censorship" and "unfairness."
Now, I do not condone the ridiculous back and forth flaming that has been going on in recent days (just adding fuel to the flame) ... but you will do little convince us that Longshanks is an innocent victim of unfair treatment ... a simple search on his post history proves otherwise (and those are just those posts that weren't deleted/edited).
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:52
Well isn't this what Longshanks has done here? He joined this forum, made many unsolicited, inappropriate remarks FROM THE BEGINNING, and when his remarks were edited for content, cried "censorship" and "unfairness."
Now, I do not condone the ridiculous back and forth flaming that has been going on in recent days (just adding fuel to the flame) ... but you will do little convince us that Longshanks is an innocent victim of unfair treatment ... a simple search on his post history proves otherwise (and those are just those posts that weren't deleted/edited).
I believe this thread is titled "Threats on the trail". Please stick to the topic or I will report you to a moderator.
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:53
Well isn't this what Longshanks has done here? He joined this forum, made many unsolicited, inappropriate remarks FROM THE BEGINNING, and when his remarks were edited for content, cried "censorship" and "unfairness."
Now, I do not condone the ridiculous back and forth flaming that has been going on in recent days (just adding fuel to the flame) ... but you will do little convince us that Longshanks is an innocent victim of unfair treatment ... a simple search on his post history proves otherwise (and those are just those posts that weren't deleted/edited).
And if you don't condone it, then quit perpetuating it.
I believe this thread is titled "Threats on the trail". Please stick to the topic or I will report you to a moderator.
quit picking on qhshowomen she is a sweet lady:cool: neo
wow is longshank trying to censor this thread
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:55
I'm not picking on anyone. Please stick to the topic of the thread. Thank you.
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:56
wow is longshank trying to censor this thread
It's my thread.
I'm not picking on anyone. Please stick to the topic of the thread. Thank you.
are you censoring this thread:cool: neo
I believe this thread is titled "Threats on the trail". Please stick to the topic or I will report you to a moderator.
Actually, and I'm not taking sides here, but this is the General forum, so off topic remarks are tolerated.
And also, no offense, but I'm pretty sure you don't have much pull with the moderator right now. You've kinda been irritating them recently.
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 16:57
this is not a thread about your unsolicited opinions on my behavior.
But you are soliciting advice on how to avoid problem areas on the trail, are you not?
The fact of the matter is, there are no "problem areas," only problem people. Sometimes, there seem to be many problem people in one geographic location and we are quick to write that location off as a "problem area" (i.e. the thread about the south you recently started), but really, it still comes down to the people, and not the area itself. There are things you can do to stay out of the way of problem people and there are things you can do to put yourself directly in the line of fire. (Of course, there will always be problem people you cannot avoid; they are the ones that will come looking for you.)
Anyhow, that's why I bring your BBS behavior up. The most crucial tool to your survival in unfamiliar surroundings is common sense (i.e. knowing when to shut up). If you don't have common sense, you'll need to rely on someone else's for survival (which is where not pissing off every other potential thru-hiker you might meet on the trail comes in handy).
Actually, and I'm not taking sides here, but this is the General forum, so off topic remarks are tolerated.
And also, no offense, but I'm pretty sure you don't have much pull with the moderator right now. You've kinda been irritating them recently.
i agree 100%:cool: neo
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:57
Just trying to play by the rules as they have been laid out to me.
longshank
02-03-2006, 16:59
Once again, I am asking for hikers to share stories about hiker-unfriendly towns and people that they have encountered. I know it/they exist, I've already heard quite a few.
Once again, I am asking for hikers to share stories about hiker-unfriendly towns and people that they have encountered. I know it/they exist, I've already heard quite a few.
i am sure you will hear a few more:cool: neo
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:00
Actually, and I'm not taking sides here, but this is the General forum, so off topic remarks are tolerated.
And also, no offense, but I'm pretty sure you don't have much pull with the moderator right now. You've kinda been irritating them recently.
So were the other forums that this battle has ignited itself in. I'm sick of it already. Stop reliving it, people. If your're that bored, go find a hobby or something.
Thank you for the sage wisdom, but I wasn't asking for advice on how I should or should not behave.Too bad, but never say never. Perhaps when you/mcquest are more mature.
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:01
i am sure you will hear a few more:cool: neo
I would like to.
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 17:01
LONGSHANKS: Wow, doesn't it suck when someone takes a perfectly good thread and hijacks it for their own purpose of enjoyment?
So were the other forums that this battle has ignited itself in. I'm sick of it already. Stop reliving it, people. If your're that bored, go find a hobby or something.
go get a life or something:cool: neo
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:02
Too bad, but never say never. Perhaps when you/mcquest are more mature.
Please save your opinions for someone who cares to hear them.
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:04
LONGSHANKS: Wow, doesn't it suck when someone takes a perfectly good thread and hijacks it for their own purpose of enjoyment?
Well hey, you know, we can turn around and start being a**holes again, if that would please you all, and I guarantee we can be bigger ones than all of you put together.
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:04
go get a life or something:cool: neo
you could do to take some of your own advice.
[QUOTE=QHShowoman]The fact of the matter is, there are no "problem areas," only problem people.[QUOTE]
I agree wholeheartedly. It seems scattered individuals and they can pop up anywhere.
QHShowoman
02-03-2006, 17:06
I guarantee we can be bigger ones [a**holes] than all of you put together.
Something we finally agree on. I am calling it a truce.
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 17:07
Again folks stop the fighting! Dang is it so hard to be civilized? Enough!
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:07
Something we finally agree on. I am calling it a truce.
done deal.
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:08
Again folks stop the fighting! Dang is it so hard to be civilized? Enough!
I'm trying, Dix. I swear.
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 17:10
COOL!!!! A truce!!!! Thank you both!
As for the topic of the thread, living near the trail, albeit not as close as some, I don't see a problem. However I've not hiked the trail like SGT Rock has, but he's never mentioned being harassed on the trail or in towns to me.
trolls anoy me:cool: neoBoy, they are something, aren't they? They are truly ruining the site. You'd think BJ or TJ or OF would jump in at some point. They go ballistic when WD posts anything to drive him off the site, yet are totally silent regarding these buffoons. I thought for a long time it was one buffoon with two screen names, but DC said it was two people.
I notice another longshanks clone pop up the other day. Expect more.
I'd hate for this site to become another AT-L. THere has to be some middle ground of moderation between AT-L and WF's TP.
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 17:10
I'm trying, Dix. I swear.
Thank you!
longshank
02-03-2006, 17:12
Thank you!
you're cute when you're angry...lol!
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 17:16
you're cute when you're angry...lol!
LOL.... who told you??? :eek:
you're cute when you're angry...lol!
maybe he is just fantasizing lol:cool: neo
I'm trying, Dix. I swear.
Thank you!
I don't think he was apologizing, DC. He was having a bit of word fun.
He says he's trying and he is. He's very trying on all of us.
done deal.
your lying lol:cool: neo
I haven't used the Ignore button in a long time, but OOPs, here is goes!
-Bolo
Jack Tarlin
02-03-2006, 17:33
Frosty:
You seem disappointed I haven't commented on this thread. (See post #50, above).
The reason I haven't commented is that the subject doesn't really interest me, nor do I care for the way the thread has degenerated. The thread doesn't look it's good for anything, doesn't look like it will educate or help people out much, and it serves only to let a few folks argue with each other as they have elsewhere in recent days; eventually, the thread will probably be locked down for vitriol and worthlessness.
So that's why I haven't "jumped in." It doesn't seem worth the time.
That OK with you?
I am pretty new to this web site and you guys seem like a bunch of bickering teenage girls to me!!! I thought it was a pretty good topic but all I have read so far is arguing back and forth mostly between two people. You guys really need to grow up!
It would be a good thread started by anyone else. If you are new you are probably unaware of the history behind this "feud". There's always a couple of people out to undermine the integrity of a good site.
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 17:53
I don't think he was apologizing, DC. He was having a bit of word fun.
He says he's trying and he is. He's very trying on all of us.
I'm choosing to give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves to me he's not serious. I believe everyone deserves a chance to make ammends. Time will tell if he's yankin' my chain or not.
Just trying to play by the rules as they have been laid out to me.
You have been whining like a two year old that didn't get his way for almost the ENTIRE time you have been here.
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:13
It would be a good thread started by anyone else. If you are new you are probably unaware of the history behind this "feud". There's always a couple of people out to undermine the integrity of a good site.
there is no "feud" besides that which you perpetuate. let it drop, already.
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:13
You have been whining like a two year old that didn't get his way for almost the ENTIRE time you have been here.
Why are you still talking about this?
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:15
Just stop. grow up.
I don't consider myself part of it though
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:16
Then don't get into it.
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 18:17
Hey dixie, I've just logged back on again and see that longshanks is calling for a truce, and trying not to perpetuate this feud. I'm in, lets see how long the other side will continue this, then tell me who the trouble makers are. Okay?
Well hey, you know, we can turn around and start being a**holes again, if that would please you all, and I guarantee we can be bigger ones than all of you put together.
You're speaking for McQuest now?
Do you two share your sippy cups as well?
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:18
Let's all get back on topic, ok?
Everyone has been claiming that they are one. Maybe they are but in a different sense
longshank
02-03-2006, 18:50
Everyone has been claiming that they are one. Maybe they are but in a different sense
Enough. enough. enough. Just stop talking about it.
dixicritter
02-03-2006, 19:17
Hey dixie, I've just logged back on again and see that longshanks is calling for a truce, and trying not to perpetuate this feud. I'm in, lets see how long the other side will continue this, then tell me who the trouble makers are. Okay?
Thank you for signing in on the truce. Now if everyone would do so it would be very nice. I believe that feathers have been ruffled and it's time to settle back down and get to talking about topics that are truly related to the mission of this site... hiking!
This tends to be a frequent problem on message boards because the typed word doesn't have tone to it. Therefore the people read the words and assign tone to them based on their reaction to what they have read. It happens all the time. Smilies tend to help the reader tell when a joke is a joke, even if they (the smilies) appear childish and unprofessional. It is the "language" of message boards in general.
My challenge to everyone is to try your best to not take everything you read personally, to not assign a tone to the words on the screen and if you need clarification of a post... private message the poster to get them to clear it up before it turns into a huge feud like we've seen over the past few days. If everyone will try these things I think we will ALL see a vast improvement on an already Great site!
Frosty:
You seem disappointed I haven't commented on this thread. (See post #50, above).
The reason I haven't commented is that the subject doesn't really interest me, nor do I care for the way the thread has degenerated. The thread doesn't look it's good for anything, doesn't look like it will educate or help people out much, and it serves only to let a few folks argue with each other as they have elsewhere in recent days; eventually, the thread will probably be locked down for vitriol and worthlessness.
So that's why I haven't "jumped in." It doesn't seem worth the time.
That OK with you?Very observant, Jack. I actually said surprised, not disappointed, but you caught what I was feeling better than I did. I didn't mean to single you out, just mentioned your initials along with a few elder statesmen of the site. I didn't mean so much in conjunction with this thread as with longquest in general.
Sometimes when things get out of control in groups, be it associations, sports teams, word places, etc, the old timers will see that the direction in which things are going will step in and put the ship back on course. A few words from members like yoo are much more influential than meaningless yapping from guys like me.
In the past you have not failed to step up to the plate and speak up for the good of WHITEBLAZE.NET, so I was surprised not to see you speak up now.
But perhaps that is because WHITEBLAZE is doing just fine, and I am just being overly sensitive. I've had a lot of free time on my hands this past week, and perhaps I spent too much time surfing for my own good. Time for a time out, I suppose.
Sincere apologies to you.
Chef2000
02-03-2006, 20:46
I have an Idea..If you wanna make a point thats off thread why dont we just PM the intended person, so the rest of us dont have to go thru 35674 post that have nothing to do about the topic.
KirkMcquest
02-03-2006, 20:49
I have an Idea..If you wanna make a point thats off thread why dont we just PM the intended person, so the rest of us dont have to go thru 35674 post that have nothing to do about the topic.
I agree, let's stay on topic
digger51
02-03-2006, 21:15
well, back on topic...
I had a great time in Port Clinton. The owner of the hostel bought me dinner at the B&B and then arranged for a slack to a shelter up the road. The only place I had any problems was a stopover in NYC at Penn Station. I was harrassed all night waiting for a train.