MinnesotaSmith Update

[minnesotasmith]

Agreed, Almost There...

"at least everyone behind you knows who you are!!!"

That seems to be pretty accurate (for good or bad), sometimes unnervingly so. (Please refresh my memory about what I said at the Priest shelter.) I feel at times on the Trail a bit like some Hollywood celebrities would likely feel when in traffic court over a minor speeding offense; what actually happened can be less important than who it was who was involved.

Part of why I figure I end up being a public figure out here goes beyond my succeeding with an unusual pack size/weight, how early I started, being clean-shaven when most male thruhikers are starting to resemble radical Muslim mullahs, not being a chemical user, etc., etc. The situation is, as I see it, is that here in America today we live in a miasmic sea of socialism, misandry, accepted discrimination against whites, and a great many people holding opinions on scientific/social issues that are based on very little real hard knowledge on the subject. (As an example of the latter, I constantly run across young women who think they can count on having about 10-15 years more time in which to have children than their different reproductive physiology actually averages allowing them.)

I let most politically-correct BS in the shelter registers pass. (I don't post controversial material at all in registers in hostels, restaurants, anywhere else but shelters.) However, once in a while, I feel compelled to "push back" against a particular case of what I see as egregious misandry, anti-white racism, radical environmentalism that is at root a hate of humans even living on this planet, or a display of gross historical ignorance/deceit. The PC types on the Trail seem IMO very much accustomed to how things work in the corporate, academic, and governmental worlds, where only they dare ever speak their minds. (Anyone else gets fired/flunked/expelled in short order if they presume to also share that freedom in those places, as we all know.) However, I see the Trail as being closer in its social nature to being like the Internet, except that you actually commonly meet other people face-to-face. The PC types can't get people like me fired from the Trail the way they could get someone known to hold a non-PC view purged in the workplace. They are left with shunning, using peer pressure to motivate someone to change their views. Now, as a scientist, I have been trained to seek the truth, and not be swayed from it, no matter how loud the shouting from those who find my research conclusions unsettling or inconvenient. Think Galileo or the like.

Too, as the son of a career veteran who repeatedly served bravely in combat in wartime (with many ancestors who performed similiarly), I see my travails on the Trail as comparatively small things that I have no excuse to not be able to put up with. Those range from occasionally being forced to hike beyond my normal mileage in the rain at night to being given the silent treatment by people with a fraction of my knowledge on some subject who are upset that I won't alter my well-researched views on some subject to that held by the writers at People Magazine, when my not doing so will make them forcibly and uncomfortably aware that not everyone on the Trail considers PC moral or true.

Now, on the Trail, I make a point of major courtesy towards other hikers, even going as far as chivalry on occasion. I have always tried to make room in crowded shelters for late-arriving hikers. I make major efforts not to disturb the sleep of hikers who go to sleep before I do. I commonly offer help of almost any reasonable kind I can to hikers I perceive as being in some kind of difficulty.

As some examples of the last... several weeks ago when on a long dry stretch of Trail I gave a clinically dehydrated (was at the point of having headaches, balance problems, tunnel vision) female hiker all of my water (which she guzzled on the spot), 5 miles short of the next water source. I then walked along with her to the source, with an offer in the air that if she needed me to, she could sit down while I dropped my pack and went to get water and brought it back to her. I've recently diagnosed a serious internal medical problem in a hiker they had no idea they had. I've taught bits about nutrition to any Ramen/soy/white-flour-eating hiker that wanted to learn about a better way. I do what I can to help and educate people when I know more about something important to them along the way where I can.

My hosts have breakfast about ready, so I have to close.

Hope everyone here has good hiking in their future.

[TOW]

excellent post, i really enjoy the way you write MS............not that i agree with everything you said but that's neither here nor there...............

[weary]

excellent post, i really enjoy the way you write MS............not that i agree with everything you said but that's neither here nor there...............
Yes. I too found the post quite amusing in places.

[Dances with Mice]

En un lugar de la Mancha, de cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme, no ha mucho tiempo que vivía un hidalgo de los de lanza en astillero, adarga antigua, rocín flaco y galgo corredor.

OK, ok - so scratch the rocín flaco.

[Skidsteer]

En un lugar de la Mancha, de cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme, no ha mucho tiempo que vivía un hidalgo de los de lanza en astillero, adarga antigua, rocín flaco y galgo corredor.

OK, ok - scratch the rocín.

I hope el hidalgo has a english/spanish dictionary.

[Dances with Mice]

I hope el hidalgo has a english/spanish dictionary.Not a hidalgo! He would have Sancho carry it.

[Skidsteer]

OK, ok - scratch the rocín.

Better scratch el galgo corredor while you're at it. ;)

[Dances with Mice]

Better scratch el galgo corredor while you're at it. ;)I was thinking that would be his boots, the ardaga's his pack, and the lanza's too obvious.

[Skidsteer]

I was thinking that would be his boots, the ardaga's his pack, and the lanza's too obvious.

Ah. I fell into literal-mindedness for a minute.

So Sancho could be archaic Castilian for 'Gregory Whitney'?

[Dances with Mice]

So Sancho could be archaic Castilian for 'Gregory Whitney'?Hah! Preciso!


Edited to add: Thangawd Mexico just got knocked out of the World Cup before the entire US economy came to a standstill...I mean, I have to drive GA-400 to work and that road did NOT get any wider today!

[Nean]

Think Galileo or the like.


Wonderful MS, who would of thought/known you were/are such a great guy?:confused: :-? :eek: Humble too!! :rolleyes:

[dreamhiker]

Good Post MS, I don't agree with all you said but I like the way you speak your mind. I would much rather have conversations with people who have different views and opinions than I do. Nothing more boring than people just reinforcing each others Ideas and beliefs weather PC or not.
DreamHiker

[Heater]

Wonderful MS, who would of thought/known you were/are such a great guy?:confused: :-? :eek: Humble too!! :rolleyes:

Did you know that if you hike past Cape Gaspe, you will fall offa the edge of the world?

[ed bell]

Agreed, Almost There...

"at least everyone behind you knows who you are!!!"...


My hosts have breakfast about ready, so I have to close.

Hope everyone here has good hiking in their future. i have been around on WB for all of MS's pre hike prep and all I have to say is that the trail seems to be working its magic once again. I'm glad that MS has been able to experience it. Trail reality. Your own world.

[Dances with Mice]

Where he met Baltimore Jack again.

[Sly]

I'm still not impressed and doubt I ever will be.

[Dances with Mice]

Harper's Ferry Where he met Baltimore Jack again.

I'm still not impressed and doubt I ever will be.
It is true
That lots of other people
Have met Baltimore Jack too.

[Nean]

I'm still not impressed and doubt I ever will be.


You may want to reconsider Sly.:D I just computed pack weights :-? and as it turns out.......1 MS thruhikes = 14 WD slackpacks :eek:

[Nean]

It is true
That lots of other people
Have met Baltimore Jack too.

I met Jack when he was a young man.:)

[Lone Wolf]

I met Tiger Woods.

[MOWGLI]

Galileo? I donno. Icarus? Quite possibly.

[Lugnut]

I met Jack when he was a young man.:)



You must be very, very old! ;)

[TOW]

I met Lone Wolf one time......, when he was younger....

[colbys]

I never want to meet lonewolf...it would ruin the mythical representation that he commands...

[Heater]

I never want to meet lonewolf...it would ruin the mythical representation that he commands...

I think he must be laughing with you right about now.

[Dances with Mice]

Well, friends, for the next two weeks any updates about MS’ hike will have to come from the gentleman himself.

I’m escaping the heat (http://www.ireland.com/weather/) to do some research (http://www.guinness.com/gateway/), detailed analysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp_(lager)#Sinking_bubbles), making observations (http://www.iol.ie/~discover/blarney.htm), and meeting with others (http://www.ejc2006.net/index.php) to save the world (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/) from evildoers. (http://www.thewjf.com/)

And now...I am SO out of here! (http://www.gettingtoireland.com/delta.htm)


(http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/)



(http://www.gettingtoireland.com/delta.htm)

[Heater]

Well, friends, for the next two weeks any updates about MS’ hike will have to come from the gentleman himself.

I’m escaping the heat (http://www.ireland.com/weather/) to do some research (http://www.guinness.com/gateway/), detailed analysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp_(lager)#Sinking_bubbles), making observations (http://www.iol.ie/~discover/blarney.htm), and meeting with others (http://www.ejc2006.net/index.php) to save the world (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/) from evildoers. (http://www.thewjf.com/)

And now...I am SO out of here! (http://www.gettingtoireland.com/delta.htm)



I heard he got off the trail. :rolleyes:

[Dances with Mice]

I heard he got off the trail. :rolleyes:...I'm not gone yet...

[Alligator]

Well, friends, for the next two weeks any updates about MS’ hike will have to come from the gentleman himself.

I’m escaping the heat (http://www.ireland.com/weather/) to do some research (http://www.guinness.com/gateway/), detailed analysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp_(lager)#Sinking_bubbles), making observations (http://www.iol.ie/~discover/blarney.htm), and meeting with others (http://www.ejc2006.net/index.php) to save the world (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/) from evildoers. (http://www.thewjf.com/)

And now...I am SO out of here! (http://www.gettingtoireland.com/delta.htm)
Just remember, good experimentation requires replication.

[Heater]

...I'm not gone yet...

Oh! OK... I'll repost later! :D :D :D

[Heater]

Just remember, good experimentation requires replication.

Not always. Especially if the results are expectedly unexpected... man...

[TOW]

Well, friends, for the next two weeks any updates about MS’ hike will have to come from the gentleman himself.

I’m escaping the heat (http://www.ireland.com/weather/) to do some research (http://www.guinness.com/gateway/), detailed analysis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp_(lager)#Sinking_bubbles), making observations (http://www.iol.ie/~discover/blarney.htm), and meeting with others (http://www.ejc2006.net/index.php) to save the world (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/) from evildoers. (http://www.thewjf.com/)

And now...I am SO out of here! (http://www.gettingtoireland.com/delta.htm)







i knew you were a guiness drinking drunken blarney castle hopping juggler........have fun........

[jlb2012]

well dang - I used to be a juggler back a few years ago - still can do some stuff but I haven't picked up a club in a couple years

[Jack Tarlin]

I dunno if I've met DW Mice.

So I can't say if he impressed me on the Trail.

Maybe he needs to hike more.

Or post less.

[MOWGLI]

I dunno if I've met DW Mice.

So I can't say if he impressed me on the Trail.

Maybe he needs to hike more.

Or post less.

Thanks for the laugh Jack. That's pretty funny. :banana

[TOW]

I dunno if I've met DW Mice.

So I can't say if he impressed me on the Trail.

Maybe he needs to hike more.

Or post less.
what's up with you jack? DWM's okay.....

[mdionne]

Jack, who has 2876 posts since 10/12/02, said


I dunno if I've met DW Mice.

So I can't say if he impressed me on the Trail.

Maybe he needs to hike more.

Or post less.

To Dances with Mice, who has 1139 posts since 5/20/03

Am I missing something here???:confused:

[ed bell]

Maybe he needs to hike more.
I need to hike more, that's a fact. Funny thing about this thread, a lot of posts have nothing to do with the "Joe" Smith fellow. A lot is just banter, back and forth. Like I posted earlier, considering his hundreds of outspoken posts in prep of his attempt, it's no wonder folks are checkin his progress outhere at WB. I still hope he makes it. Other than that he is just another hiker living the dream. Kudos for that. My main hope is that he keeps the outdoor lifestyle in his blood for the rest of his days. It does a body good.:sun

[MOWGLI]

I'm "impressed" by people who hike different trails on a regular basis. In that sense, some folks barely register a blip on the Mowgliometer. :rolleyes: Oh! The horrors! :eek:

And DWM is one of the nicest & funniest folks I have ever met - anywhere. That's a fact!

[TOW]

Jack, who has 2876 posts since 10/12/02, said



To Dances with Mice, who has 1139 posts since 5/20/03

Am I missing something here???:confused:he's probably just drunk.....

[hustler]

I'm sort of out of the loop...Where is old MS now?

[TOW]

I'm sort of out of the loop...Where is old MS now?maybe pennsylvania????

[Rain Man]

he's probably just drunk.....

There seems to be way too much of that going on among some WhiteBlazers. Some can't have fun without a drink in their hand, or thinking about their next drunk, or posting about drinking, or fantasizing about it, or glorifying it. Others whine "oh we're just having a little fun" (borrowing a refrain from school yard bullies). Some get more and more astute and erudite (in their own minds) the more they drink, it appears. And yes, for others, it turns 'em into mean drunks.

None of this is to pick on Jack (I have no idea if he was drunk when he posted). But I do believe some few (not few enough) WhiteBlazers are just that way, though, and "share" their enlightenment with the rest of us.

Rain:sunMan

.

[Jack Tarlin]

In truth, I dunno which post was more idiotic, Wanderers or Rain Man's. My remark to DW Mice, in response to a snotty personal coment he made a few posts back, was short, to the point, and I was entirely sober when I said it.

As I am now.

Incidentally, the witlessness of their posts only serves as reminder that sober people are every bit as capable of posting stupid stuff as are tipplers.

[MOWGLI]

My remark to DW Mice, in response to a snotty personal coment he made a few posts back...


Jack, I don't think DWM has a "snotty" bone in his body. He does have a somewhat bizarre sense of humor however. Thats one of the things I like about him.

And oh yeah, he is a trail maintainer with GATC. I know that impresses you - as it does me.

[TOW]

In truth, I dunno which post was more idiotic, Wanderers or Rain Man's. My remark to DW Mice, in response to a snotty personal coment he made a few posts back, was short, to the point, and I was entirely sober when I said it.

As I am now.

Incidentally, the witlessness of their posts only serves as reminder that sober people are every bit as capable of posting stupid stuff as are tipplers.my apologies jack, that was totally inappropriate for me to even incline that you were drunk......

[TOW]

There seems to be way too much of that going on among some WhiteBlazers. Some can't have fun without a drink in their hand, or thinking about their next drunk, or posting about drinking, or fantasizing about it, or glorifying it. Others whine "oh we're just having a little fun" (borrowing a refrain from school yard bullies). Some get more and more astute and erudite (in their own minds) the more they drink, it appears. And yes, for others, it turns 'em into mean drunks.

None of this is to pick on Jack (I have no idea if he was drunk when he posted). But I do believe some few (not few enough) WhiteBlazers are just that way, though, and "share" their enlightenment with the rest of us.

Rain:sunMan

.

i agree with you rainman, now whether jack was drunk or not i do not know.....that was just an observation that i should have kept to myself....

[mdionne]

Incidentally, the witlessness of their posts only serves as reminder that sober people are every bit as capable of posting stupid stuff as are tipplers.

what is witless is the fact you didn't check the number of posts you made before your response to DWM.

maybe you all need to get drunk and THEN post:D

[general]

hell, lets all get drunk and post. it is a holiday weekend afterall.

[Two Speed]

hell, lets all get drunk and post. it is a holiday weekend afterall.I'll drink to that.

[SGT Rock]

Quit rubbing it in.

[emerald]

Regardless of everyone's BAC, I've gotten quite a few laughs from WhiteBlaze.net in the last few days. I especially enjoyed Rock's comment.

I have an inkling MS may be in BMECC territory. Maybe I should go look for him. You know, inquiring minds want to know about such things, and I haven't had anything to drink today, except iced, unsweetened oolong tea. I understand there's a law against serving anything like that in more southerly locations.

I'm guessing you're still in Duncannon Jack? Has MS set out for points east of there yet?

[emerald]

That PWI or PUI depending upon the state in which you happen to be located at the time you are posting is bad news.

I hear there's a new device in the testing phases for habitual offenders. If you blow a number over the legal limit, it locks up your keyboard.

The authorities are still wrangling over who has jurisdiction or how it will be enforced.

[Wolf - 23000]

I met MinnesotaSmith in the Smokes. It does surprise me that he has made it this far but what I am shocked by is how little he has learn and how may people are so interested in his hike.

When I met him in the Smokes, he came across to me as not having a clue about backpacking. He was full of question but very paranoid about what if? Almost to a point that I don’t think he believes the stuff he’s posting anymore then the rest of us. His post, the way he does thinks, is just to gain attention to himself, like a little kid.

And MinesotaSmith, being a repeated hiker of the PCT, AT, LT and several others, I am full capable of taken care of myself despite the size of my backpack. I’ve hiked in a lot worst places then you have and came out fine.

Wolf

[Nightwalker]

I'm "impressed" by people who hike different trails on a regular basis.
Well thank you Li'l Bear. I appreciate that! :eek:

[Rain Man]

In truth, I dunno which post was more idiotic, Wanderers or Rain Man's. ...

As I said in my post, I wasn't even talking about you, Jack. I apologize if I hurt your feelings, though. :)

Rain:sunMan

.

[Two Speed]

Quit rubbing it in.Would it help if I drank one for you?

[SGT Rock]

It just might.

[max patch]

There seems to be way too much of that going on among some WhiteBlazers. Some can't have fun without a drink in their hand, or thinking about their next drunk, or posting about drinking, or fantasizing about it, or glorifying it. Others whine "oh we're just having a little fun" (borrowing a refrain from school yard bullies). Some get more and more astute and erudite (in their own minds) the more they drink, it appears. And yes, for others, it turns 'em into mean drunks.



There are hikers that drink.

There are drinkers that hike.

There is a big difference between the two.

And it seems lately that the drinkers who hike have decided that Whiteblaze is a mighty fine bar.

[mweinstone]

please dont ruin it for the rest of the people who genuinly want to follow minnisota smiths storybook adventures.we dont care about negitivity and hate and lies. we want news and opinions on the man of the hour. i know minnisota dosnt want to post on this rag but he will for the people who keep it alive and positive. now i call on all of minnisotas supporters here on white blaze to support not contort or attack. please follow some of the rules of this forum or the webmaster will shut it down as has been done in the past. minnisota,...............hi from phily and have a good walk on the nations birthday.

[Just Jeff]

Double post deleted.

[Just Jeff]

Seconded. If you're interested in who drinks and how much, search the archives. No need to rehash it here. Please?

[emerald]

Been trying Matthewski. I just didn't have any hard facts to report. Yesterday at PA 501, the thru-hikers there reported he was a few days behind them. Now, that's not the same as a photo of MS at well-known A.T. location and something else in the photo to demonstrate he was there at a particular time.

When I have something more concrete, I'll pass it along. We all know MS is your hero. It's going to be okay, Matt, really.

BTW, what's the A.T. road crossing nearest your present location? He ought to be closing in on that point in a few days. Maybe you could update the rest of us, and post a photo of MS and yourself. He shouldn't be hard to find.

[RadioFreq]

please dont ruin it for the rest of the people who genuinly want to follow minnisota smiths storybook adventures.we dont care about negitivity and hate and lies. we want news and opinions on the man of the hour. i know minnisota dosnt want to post on this rag but he will for the people who keep it alive and positive. now i call on all of minnisotas supporters here on white blaze to support not contort or attack. please follow some of the rules of this forum or the webmaster will shut it down as has been done in the past. minnisota,...............hi from phily and have a good walk on the nations birthday.

Keep on truckin', MS. Oh, and if you're a Twins fan you are missing something pretty amazin' going on here in the Cities. :banana Now, if we can just figure out what's got into those Tigers. :mad:

[mweinstone]

is port clinton/hamburg area. the potsvill local leaves each day (4times)from the bus station at 10th and filbert streets. port clinton is a flagstop and the bus will not stop unless you are on pa 61 at the correct time and spot in port clinton.minnisota smith should be cursing the rocks just about now according to shades of grays report.if he is at raush gap shelter, he will like it. its very beautiful as far as pa shelters go.i envy minnisota smith and i covet his entrys and his thru hike. i ask god forgivness for this .for as we all know ,....thou shall not covet thy brothers thru hike.

[mweinstone]

shades of gray just pulled his shoes on and flew out the door and is going to pa 501 to catch minnisota smith! we should have freash news later tonight. stay tunned bat lovers. same bat channel,...same bat time,......for the next minnisota smith bat update!

[emerald]

Pretty quiet at PA 501 tonight. Only 3 thru-hikers there. No better fix on MS's location than previously.

I understand he is a shelter register signer. Many this year don't seem to bother signing at all.

Does anyone at Duncannon have any information on his whereabouts?

[Cheesewhiz]

he was close behind me when I got off for the weekend at pine grove so Im pretty sure he is near Boiling springs +/-. yeah I can't wait to be in his miserable presence on more time when I have to pass him again.

[Heater]

There are hikers that drink.

There are drinkers that hike.

There is a big difference between the two.

And it seems lately that the drinkers who hike have decided that Whiteblaze is a mighty fine bar.

One bourbon, One Scotch... and one beer... :banana

[Heater]

yeah I can't wait to be in his miserable presence on more time when I have to pass him again.

I am sorry hear that he might not be having a good time.
Really!
...but if he isn't, It must be his own fault.
Really.

[Cheesewhiz]

On all my hiking I have never heard someone be so negative?? Almost all his enteries are very very pecimistic. I have one questions why does he carry THREE food bags and a 60 lb pack on the AT?

[Sly]

i know minnisota dosnt want to post on this rag but he will for the people who keep it alive and positive.

Nice. maybe the minnisota fan club can start their own website. :mad:

[Heater]

On all my hiking I have never heard someone be so negative?? Almost all his enteries are very very pecimistic. I have one questions why does he carry THREE food bags and a 60 lb pack on the AT?

I hope you aren't letting him bring you down. I'd say HYOH but I am sure you're sick of hearing that by now. Congratulations on yout hike thus far and I just know you'll make it to K. Been following along.

:sun

[Cheesewhiz]

Im am having an absolut great time on my hike!!! There is no quitting in this guy! Minnasota Smut couldn't ruin my hike if he tried. all I have to do is do more than go past the very nest shelter and I'll never have to hike with him again.

[Heater]

Im am having an absolut great time on my hike!!! There is no quitting in this guy! Minnasota Smut couldn't ruin my hike if he tried. all I have to do is do more than go past the very nest shelter and I'll never have to hike with him again.

Minnesota Smut? Hmmmmmm... :-?

[emerald]

Sounds like the four winds could blow a little harder or a least the tail wind.;)

[the goat]

Nice. maybe the minnisota fan club can start their own website. :mad:

hear, hear, i couldn't agree more!:clap

[MOWGLI]

I have one questions why does he carry THREE food bags and a 60 lb pack on the AT?

Because he's right and everyone else is wrong. Haven't you been paying attention? :rolleyes:

[Two Speed]

It just might.Consider it done, and Happy 4th of July.

On all my hiking I have never heard someone be so negative?? Almost all his enteries are very very pecimistic. I have one questions why does he carry THREE food bags and a 60 lb pack on the AT?Actually the pessimism and the 60 lb pack could be related. I know I'd be one miserable SOB if I was hauling 60 lbs, and probably more than a little pessimistic, too. Sounds like a self-inflicted wound to me. I'd say something about not having heard Minnie's side of the story, but I can't honestly say that I want to.

Be as that may, both of you are still hiking and you don't have to put up with him, hike with him or read his register entries if you don't want to. HYOH and all that jazz.

Good luck and I hope both of you have a successful hike to Katahdin.

[TOW]

he was close behind me when I got off for the weekend at pine grove so Im pretty sure he is near Boiling springs +/-. yeah I can't wait to be in his miserable presence on more time when I have to pass him again.i see you must really love the guy...........

[TOW]

On all my hiking I have never heard someone be so negative?? Almost all his enteries are very very pecimistic. I have one questions why does he carry THREE food bags and a 60 lb pack on the AT?simply, because he wants too........

[TOW]

Im am having an absolut great time on my hike!!! There is no quitting in this guy! Minnasota Smut couldn't ruin my hike if he tried. all I have to do is do more than go past the very nest shelter and I'll never have to hike with him again.i bet he said something to you that you didn't like, what about it? want to let us know what it is that he said that you didn't like or do you want to continue to make an arse of yourself by belittling him.................?

[Rain Man]

Because he's right and everyone else is wrong. Haven't you been paying attention? :rolleyes:

ROTFLMAO!!!

Truly, though, that assumes there is a right way and a wrong way to HYOH. I'm still hoping he makes it however far he wants, however fast he wants. He's out there doing it, and I give him the credit he deserves for that.

Rain:sunMan

.

[Cheesewhiz]

Hey only wanderer go lose yourself behind a tree! If you really want to know he was happily talking about stabbing dogs with his hiking poles and spraying them with mace when I was in his presence so I simply packed up my pack and did another 5 miles after dark and that was the first time I saw him on my hike and it was also the last until I go back today and run past him barking like a dog in the next few days! J/K:D

[mweinstone]

a private wealthy philanthropist has announced plans to pettition the atc headquarters to allow him to erect a statue of the common hiker using minnisota smith as a modle.

[MOWGLI]

a private wealthy philanthropist has announced plans to pettition the atc headquarters to allow him to erect a statue of the common hiker using minnisota smith as a modle.

And every dog that comes by will lift a leg in his honor. :banana

[Wolf - 23000]

Actually the pessimism and the 60 lb pack could be related. I know I'd be one miserable SOB if I was hauling 60 lbs, and probably more than a little pessimistic, too.

If he choses to carry a 60 lb pack that is his right but it not an excuse for being an SOB. I'm sure he is smart enought to lighten up his pack if he wanted to.

Wolf

[Nean]

a private wealthy philanthropist has announced plans to pettition the atc headquarters to allow him to erect a statue of the common hiker using minnisota smith as a modle.

As long as the atc requires double digits for petitions we are safe.:D

[TOW]

Hey only wanderer go lose yourself behind a tree! If you really want to know he was happily talking about stabbing dogs with his hiking poles and spraying them with mace when I was in his presence so I simply packed up my pack and did another 5 miles after dark and that was the first time I saw him on my hike and it was also the last until I go back today and run past him barking like a dog in the next few days! J/K:Dhahahahaha....that's cool..........hahahaha........i heard he hates dogs:clap okay i can understand your reasoning.........

[ed bell]

There are hikers that drink.

There are drinkers that hike.

There is a big difference between the two.

And it seems lately that the drinkers who hike have decided that Whiteblaze is a mighty fine bar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPtQkZsn7k&feature=Views&page=3&t=t&f=b
Is this close to what you are talkin bout Max?:rolleyes:

[max patch]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPtQkZsn7k&feature=Views&page=3&t=t&f=b
Is this close to what you are talkin bout Max?:rolleyes:

Did LW know he was being taped?

[ed bell]

Did LW know he was being taped? I didn't record the gentleman in the video. I am almost certain Lone Wolf is not in the video although I thought the fella did a real nice job recalling the lyrics to "Rhinestone Cowboy" considering. Nice to see that you can lighten up Max. Happy 4th of July.:sun

[TOW]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPtQkZsn7k&feature=Views&page=3&t=t&f=b
Is this close to what you are talkin bout Max?:rolleyes:
i think i know that guy............doesn't he live here LW...........maybe i saw him on the trail yesterday.........?

[Two Speed]

If he choses to carry a 60 lb pack that is his right but it not an excuse for being an SOB. I'm sure he is smart enought to lighten up his pack if he wanted to.

WolfDidn't say it was an excuse, just pointing out that the two phenomena could be related.

[mweinstone]

common. some of us are really into lukeus smiths thru hike. how bout starting tour own thread titled arguments from minnisota smith update thread.be real. you 12 people dont own this thread. you share it when appropriat. dont make me come down here again.

[max patch]

matthewski, you remind me of the old seinfeld episode where george had a serious case of non sexual man love for elaines boyfriend.

[Ender]

Must... get... life...

Thread is... killing... me...

Too... much... pointlessness........ *ack* *ack* :datz

[Just Jeff]

Ender... is... in my head...

echoes... train wrecks... can't look away...

[mweinstone]

yeah,..and while minnisota smith was out his agent called. yeah,...abc wants to use him as the new hurly on lost.its gonna be one of those switches where they just replace an acter all the sudden.

and his lost blubber was picked up by some southbounder who dropped it in the hiker box at amicalola and theres a rumer some guy is using it as fuel.

and finnaly folks,..the simpsons will feature minnisota smith in an upcomming episode in whitch he plays a geologist who goes hiking on the appalachian trail loaded down with cans of water and sags of blub only to emerge half his former self. after a rare shark attack in sunfish pond .

thank you youve been wonderful.

[the goat]

you desperately need some attention, don't you?

[Hikerhead]

you desperately need some attention, don't you?

I'm under the belief that he got some attention from MS at some lonely shelter somewhere. :eek:

[minnesotasmith]

Felt a bit ground down, and had some errands to get done, so I'm doing a zero day @ the Doyle (1st one since Waynesboro, FWIW). Will get dropped off by friend tomorrow and hike back to the Billville Feed (my first and probably only major hiker event of my thruhike; was ahead of all the others). Crossed the Cumberland Valley by doing the 18.2 (tied my best day). Was hiking between Pen-Mar Park and Deer Lick shelter when the 6/27 flood hit. Have already decided that Trail Angel Mary is in the same league as Miss Janet for being an irreplaceable part of what makes the Trail what it is. More in a bit.

[MOWGLI]

Crossed the Cumberland Valley by doing the 18.2 (tied my best day).


One of my favorite parts of the trail. Mostly because it is different. Keep on truckin' MS. It gets cooler again in New England.

[minnesotasmith]

Hey only wanderer go lose yourself behind a tree! If you really want to know he was happily talking about stabbing dogs with his hiking poles and spraying them with mace when I was in his presence

I currently (as of Duncannon) carry and use a single hiking staff, precisely as I have done along my entire thruhike to date. Further, I haven't had my bear spray (capsicum-based, not mace) with me since Neels Gap. Lastly, when I have spoken of hypothetically committing violence to dogs on the Trail, it has generally been in the context of self-defence against loose (and thus stray) dogs. Remember that I've had 3 close calls during my thru attempt thus far with completely unprokedly nearly getting bitten by dogs that were either loose or on grossly overly-long leashes. (For anyone that says dogs are infallible judges of character, and only bite people who deserve it, I will happily send them enough links to pictures of civil rights protestors being savaged by Alabama police dogs during the 1960s, Nazi guard dogs being set upon Jewish children, or the like, to dispel that fallacious notion.)

[minnesotasmith]

One of my favorite parts of the trail. Mostly because it is different. Keep on truckin' MS. It gets cooler again in New England.

I have devised what I believe is a devastating (and IMO fairly amusing) refutation of the local club's current policy against letting hikers camp at the Scott Farm along that shelterless 18.2-mile stretch. Their sign by the water pump there indicates that they wish to maintain good relations with their neighbors. Well, their only halfway close neighbors (screened by trees and brush, I might add) are a trailer park. To get looked down upon by the residents there, the Scott Farm users would IMO have to either:
A) hold frequent (not just occasional) cross-burnings and/or cockfights, or B) employ a bunch of bearded environmentalist types from Left Coast states. Wait a minute, they already do #B, don't they?:-? :rolleyes:

So, already being looked down upon by the neighbors, whomever sets policy for the Scott Farm might as well go ahead and allow bushed hikers to throw down packs and bedrolls under the ample porch overhang space after dark. When I crossed that area, I left the last shelter south of Boiling Springs @ 9:17 A.M., and still got to the first shelter/legal place to camp north of Boiling Springs (Darlington) around 10:00 P.M. Temps were in the 80s and humidity cannot have been much different. I went through at least 8 liters during the day's hike on the Trail of water that day. Given that motels (at Hwy. 11, say) are not in the budget, I cannot imagine what I would done had I hit a section like that area while still in significantly worse condition than I have worked myself into now, say, pre-Smokies.

[MOWGLI]

I have devised what I believe is a devastating (and IMO fairly amusing) refutation of the local club's current policy against letting hikers camp at the Scott Farm along that shelterless 18.2-mile stretch......

I did a 24 mile day through there in 95+ degree heat with ridiculous humidity. Sorry. You gotta do better than that. Those bunks are reserved for volunteers.

Anyway, that's what headlamps are for. Plus, most of that hike is flat as a pancake.

[mdionne]

(For anyone that says dogs are infallible judges of character, and only bite people who deserve it, I will happily send them enough links to pictures of civil rights protestors being savaged by Alabama police dogs during the 1960s, Nazi guard dogs being set upon Jewish children, or the like, to dispel that fallacious notion.)

:eek: You ARE changing for the better!!!

I never thought I'd see the day that you would have ever thought that civil rights protesters and Jewish children are innocents!!! I'm so proud of you!!!

:) :) :)

[minnesotasmith]

I met MinnesotaSmith in the Smokes. It does surprise me that he has made it this far but what I am shocked by is how little he has learn and how may people are so interested in his hike.

When I met him in the Smokes, he came across to me as not having a clue about backpacking. He was full of question but very paranoid about what if? Almost to a point that I don’t think he believes the stuff he’s posting anymore then the rest of us. His post, the way he does thinks, is just to gain attention to himself, like a little kid.

And MinesotaSmith, being a repeated hiker of the PCT, AT, LT and several others, I am full capable of taken care of myself despite the size of my backpack. I’ve hiked in a lot worst places then you have and came out fine.

Wolf

When I was walking up the ramp to the observation tower at Clingman's Dome, Wolf came up behind me. Before I even knew he was there (let alone had turned around, looked at him, and indicated I wanted his particular opinions on gear) he made not one but two negative comments (that bordered on insulting) about my pack. At the time, I let it slide. I wished I'd said something along the lines of these:

A) "Right now the only thing I want to be rid of is you."

B) "We all carry the burden we have the strength for. I have the strength to carry over 60 pounds. You appear to only have the strength (pause to glance at pack too small to carry appropriate gear for a DAY hike in the Smokies in winter) to carry a women's shoebox. Have you considered weight training (or testosterone supplements/testicle transplants)? They might help."

Wolf, you told me while at Clingman's Dome about having had a Nalgene full of water burst inside your sleeping bag when in Maine in the winter @ -27. Funny; Western Mountaineering makes a bag rated to -40 F (but it weighs about 8 pounds), so it's not as if the proper gear wasn't available for you. I also know that you have had to be rescued mid-hike from at least one attempt at hiking & camping in the winter, not an occurence that has ever happened to me, most especially not during my thruhike thus far.

Lastly, I spent most of last year in NW Colorado, hiking extensively during my offshift and off days. Last fall (November), while on the North Slope of Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle, I was repeatedly outside at temps well below -27, as low as -47. (Then, there's my winter in NE MN with no heat source but a wood stove fueled by wood I cut myself, using no power tools.) Such an environment is bracing, to be sure, but when someone prepares and has the proper gear, it can be entered into (and its gifts to the spirit enjoyed) safely.

Wolf, I think you read Jardine's book without being able to figure out which sections he wrote while under the influence of controlled substances (so as to ignore them). I believe that it is irresponsible in the extreme to enter the wilderness without basic gear appropriate to the locale and the season, expecting other people to be available to bail you out and rescue you when a merely moderate unexpected difficulty arises. I also have the strong impression that that is exactly what you do on a regular basis, and I don't really have much respect for you as a hiker, as far as your judgement about gear goes.

[minnesotasmith]

:eek: You ARE changing for the better!!!

I never thought I'd see the day that you would have ever thought that civil rights protesters and Jewish children are innocents!!! I'm so proud of you!!!

:) :) :)

I have never in my life been against Americans having the right to peacefully protest (on public, not private, property), as long as they don't interfere with other people's lives (PETA comes to mind as a perpetual transgressor on these). It's in the original Constitution, and I am a Constitutionalist, after all. Likewise, the Holocaust was criminal in the extreme, as well as stupid (imagine the Nazis' prospects for victory in WWII with all those Jewish physicists able to stay and work in support of for their war effort, very possibly giving Germany the fission bomb ahead of the Allies). Stalin and Mao were certainly butchers on a larger scale over a longer time frame, and Pol Pot, etc., killed higher percentages of populaces (See Rummel's "Death By Government"), but those greater crimes hardly excuse what the Nazis did.

[minnesotasmith]

The United Methodist Church on 27 High St. (Duncannon, PA 17020) has some access to hikers for showers, bathrooms, Internet access, etc., all at no charge.

Also, Trail Angel Mary is VERY helpful to hikers, either directly, with incredible information that is just what they need to know, or by hooking them up with someone who can help them. She is rather easy to find; just ask at the Doyle, or follow the red blazes from there. (I have learned while in Duncannon where she lives and works, but hesitate to post that info on the internet
(.

[TOW]

well, well. it's nice to see you on here again MS...........keep on standing your ground and eat your heart out at the feed.....i think they ought to have a parade in your honor, and that is no joke......i think your in the same class as Lone Wolf, Wee Willy, and Pirate and in my books they are some of the best there is.............

[minnesotasmith]

1) Best quotes in a shelter register:

a) someone saying why they skipped the half-gallon challenge: "If I wanted a 5-hour stomachache, I could just smell my insoles, and save the 5 bucks."

b) One guy wrote in a register just his name, the date, and this sentence: "I have decided that packing in a carrot cake and a six-pack was one of my better ideas".

2) Most disquieting sight in a shelter: the shelter ~4 miles south of Duncannon has multiple PILES of huge (like up to 2x the size of a gallon milk jug) rocks by each sleeping location inside the shelter. The entire front of the shelter (and lots of lower bunk edges) is GNAWED, up to 1" vertically, 4"+ deep, and along at least 15' of the shelter front. It's by porcupines, apparently, going by the 3 warning signs.

[Darwin again]

Remember that I've had 3 close calls during my thru attempt thus far with completely unprokedly nearly getting bitten by dogs that were either loose or on grossly overly-long leashes.

Hello, thread and Whiteblaze folks. This is my first post here. Been lurking for years but never actually signed up. But MS is compelling, so I couldn't resist...

Hey Minnesota!
Hope you aren't referring to the grossly over-long leash I use for my innocent, sweet, non-biting dog whom I only take on day hikes. As I recall, she didn't try to bite you. Or did she? Or should she have? I know you and I did some rhetorical snapping, but there were no leashes or dogs involved. ;-) I prefer grossly over-long leashes as does my dog, both rhetorically and otherwise.

That's a nice flat walk across the Cumberland Valley. When I did it, I arrived at Darlington Shelter on the tail end of a racous thunder/hail/rain storm. The cold rain kept me cool on that little climb out of the valley. Then the sun poked through and at dusk we made a nice fire. Have a Doyle burger for me and tell Vicky and Pat Darwin says "hello!"

Party on, Luke, and keep the mileage in the sweet spot.

p.s. I still contend that your forum here tagline badly misrepresents you. (Just my 2cents.)

[minnesotasmith]

Lone Wolf and Matthewski understand a lot about me. :-? :rolleyes:

As far as Dances With Mice goes, he is a heck of a hiker (hiked me into the ground last time I was on the Trail with him). He is also VERY inventive with making his own gear; for example, his stove/windscreen setup is not to be believed -- very lightweight, durable, simple, and works noticeably better than what most other thrus with alcohol stoves I have seen rely upon. Lastly, he is quite a nice guy.

[scope]

"1 of the things that most sharply divides the conservative from the modern "liberal" is the liberal's reckless willingness to level what took centuries or longer to grow in public soil, his propensity to pollute religion, poison morals, despoil culture, & upset the delicate balance of our old-growth Constitution. We conserve paintings & manuscripts, furniture & buildings, churches & liturgies, forests, rivers, lakes & shores [affirming] conservative principle."

OK, I envy the fact that you're doing what I wish I could be doing.

But, this trailer-quote is total trash (pun intended). I go to the AT to get away from it all, and I visit this site often as it gives me a sliver of access to something I can't have more of at this time in my life. I find yours and others' travels and experience interesting and informative, but your conservative diatribe doesn't seem to belong here and is a distraction.

IMO ;)

Congrats on what you've accomplished so far and best of luck the rest of the way!

[TOW]

B) "We all carry the burden we have the strength for. I have the strength to carry over 60 pounds. You appear to only have the strength (pause to glance at pack too small to carry appropriate gear for a DAY hike in the Smokies in winter) to carry a women's shoebox. Have you considered weight training (or testosterone supplements/testicle transplants)? They might help."

.hahaha............:clap you have a way with words.........

[one foot]

I met Minnesota near Thomas Knob, great sense of humor, nice guy. Screw the naysayers, Minnesota enjoy your hike.

[TOW]

I met Minnesota near Thomas Knob, great sense of humor, nice guy. Screw the naysayers, Minnesota enjoy your hike.that's right..........

[Just Jeff]

...but your conservative diatribe doesn't seem to belong here and is a distraction...

To say nothing of the liberal diatribes. I'd say something about balance, but there isn't much of that here. I don't even consider myself conservative - but on this board I almost feel like a right-wing extremist! :D

If there's gonna be ANY political discussion, I welcome diatribes by both sides...keep it up, MS!

[Sly]

To say nothing of the liberal diatribes. I'd say something about balance, but there isn't much of that here. I don't even consider myself conservative - but on this board I almost feel like a right-wing extremist! :D

If there's gonna be ANY political discussion, I welcome diatribes by both sides...keep it up, MS!

Oh pity the poor rightwing zealots, they're so misunderstood! :rolleyes:

It's one thing to mention something in passing or to start a topic in the non AT forums, while it's another to have a controversial political comment pinned in your sig.

[Wolf - 23000]

When I was walking up the ramp to the observation tower at Clingman's Dome, Wolf came up behind me. Before I even knew he was there (let alone had turned around, looked at him, and indicated I wanted his particular opinions on gear) he made not one but two negative comments (that bordered on insulting) about my pack. ....

As I’m sure everyone that knows me will tell you, I’m not a gear head. I know a lot about gear but I don’t choose to spend my time talking about sleeping-bags, backpacks, etc. I personal find the subject rather boring. I never even met you and you were asking me question about my gear or questions that any new-be hiker knew the answer. I may not have be a thru-hike this year, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know what I am doing.

[quote]B) "We all carry the burden we have the strength for. I have the strength to carry over 60 pounds. You appear to only have the strength (pause to glance at pack too small to carry appropriate gear for a DAY hike in the Smokies in winter) to carry a women's shoebox. Have you considered weight training (or testosterone supplements/testicle transplants)? They might help."[quote]

So are you trying to show off your big muscles? You win. Your pack is big then mine. I though this was called backpacking not weight lifting?


[quote]Wolf, you told me while at Clingman's Dome about having had a Nalgene full of water burst inside your sleeping bag when in Maine in the winter @ -27. Funny; Western Mountaineering makes a bag rated to -40 F (but it weighs about 8 pounds), so it's not as if the proper gear wasn't available for you. I also know that you have had to be rescued mid-hike from at least one attempt at hiking & camping in the winter, not an occurence that has ever happened to me, most especially not during my thruhike thus far. [quote]

Western Mountaineering does make a – 40 sleeping bag called the Bison Super DL – the only -40 bag they make. The fill is 850+fill power DOWN. DOWN when it gets wet loses all insulation. Funny isn’t it someone with your experience didn’t know that???

Source: http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags)

I used a -25 Western Mountaineering Col on my Maine winter hike with a VB instead of the -40 bag as MS suggested I should have had.

[quote]Lastly, I spent most of last year in NW Colorado, hiking extensively during my offshift and off days. Last fall (November), while on the North Slope of Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle, I was repeatedly outside at temps well below -27, as low as -47. (Then, there's my winter in NE MN with no heat source but a wood stove fueled by wood I cut myself, using no power tools.) Such an environment is bracing, to be sure, but when someone prepares and has the proper gear, it can be entered into (and its gifts to the spirit enjoyed) safely.


Wow. All that experience and you chose not you use any knowlege from it.


[quote]Wolf, I think you read Jardine's book without being able to figure out which sections he wrote while under the influence of controlled substances (so as to ignore them). [quote]

I never read Jardine's book and have always traveled lighter then Jardine.


[quote]I believe that it is irresponsible in the extreme to enter the wilderness without basic gear appropriate to the locale and the season, expecting other people to be available to bail you out and rescue you when a merely moderate unexpected difficulty arises. I also have the strong impression that that is exactly what you do on a regular basis, and I don't really have much respect for you as a hiker, as far as your judgement about gear goes.

When have I every needed or even requested someone come after me or been rescued????? I REAL LIKE TO KNOW. I have never been rescued winter hiking or any other time in all my years hiking. I’ve always believed and have done, I walk in and I’ve walked out under my own power. I agree someone is irresponsible to enter the wilderness without basic gear but to add on, intelligent to use that gear.

Wolf

[Darwin again]

Yikes.
Wolf get his leg caught in another M.Smith Leg Trap (patent pending)
ker-SCHNAP! ;-)

[mweinstone]

you da man!i ran away to the doyle hotel when i was 15. sat in bed and ate candy and read mario puzos' fools die.whent home when the week was up. met wolf the day before you did. he did the same thing to me and my gear. full of himself we all thaught. that night at the shelter we traded wolf stories. it seemed his line of questioning and insults were the exact same for all. he said he was finnishing a thru hike. he was southbound. hes an adult who lies like a kid. his eyes are freakin scary.sorry wolf no offense but were all scared of you and you have a bad vibe and you dont fit the AT hiker code of behavior. the one that sayes dont brag about your accomplishments. lets fase it your a walking resume of your unbelivably exaggerated hiking carrier. im sorry wolf and you are allways welcome to soften up a little and be friendly.

[mweinstone]

did you see at clingmans dome just as you were leaving northbound i wrote in the snow ,' comon minnisota"?your not allowed to write in the snow ya know.i broke the law!

[mdionne]

geez louise, you guys need some hooked on phonics:rolleyes:... :D

[Mother's Finest]

no, matthewski is a stream of consciousness writer. it would ruin the effect if every word was spelled correctly.....

keep on truckin Minnesota Smith.....
peace
mf

[mweinstone]

i live to live not to spell. if spelling is a common curtasy and i am in fact insulting you by not spell checking then i appologize. on the other hand i belive more of a common curtasy is to be smart. witch i am. so if yould rather me be dumb and a good speller or smart and forget the spelling its up to you. personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.and you have to have a level of learnedness to use spell check. personally i think its pritty cool that a ferral human such as myself can evan partissapate in an on line disscusion is so way cool that your all nuts for pointing to anything else as your most resent pet peav. see ,... i may know what something is and not know how to spell it. live it love it learn it .

[mweinstone]

is william shatner still alive? cause i would love to pitch a high priced commercial using film of minnisota smiths summit combined with captain kirk selling somthing as minnisota smith comes up to the sign

[Skidsteer]

i live to live not to spell. if spelling is a common curtasy and i am in fact insulting you by not spell checking then i appologize. on the other hand i belive more of a common curtasy is to be smart. witch i am. so if yould rather me be dumb and a good speller or smart and forget the spelling its up to you. personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.and you have to have a level of learnedness to use spell check. personally i think its pritty cool that a ferral human such as myself can evan partissapate in an on line disscusion is so way cool that your all nuts for pointing to anything else as your most resent pet peav. see ,... i may know what something is and not know how to spell it. live it love it learn it .

Matthewski, if you posted something that didn't make me go squinty-eyed trying to read it, I'd probably worry that aliens had abducted you or worse.

Just be yourself, no worries.:rolleyes:

[Just Jeff]

personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.

???

When did Jesus ever say to stop learning?

[mweinstone]

minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisotta smittminnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisotta smittminnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisotta smittminnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisotta smitt

[Two Speed]

matthewski, you remind me of the old seinfeld episode where george had a serious case of non sexual man love for elaines boyfriend.At first I thought this was uncalled for, but now . . .

:eek:

Getting WAY too freaky for me. I'm outa here.

[Skidsteer]

minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith minnisota smith.........



I'd probably worry that aliens had abducted you or worse.



Hush my mouf. :rolleyes:

[Sly]

minnisota who? :rolleyes:

[ed bell]

I hear he is some guy hiking on the AT. Oh, and he isn't fond of wild dogs or women who wear anything but dresses.:D

[Lone Wolf]

He's just a guy who is hiking the trail. His way. His WORDS have you ***n idiots in a tizzy. His HIKING is making y'all jealous.:)

[Just Jeff]

His HIKING is making y'all jealous.

Can't argue with that....I'm excited b/c I'm leaving tomorrow for a TWO-nighter!

[weary]

i live to live not to spell. if spelling is a common curtasy and i am in fact insulting you by not spell checking then i appologize. on the other hand i belive more of a common curtasy is to be smart. witch i am. so if yould rather me be dumb and a good speller or smart and forget the spelling its up to you. personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.and you have to have a level of learnedness to use spell check. personally i think its pritty cool that a ferral human such as myself can evan partissapate in an on line disscusion is so way cool that your all nuts for pointing to anything else as your most resent pet peav. see ,... i may know what something is and not know how to spell it. live it love it learn it .
Hmmm. I've always found that to communicate well, it helps to first learn the basic rules about how best to communicate. Of course if you are not interested in communications with other humans, just babble on.

Being smart and spelling are not mutually exclusive things. Some people manage both. Some neither.

Weary

[Nightwalker]

met wolf the day before you did. he did the same thing to me and my gear. full of himself we all thaught.
I need to step in here. I've met Wolf on the trail. He was very friendly. No "scary eyes."

If those two want to argue, let them, but don't be MS's sock-puppet.

[Heater]

no, matthewski is a stream of consciousness writer.

Nice! I'll have to use that next time I mispele something on my TPR report.
:D
"I am a stream of consciousness writer" :banana

[Heater]

i live to live not to spell. if spelling is a common curtasy and i am in fact insulting you by not spell checking then i appologize. on the other hand i belive more of a common curtasy is to be smart. witch i am. so if yould rather me be dumb and a good speller or smart and forget the spelling its up to you. personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.and you have to have a level of learnedness to use spell check. personally i think its pritty cool that a ferral human such as myself can evan partissapate in an on line disscusion is so way cool that your all nuts for pointing to anything else as your most resent pet peav. see ,... i may know what something is and not know how to spell it. live it love it learn it .

matthewski is bushis speach writter incogneato...

[mdionne]

i live to live not to spell. if spelling is a common curtasy and i am in fact insulting you by not spell checking then i appologize. on the other hand i belive more of a common curtasy is to be smart. witch i am. so if yould rather me be dumb and a good speller or smart and forget the spelling its up to you. personally i dont learn stuff cause i love jesus and i need every brain cell for that.and you have to have a level of learnedness to use spell check. personally i think its pritty cool that a ferral human such as myself can evan partissapate in an on line disscusion is so way cool that your all nuts for pointing to anything else as your most resent pet peav. see ,... i may know what something is and not know how to spell it. live it love it learn it .

i apologize if my comments were harsh, i meant it as a light hearted joke mostly. :o

it's not really a pet peave of mine, but if you want me to believe any argument you put forth, spelling it right is usually a good way to start convincing me that you know what you are talking about!

[Heater]

i apologize if my comments were harsh, i meant it as a light hearted joke mostly. :o

it's not really a pet peave of mine, but if you want me to believe any argument you put forth, spelling it right is usually a good way to start convincing me that you know what you are talking about!

Pet "peave"? Ahem... I think the correct spelling would be "peeve"!

I only point this out because I am trying to help you to be more "convincing" and effective in your tutoring. :rolleyes:

:D :D

[mdionne]

Pet "peave"? Ahem... I think the correct spelling would be "peeve"!

I only point this out because I am trying to help you to be more "convincing" and effective in your tutoring. :rolleyes:

:D :D

tnks im nt n xpurt

[Jaybird]

TOPIC IS: MINNESOTA SMITH UPDATE!



DAMN THAT A.D.H.D.!:D

[TOW]

is william shatner still alive? cause i would love to pitch a high priced commercial using film of minnisota smiths summit combined with captain kirk selling somthing as minnisota smith comes up to the signyour crazier than a coon you ole internet warrior, that's a good one......:clap

[TOW]

He's just a guy who is hiking the trail. His way. His WORDS have you ***n idiots in a tizzy. His HIKING is making y'all jealous.:)and i second you on that 100%..............!

[TOW]

I need to step in here. I've met Wolf on the trail. He was very friendly. No "scary eyes."

If those two want to argue, let them, but don't be MS's sock-puppet.good point......

[Wolf - 23000]

met wolf the day before you did. he did the same thing to me and my gear. full of himself we all thaught. that night at the shelter we traded wolf stories. it seemed his line of questioning and insults were the exact same for all. he said he was finnishing a thru hike. he was southbound. hes an adult who lies like a kid. his eyes are freakin scary.sorry wolf no offense but were all scared of you and you have a bad vibe and you dont fit the AT hiker code of behavior. the one that sayes dont brag about your accomplishments. lets fase it your a walking resume of your unbelivably exaggerated hiking carrier. im sorry wolf and you are allways welcome to soften up a little and be friendly.

mweinstone, I don't recall meeting you but I'll take your work for it. I met a lot of hikers going southbound. I normal do ask the same basic question just like most hikers do, “Are you thru-hiking?”, “Were are you from?” etc. I don’t bring up equipment or say anything about equipment unless the hiker I’m taking brings it up. Some of the things hikers do starting off … well lets face it, the only thing you can do is shake your head and laugh. Starting off, I was no better. I’m not sure how you could be insults by that by I’m sorry if you did.

As for my scare eyes, well I’m not sure how to take that. I’m normal a happy personal exceptionally while on the trail, a hiker right down all around. I’m sure that make me very scare and full of myself.

Wolf

[Wolf - 23000]

I need to step in here. I've met Wolf on the trail. He was very friendly. No "scary eyes."

If those two want to argue, let them, but don't be MS's sock-puppet.

Thank you Nightwalker. I never though I had scared eyes either.

Wolf

[Nightwalker]

Thank you Nightwalker. I never though I had scared eyes either.

Wolf
Well at least I knew not to ask you what was in that little stuffsack on your back...

I am learning to lose weight, however. I'm leaving today for a Fontana-to-Franklin hike. I expect my pack to weigh around 20 lbs. with 4 days food and 1 liter of water. I guess the next thing is working on this big ol' gut! :eek:

[weary]

Well at least I knew not to ask you what was in that little stuffsack on your back...

I am learning to lose weight, however. I'm leaving today for a Fontana-to-Franklin hike. I expect my pack to weigh around 20 lbs. with 4 days food and 1 liter of water. I guess the next thing is working on this big ol' gut! :eek:
A pounds a pound, claims the riddle, even when it's in the middle!

[Nightwalker]

A pounds a pound, claims the riddle, even when it's in the middle!
That is true. However, I carry this extra baggage every day, so I'm kinda used to it. :)

[mweinstone]

anyone?we could bring him some octapuss in cans. he loves that *****.or we could take him off trail to do his chores. yo philly hikers!anybody in reading or philly?wanna go meet the man and get some good pics?

[T-Dubs]

matthewski is bushis speach writter incogneato...

Not to take this thread any further off-topic, but if you've never seen the video on the 'Presidential Speechalist', it's pretty good. From SNL.

Tom

http://www.dump.com/links.php?link=65367&c=0

[ed bell]

Not to take this thread any further off-topicOnce someone brings up octapus in a can, anything goes.:D

[TOW]

Once someone brings up octapus in a can, anything goes.:Di bet he talks just like he spells...........and after just looking at his pic in his gallery i am definetly gonna stick to my opinion............

[ed bell]

Actually, I meant "octopus" in a can. Spelling is contagious.:D

[TOW]

Actually, I meant "octopus" in a can. Spelling is contagious.:Dtruthfully i enjoy the way he minces words and the he misspells too......because he really has a gift for writing the story as he sees it and probably in the way he would tell it in his unique dialect.....

[Trail Yeti]

TOPIC IS: MINNESOTA SMITH UPDATE!



DAMN THAT A.D.H.D.!:D

Well said Jaybird.
I did not meet MS on my section this year (which was supposed to be a flip flop, but things change)...although I did want to. I wanted to actually meet the man whose opinions inflame such debate and emotions. I don't know if I would get along with him or not, but I would like to talk to him for a few minutes so that I could judge him in person and not just by his posts. Personally, I don't think we would get along (no offense MS), as we think differently on a lot of subjects. However, I did make it a point to read his register entries because I was curious and even though I disagreed with 90% of them, they did amuse me. As usually seems to be the case, he seemed to "irritate" a lot of hikers by his views and comments. His opinions and his hiking style are not everyone's but hey, its his life, his opinions, his pack and he's gotta carry it. Do I agree with it? Nope, not a bit, but if that's the way he wants to do things, more power to him. HYOH MS, if thats what makes you happy, good for you.
If I ever do get to meet MS, and don't agree with his views, comments, etc...than I will simply tell him I think he's wrong and go on my way. If you don't want to hear him, leave or ignore him. If you don't like his hiking style, don't hike with him.
Ok, enough rambling....MS and the class of 06- enjoy your hike.

[Darwin again]

he seemed to "irritate" a lot of hikers by his views and comments.

I think MS irritates people because he's intelligent and eccentric, but most of all he has been told by certain blow-hards that he wouldn't/couldn't/shouldn't succeed. Nothing spurs certain people to succeed than being told they can't do something. At any given moment in our lives, each of us are a snapshot of beliefs and wisdom and education and life experience that we've accumulated up to that point. Some people reach a plateau and solidify their intellectual schema at a place that works for them, while others are open to continual growth. The Trail has a lesson to teach every day if a hiker is open to it. MS also likes to tweak people sometimes...

I had the luck to meet MS and host him at my house and though I don't agree with some of his ideas, that doesn't make him a bad guy in my book. We're all hikers out there, but it seems that in here (internet) some of us are bolder and more outspoken than we would be in person.
I'm posting a pic of Minnesota Smith here in my gallery.

[Darwin again]

The link: Minnesota Smith at Beagle Gap, June 9, 2006 (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11891&c=530)

[Nean]

Intelligence by itself is interesting, lack of common sense can "irratate". :-? MSs comments/ opinions make him a character; one many of us have had fun following. He looks like a new man, and who knows, maybe he will learn something new.:sun Keep going MS, you are doing great.;)

[TOW]

man. i already notice a change from the previous pictures of him that were posted.......

[emerald]

I think MS irritates people because he's intelligent and eccentric, but most of all he has been told by certain blow-hards that he wouldn't/couldn't/shouldn't succeed. Nothing spurs certain people to succeed than being told they can't do something. At any given moment in our lives, each of us are a snapshot of beliefs and wisdom and education and life experience that we've accumulated up to that point. Some people reach a plateau and solidify their intellectual schema at a place that works for them, while others are open to continual growth. The Trail has a lesson to teach every day if a hiker is open to it.

I'm posting a pic of Minnesota Smith here in my gallery.

I believe there's a great deal of truth in what you've stated. In my 45 years, I have come to believe that while I would be more comfortable dealing with people who think exactly like I do, in reality there aren't any people who agree with me on all things and few who will agree with me on even most things, but I've come to realize that's okay.

What's important is focusing upon the areas where there's agreement and not making too much of areas where there is disagreement. I believe that the A.T. is a good thing as is hiking it. Everyone brings something different and takes away something different from the experience, but we can all learn something from hiking on the A.T. and maybe even more from one another.

Thanks for posting the picture. Go Minnesota Smith at whatever rate, whatever distance under whatever burden suits you! Thank God you are HYOH. If you waited for everyone to come to agreement on how you should hike HYOH, you would have never started, let alone gotten as far as you have.

[mweinstone]

the almost 20 lb belly lost by an appalachian trail thru hiker earlier this year has been found somewhere back on the trail. it seems a mr minnisota smith lost his belly on purpose much to the shigrinn of the belly who imediatly embarked on a little debbie crime spree covering 4 eastern seaboard states.police have been tracking the belly,using cadaver dogs and caught up with it in atkins va.a shootout occured and the belly took fire to its abdomin but still managed an escape back to the trail in search of mr smith .police caught up with it tuesday night. the belly confessed to the snack food capers and whent quietly with police.mr smith was reached for comment while completing a 2200 mile hike of the appalachian trail and told this reporter the belly had harrased him for years and that he tryed to tell it nicely to leave but a struggle ensued and the belly was cast off.

[Skyline]

the almost 20 lb belly lost by an appalachian trail thru hiker earlier this year has been found somewhere back on the trail. it seems a mr minnisota smith lost his belly on purpose much to the shigrinn of the belly who imediatly embarked on a little debbie crime spree covering 4 eastern seaboard states.police have been tracking the belly,using cadaver dogs and caught up with it in atkins va.a shootout occured and the belly took fire to its abdomin but still managed an escape back to the trail in search of mr smith .police caught up with it tuesday night. the belly confessed to the snack food capers and whent quietly with police.mr smith was reached for comment while completing a 2200 mile hike of the appalachian trail and told this reporter the belly had harrased him for years and that he tryed to tell it nicely to leave but a struggle ensued and the belly was cast off.


I bet the dogs wagged their tails in the presence of the belly in Atkins, thus representing a threat to it.

[Jack Tarlin]

Along with dozens of other folks, Smith attended the Billville hiker event this past weekend in Duncannon.

He was good company and had a fine time.

He's doing well, is in good health, and is looking forward to the second half of the trip.

Like everyone else, I think the hike is doing him an extraordinary ammount of good, and I wish him well with the rest of it.

[mweinstone]

he really does an appalachian heart good doesnt he?hes the royal mascott of this websight and of this hiking class. if he completes ,he will become the first minnisota smith ever to summit the big k.i belive he does deserve a place in AT history cause whenever people ask the question, "does it mater if im out of shape,under equiped and inexspirienced?" the answer will be, " if minnisota smith can do it ........."

[the goat]

,he will become the first minnisota smith ever to summit the big k.

nah, there was a minnisota smith in '01. he was pretty cool, and definitely an original.

[LEGS]

and there is always more than one every year, always will be, he's not doing anything that hasnt been done before. he's just another hiker enjoying his hike to maine. when he finishes he will just be another satisfied hiker who will always want to go back and hike somemore, some place, sometime. have

[LEGS]

and there is always more than one every year, always will be, he's not doing anything that hasnt been done before. he's just another hiker enjoying his hike to maine. when he finishes he will just be another satisfied hiker who will always want to go back and hike somemore, some place, sometime. have a good hike MS.

[Heater]

he really does an appalachian heart good doesnt he?hes the royal mascott of this websight and of this hiking class. if he completes ,he will become the first minnisota smith ever to summit the big k.i belive he does deserve a place in AT history cause whenever people ask the question, "does it mater if im out of shape,under equiped and inexspirienced?" the answer will be, " if minnisota smith can do it ........."

I think you should print up about 5000 "Go Minnesota Smith" buttons and sell them to all the people out there that think he is just the greatest thing since Earl Schaffer. I am sure you will make out like a bandit on that one! :D

Go for it! :D :D :D

[mweinstone]

every time minnisota smith looks in a mirror, he freaks out. not only has it been a long time since hes been this thin, but he knows how good its making him feel. hiking thin is the coolest thing for us fattys.

[Wonder]

I'll buy one!!!!
Go M.S!!!!!!!!!




I think you should print up about 5000 "Go Minnesota Smith" buttons and sell them to all the people out there that think he is just the greatest thing since Earl Schaffer. I am sure you will make out like a bandit on that one! :D

Go for it! :D :D :D

[Skyline]

I think you should print up about 5000 "Go Minnesota Smith" buttons and sell them to all the people out there that think he is just the greatest thing since Earl Schaffer. I am sure you will make out like a bandit on that one! :D

Go for it! :D :D :D


The last time I recall something like that was when all those "Garvey Approved" stickers started appearing everwhere. Of course they weren't SOLD, tho.

To ripoff Lloyd Bentson dressing down Dan Quayle: "Sir, I knew Ed Garvey, and Minnesota Smith, you're no Ed Garvey."

[Dances with Mice]

I'm back! Two words: Kerry Way (http://www.kerryway.net/). Put it on your life list. And if you ever do it, PM me first for a list of phrases NOT to use rather late at night in small town Irish bars. Here's some hints: be careful how you use the words "famine", "landlord", and don't make puns about when "Irish Lice are Smiling".

Wow, what a backlog of messages! And there's a kajillion photos on my camera cards to download, so while that's happening allow me to start with this exchange which is now old to everyone else but brand new to me:

(Harper's Ferry) Where he met Baltimore Jack again.

I'm still not impressed and doubt I ever will be.

It is true
That lots of other people
Have met Baltimore Jack too.

I dunno if I've met DW Mice.
So I can't say if he impressed me on the Trail.
Maybe he needs to hike more.
Or post less.

First, on the face of it, there's no problem. I could hike more, could stand to post less, and I'm sure if Mr. Jack ever met me, he would have absolutely no reason to be impressed. So he is entirely correct. Unless he wants to learn the 4 ball Mills Mess (http://www.jugglingdb.com/jugglewiki/index.php/FourBallMillsMess), which I have now spent more hours practicising in the last week than I have spent in Trail maintenance work this year. But then neither the hours nor (I'm afraid) the results are all that impressive, so he's again correct on several different levels.

But that's not the point. The point, if you've been paying attention, is to relate the quoted exchange to either juggling or to stories told late at night in Irish bars. And if you've ever told a joke in a bar, any bar, late at night there might be one guy in the back that doesn't get the joke, right? And then there's that uncomfortable little pause as you wonder whether it's worth the effort of going back and explaining the joke to that guy or just ignore him, move on and buy another round? Ever been there?

That's where I'm at right now.

But because of the respect I do have for Mr. Jack, although we've never met, I feel compelled to pour another shot of my souvenier Jameson's (http://www.jameson.ie/) (which remedies jet lag among many other ailments) and dive right in.

See, in the first post of the exchange I gave a distilled (heh!) version of MS's last telephone report: He'd arrived at Harper's Ferry safely and had met Baltimore Jack again. MS mentioned other events, but those where the two highlights I chose to report on this forum.

Sly, that devil, then remarked that he wasn't impressed and probably never would be. OK, so we all know that Sly MEANT that he wasn't impressed by MS making it to HF. Right? Did any body else interpret his remark differently? Anyone? Hands, please. Nobody? Well ok then.

I'd say that was kinda 'snooty', maybe even a personal jab at MS. I chose to deflect it by seeming to interpret Sly's remark to mean that Sly wasn't impressed by MS meeting BJ. I even made a poem out of it. Not a very impressive poem, I'll admit, but I exposed the gap between what Sly MEANT and what I pretended to think Sly meant. That little gap, between Sly not being impressed by MS's walk and Sly not being impressed by MS meeting BJ, is what I try to pass off as humor.

OK. So I knew it wasn't rolling on the floor kinda stuff. But I had a plane to catch, y'know? I never said that meeting BJ wasn't an impressive event. If anyone said that, it was Sly. But he didn't say that either. Or he didn't mean to. Once again, that disconnect between what Sly said and how I interpreted what he said was my attempt to deflect criticism of MS and was not meant to, uh, Sly-te Baltimore Jack.

That really wasn't worth it, was it? I'll end with an Irish toast: May the sun never be in your eyes while passing seven clubs with double spins and may the props always fall softly into your hands.

And it is SO good to be back in the USA, where the rows between parking spaces at Wal-Mart are wider than major Irish highways.

[MOWGLI]

Welcome home DWM.

[Skidsteer]

I even made a poem out of it. Not a very impressive poem, I'll admit....

And here I thought it was Haiku (http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/harrisms/haiku.htm), an art form that is difficult to criticise.... even for critics. :D

Good to have you back, Dances.

[ed bell]

DWM, I'm impressed that you were actually able to make sense of that whole exchange, let alone break it down for us. Welcome back and glad to hear you had a good time across the pond.:sun

[Dances with Mice]

Meanwhile, we internationalist jugglers met and planned to defend the world against the sports juggling conspiracy for world domination. Some of you doubt me. Some don't think I'm serious. But it may already be too late.

At the airport I picked up a copy of Time Magazine to catch up on current events. Have you seen the story? (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1214960,00.html)

[StarLyte]

Meanwhile, we internationalist jugglers met and planned to defend the world against the sports juggling conspiracy for world domination. Some of you doubt me. Some don't think I'm serious. But it may already be too late.

At the airport I picked up a copy of Time Magazine to catch up on current events. Have you seen the story? (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1214960,00.html)

Yes, welcome back Dances. Total world domination is acceptable in my book.

You are very interesting.

I was so afraid I'd click on the link you provided and be sent to an international site for a MINNESOTA SMITH UPDATE - whew.

Marsha

[Dances with Mice]

I was so afraid I'd click on the link you provided and be sent to an international site for a MINNESOTA SMITH UPDATE - whew.MarshaI only joke about life, death, religion, marriage, sexuality, nuclear warfare, stuff like that. I never joke about important stuff like hiking, juggling, beer, cooking eggs or Baltimore Jack.

To clarify: Cooking eggs is one topic. Baltimore Jack is a separate topic. I also don't joke about cooking Baltimore Jack.

[StarLyte]

I only joke about life, death, religion, marriage, sexuality, nuclear warfare, stuff like that. I never joke about important stuff like hiking, juggling, beer, cooking eggs or Baltimore Jack.

To clarify: Cooking eggs is one topic. Baltimore Jack is a separate topic. I also don't joke about cooking Baltimore Jack.

You can actually talk about them together. B'Jack makes the best egg dishes I've ever had.
Marsha

[Dances with Mice]

You can actually talk about them together. B'Jack makes the best egg dishes I've ever had. Marsha That would be Baltimore Jack's cooking. Yet another entry on my short list of things I don't joke about.

[Nightwalker]

That would be Baltimore Jack's cooking. Yet another entry on my short list of things I don't joke about.
If I were to have to guess, I'd say that you were in a moderately good mood...

:sun

[minnesotasmith]

That's @ Lehigh Gap. The heat very nearly blew me off the Trail, but has moderated slightly. PA rocks are an irritant, but IMO are more painful than slowing MOST of the time. Much trail is simply unfinished rather than anything unique.

[minnesotasmith]

I got my weight taken at a doc-in-the-box place here, for the 1st time since Pearisburg. I've lost 51 pounds so far, 15 since then. :sun

[minnesotasmith]

We talked politely for some time. It looks like we'll discuss some disagreements privately, exchanging evidence for our opinions/positions when I have time.

[Alligator]

The milkshakes at the diner are supposed to be good. The Chinese food is too. You'll see a little bit of unique trail just north of town.

[mweinstone]

wow . from all acounts and the media,.. it seems to be true,.. that in point of fact ,...you sir are indeed,.... quite,..... the man!you da man boy! you go on down that trail little man.you tell dem rocks where they can go! get rowdy bits! you show them sun and moon whos boss. you hike till they asleep and before they wake . walk boy walk! dont you dare ever use the b word ( boreing) in my presence again. you are always up . do you understand private?!no gloom, no glum,. no late winey starts. this is prim time bits.an you da show. now we want details. its the middle of the summer heat. all the women who can , have left the city. my hike is over till next feb 18th. and you are living our collective dream. so i want details and i want them now! are you seeing many thrus? southbounders interesting?whats your mental state? got any snickers dark?how much cooking ya doin? we all wish you well minnisota. and although the posts are way down,.....thats cause the people are all gone fishin,....we here at base camp send you our heartfelt best wishes and hopes. godspeed my friend minnisota.

[Just Jeff]

Matthewski, there's something dribbling down your chin...

[Wonder]

You can actually talk about them together. B'Jack makes the best egg dishes I've ever had.
Marsha




AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yummy, Yummy eggs...........

[bfitz]

I got my weight taken at a doc-in-the-box place here, for the 1st time since Pearisburg. I've lost 51 pounds so far, 15 since then. :sun
Hey Smitty, the dude here....Fun talking to you last weekend...you hold your end of the conversation pretty well. 51 pounds!? No wonder you don't mind your mistress on your back! Anyone remember Rick the Lone Wolf '03 (and his register entries!)? That guy lost about 80 lbs if my memory serves...you're not far behind. Hope you're paying attention to tactical nutrition to maximize your results...

[the goat]

Anyone remember Rick the Lone Wolf '03 (and his register entries!)? ...

errrr, if by "register entries" you mean rambling diatribes, then yes i remember:D

[Dances with Mice]

The hostel in the old jail, that is.

He reported that "Bake Oven Knob" was not "Easy Bake Oven".

He also experienced and appreciated some of Can Do-Will Do's Trail Magic. He also discovered wineberries, a wild form of raspberry that is ripening in the area.

He's in good spirits and health. He's moving on today.

[TOW]

well it's a good thing that you and wolf are hashing out your differences...........let's hope it don't turn violent...........

[mweinstone]

snagglepuss might say,.... time to make a hasty exit from PA.your outta here in days minnisota! eight down and 6 to go . sure enough this holiday ball is outta here. soon enough youll be in spittin distance of your goal. go for the 80 lb loss record if you have it to spare. i dont think you do. and do watch out for jaw lock. eating cookies fast does it.and mind your staff well. it walks with you and will be reached for each time you think of this time in your life. a jedi minds his staff well luke.

[Wolf - 23000]

We talked politely for some time. It looks like we'll discuss some disagreements privately, exchanging evidence for our opinions/positions when I have time.

I would agree but I still believe you need to correct your statement that I needed to be rescued. I have given you access to nearly 300 picture proven that I was able to make my Maine winter hike. Some I have even posted here on Whiteblaze. I have been in some very bad spots before including during my Maine winter trip but have never asked or needed for someone to come after me. Saying so, is just dishonest.

Wolf

[Dances with Mice]

And he'll be glad to leave the rocks of PA behind.

This'n'that:

All outfitters in the area are out of maps. The ones that are open, that is. The outfitter in Port Clinton closed, the one in DWG got flooded.

The cash register at Pine Grove was off. He's probably the only one to notice, but he knew how much his purchase was and the register added a couple bucks to the total! He had the clerk add the total by hand and and then re-enter them on the register. The two totals still did not match, so MS got the hand-entered total. Hmmm....

Just 895.1 miles left.

[mweinstone]

and who woulda thunk. you the man minnisota smith.

[Sly]

And he'll be glad to leave the rocks of PA behind.

There's still a few left, the PA rocks don't end at the state line...




Just 895.1 miles left.

Just? Soon he'll be hitting the hardest part of the trail, but by the looks of it, he may just make it.

[mweinstone]

i check this thread before i hit the bath even though i just did lead abatment all day. minnisota smith is just that important.

[Nightwalker]

i check this thread before i hit the bath even though i just did lead abatment all day. minnisota smith is just that important.
You're listed as a 2006 thru hiker. How have you had the time? :eek:

[Navigator]

Talked with Minnesota at the Backpacker Campsite on 7/25. Best of luck on your continued journey. Enjoy the gorp and yogert covered raisins.

[mweinstone]

left ammacalola 2/18/06 got to pearisburg va. 622 mi. stopped.reason,....in no order,...money, my sons problems,decided next year would be my new plan.

now some specifics. came home to find the IRS was looking for me.got that straghtened out the day i came home. my son was doing drugs and his mother needed my help.hes mush better but still not great.hes 16 and doing drugs a little. so im sticking close to him trying to talk some sence into his hormone overloaded brain. i belive he will make a fine man as he does know god personaly.and finnaly i ran out of my saved money and was deep into my credit card borrowed money and diddnt like all the preasures interfearing with my hike.and i felt confident about 2007 being a year i could and should do a thru hike. remember i dont want to hike one thru. i have a dream to work twords a life that allows me to thru hike the AT every year if i want. when i am with people i like to treat them to my money. not that im rich or buying friends. just that the bible tells me to so i share and splurge alot. i could have done my hike this time but diddnt. thats okay with me. and i still am a member of the class so i wear my 2006 and like it. on new years eve it will read 2007 thru hiker.

[mweinstone]

it was 67 days to perisburg. and from neels to the smokeys with minnisota smith goin real slow to warm up and cause i like walkin and talkin with luke smithwalker.

[Mr. Clean]

Smith is doing very well, that's true, but I think you may care about him a bit too much. :D
Go, Smith, maybe I'll see ya in the Whites.

[Heater]

Smith is doing very well, that's true, but I think you may care about him a bit too much. :D
Go, Smith, maybe I'll see ya in the Whites.

I wonder what MS thinks anout the Israel/Lebanon situation? :D

[mweinstone]

too much fried chicken was brought out to earl shaffer. one time i ate a live frog for five dollars. when i was a kid i cared like a kid. now i have become a man,.... bla bla bla,.......

[Skyline]

I wonder what MS thinks anout the Israel/Lebanon situation? :D


Gee, I don't.

[StarLyte]

I wonder what MS thinks anout the Israel/Lebanon situation? :D

NO let's not go there. :o

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

::: runs screaming from thread :::

[Mother's Finest]

you go Minnesota smith....

and you are one funny dude Matthewski. stay clear of those unknown Pizza Bombers....

peace
mf

[minnesotasmith]

I'm in the home of a local trail angel who lurks on WBlaze.

[Mother's Finest]

it must have been a hot couple of days lately on the trail......

peace
mf

[Heater]

I'm in the home of a local trail angel who lurks on WBlaze.

Maybe you should pinch yourself a couple of times to make sure! :D

[minnesotasmith]

1) The business at Culver's Gap where the Worthington Bakery used to operate is now a very hiker-unfriendly low-end sandwich shop named Joe To Go, or some such. Two hikers earlier today separately told me of being all but yelled at for dropping their packs in front, rather than around the side of the building.

2) High Point State Park is reputed to have an often very nicely-stocked hiker box. Their eagerness to accept maildrops is no doubt related.

3) The shelter south of Culver's Gap is bug central, easily in the top 3 of all the Trail shelters I have been to on my thru attempt thus far. It is almost worth stopping by (ideally during the WINTER) for the entertainment value just to scan the hysterical screeds in the register there. It does have a bear box with deep scratches on its lid, which someone labeled in permanent marker as ursine in origin.

4) The YMCA park (Eti-wo-pac, or whatever it is called) at Blue Mountain Hwy. is a decent place for a hiker to spend the night. Most of the buildings are literally falling down, and it's kind of sad. However, the two cabins for hikers are right on the large lake there, with a great view and (at least the night I was there) and a cooling breeze that blew 95%+ of the bugs away.

[minnesotasmith]

I wonder what MS thinks anout the Israel/Lebanon situation? :D

The Israelis can finally figure out that Meir Kahane was on-target WRT policies on Muslims in the occupied territories, and have children at well above replacement rates, or they are hosed longterm. I've long figured that the way the Israelis could spur the Palestinians to lose their unwillingness to make real peace would be to move all the Pal males (of all ages) north of a line running from Jerusalem to the Jordan River, while moving all Pal women under, say, age 55 to north of their. If the Pals continue with their current policy for another 40 years, the issue is solved, without killing, jailing, or expelling one single Palestinian.

[mweinstone]

eggggggcellent! bring the man some mole milk.hows your mentle state ?still highly motovated? numb to thru hiking? excited about the whites and the 100 mile wilderness? not thinking ahead? thinking ahead? heading ahead? head butting your head against trees from fly drivin insanity? whats going on inside man.?we want to know.any thrus around ? yellow blaze yet?

[minnesotasmith]

Along with dozens of other folks, Smith attended the Billville hiker event this past weekend in Duncannon.

He was good company and had a fine time.

He's doing well, is in good health, and is looking forward to the second half of the trip.

Like everyone else, I think the hike is doing him an extraordinary ammount of good, and I wish him well with the rest of it.

It is the only hiker fest I have attended during my thru attempt, and I've glad I went. My only regret is that I didn't get to take a stage there (ala I'd heard the talent show @ Trail Days operated) and share a couple of things with other hikers that way.

[minnesotasmith]

eggggggcellent! bring the man some mole milk.hows your mentle state ?still highly motovated? numb to thru hiking? excited about the whites and the 100 mile wilderness? not thinking ahead? thinking ahead? heading ahead? head butting your head against trees from fly drivin insanity? whats going on inside man.?we want to know.any thrus around ? yellow blaze yet?

Well, I've slack-packed about five times now, most recently one day out of Duncannon to make miles while hanging around for Billville. My Christian faith has deepened in ways that I would not have guessed pre-hike. Too many times now, I've been in some difficulty, or at least a bit down, and had Trail magic of just the right type come right when I needed it for coincidence to conceivably explain it. For example, I was out of water near Swatara Gap on a very hot day. I'd taken a wrong turn and lost over half an hour. I was sitting near the entrance to the next park (an undeveloped one), frustrated with the day, miles from water I would trust, gathering the gumption to continue. A guy in a 20-yr. old car (we're talking negative Blue Book value here) drove by, saw me, turned around somewhere, and came back. He got out of his car carrying two gallons of drinking water, exactly what I needed, no more, no less. The five times people (three serendipitious) that have taken me into their homes is another. After a while, I have found that marvel gives way to humble gratitude that the Trail is a special place where, amidst all the bugs, hills, rocks, mud, and rain, that magical things are done out of caring by some of the best people on the planet.

As an aside, due to all the kindness and help I have been privileged to receive on my thru attempt thus far, I now feel duty-bound to reciprocate in a major way next year with being giving trail magic myself. I don't know how anyone can have an experience at all similiar to mine and not come to feel the same way.

[Skyline]

Well, I've slack-packed about five times now, most recently one day out of Duncannon to make miles while hanging around for Billville. My Christian faith has deepened in ways that I would not have guessed pre-hike. Too many times now, I've been in some difficulty, or at least a bit down, and had Trail magic of just the right type come right when I needed it for coincidence to conceivably explain it. For example, I was out of water near Swatara Gap on a very hot day. I'd taken a wrong turn and lost over half an hour. I was sitting near the entrance to the next park (an undeveloped one), frustrated with the day, miles from water I would trust, gathering the gumption to continue. A guy in a 20-yr. old car (we're talking negative Blue Book value here) drove by, saw me, turned around somewhere, and came back. He got out of his car carrying two gallons of drinking water, exactly what I needed, no more, no less. The five times people (three serendipitious) that have taken me into their homes is another. After a while, I have found that marvel gives way to humble gratitude that the Trail is a special place where, amidst all the bugs, hills, rocks, mud, and rain, that magical things are done out of caring by some of the best people on the planet.

As an aside, due to all the kindness and help I have been privileged to receive on my thru attempt thus far, I now feel duty-bound to reciprocate in a major way next year with being giving trail magic myself. I don't know how anyone can have an experience at all similiar to mine and not come to feel the same way.


Well, MS, it sounds like this hike is gonna be good for everyone.

Given that trail angels could be synonymous with "do-gooders," and "do-gooders" tend to be lumped with "liberals," do ya think ya could bring yourself to getting rid of that hateful rant you've been using way too long as a signature in your WB posts?

(ducking . . . )

[Jack Tarlin]

Sorry, Skyline, gotta disagree.

Not everyone that does a good deed is a liberal.

And not everyone that does a bad one is a conservative.

When it comes to being a Trail angel, political sentiments usually have nothing to do with it. When someone offers me a cold soda, a ride, or anything else, I could care less what his politics are; likewise, when I do a good deed for a hiker (and yeah, it has been known to happen), who the guy voted for somehow never seems to come up.

I don't agree with everything in Minnesota's Whiteblaze signature, but implying that doing good deeds for people is something principally done by liberals is simply wrong.

Acts of kindness transcend politics. When it's 95 in the shade and the last three water sources were dry, I assure you that the can of Coke tastes just as good when it's presented to you by a Republican.

[Sly]

A guy in a 20-yr. old car (we're talking negative Blue Book value here) drove by, saw me, turned around somewhere, and came back. He got out of his car carrying two gallons of drinking water, exactly what I needed, no more, no less.

You needed 2 gallons of water? It's only 5 miles from the Gap to the next shelter.

[bfitz]

RE: Signature
It doesn't mean they're not nice, just reckless (and they are! with the best of intentions). There's still love....

RE: 2 Gallons!!?? No less!!!????

Did you bathe extra well that day or what?

[minnesotasmith]

Well, MS, it sounds like this hike is gonna be good for everyone.

Given that trail angels could be synonymous with "do-gooders," and "do-gooders" tend to be lumped with "liberals," do ya think ya could bring yourself to getting rid of that hateful rant you've been using way too long as a signature in your WB posts?

(ducking . . . )

IMNSHO, a "liberal" no longer means what it did under Thomas Jefferson (one of our greatest Presidents IMO). Now, it means someone who is inclined to be "flexible" about things like marriage vows, honesty, the merit principle, equality under the law, property rights, courage to enter and remain in military combat when one's country needs it, permanent social contracts such national constitutions are open to being ignored by every nonperforming pressure group's logic-free panhandling pleas, or just what separates right from wrong. A liberal in America today is someone who can genuinely feel good about taking an action out of "caring" that makes a problem worse; if they meant well, the results of their actions should in their opinion be considered immaterial. Rachel Carson (author of the infamous environut screed Silent Spring) is thus a perfect example of a liberal in action; I understand that the ultimate primary effect of her life's work was to kill millions of politically-unconnected Third-Worlders by removing their best means of killing mosquitoes that carried often-lethal diseases such as falciform malaria.

Conversely, I would say a trail angel is someone who actually does good, as opposed to generally doing harm in (at least to them, if not to others) the name of good. The bags of fresh fruit, the gallons of water jugs, the vehicle rides to town or back to the Trail when I was expecting to have to hoof it (either at the end of a loooong day, or at the beginning of one) are all actual good. The actual material help is only part of the actual assistance, too. The encouragement from a bit of trail magic is incalculable but tremendously significant. I know that it has repeatedly buoyed me along when my hike has felt particularly tough to continue.

As an aside, I believe that there should be a special place in heaven for people like Trail Angel Mary in Duncannon, after what I saw her do (and inspire others to do) while there. I think the completion rate for the AT would be more like 10% without people like her.

I also think that the ATC would most prefer an AT without any hikers, but that they haven't figured out how to have that. They haven't given up on that goal yet, though, and periodically this preference of theirs comes out and is visible.

[Sly]

MS you would think, instead of just talking a good game, you could have left a gallon of water for one of fellow hikers!

That's OK, you can catch them next year. :rolleyes:

[minnesotasmith]

You needed 2 gallons of water? It's only 5 miles from the Gap to the next shelter.

A) I refilled my three 1-liter Nalgenes, for starters.

B) I drank about 2.5 liters of water while shooting the breeze with the man for 20-odd minutes.

C) The rest went back in the guy's car.

I have drunk 3 gallons in a day at least once before during my thru attempt so far, but that was in a day of brutal heat in VA where I did 3000'+ of climbing and was already a bit dehydrated. Drinking 7 or 8 liters during a day's hike is something I have done several times. Yesterday, I went through over half a liter of water per mile, and could have drunk substantially more. Hey, if your urine is either nonclear or infrequent, you need to drink more, I'd say, end of story, no matter how good you may feel or how many miles on the map you are cranking.

[minnesotasmith]

MS you would think, instead of just talking a good game, you could have left a gallon of water for one of fellow hikers!

That's OK, you can catch them next year. :rolleyes:

Nah, I couldn't. The water was in his personal containers that left with him. There were no other containers nearby I could have left it in, and I had no spares myself.

I already have planned to do some major trail magic next year.

[minnesotasmith]

IMNSHO, a "liberal" no longer means what it did under Thomas Jefferson (one of our greatest Presidents IMO). Now, it means someone who is inclined to be "flexible" about things like marriage vows, honesty, the merit principle, equality under the law, property rights, courage to enter and remain in military combat when one's country needs it, permanent social contracts such national constitutions are open to being ignored by every nonperforming pressure group's logic-free panhandling pleas, or just what separates right from wrong. A liberal in America today is someone who can genuinely feel good about taking an action out of "caring" that makes a problem worse; if they meant well, the results of their actions should in their opinion be considered immaterial. Rachel Carson (author of the infamous environut screed Silent Spring) is thus a perfect example of a liberal in action; I understand that the ultimate primary effect of her life's work was to kill millions of politically-unconnected Third-Worlders by removing their best means of killing mosquitoes that carried often-lethal diseases such as falciform malaria.



Rachel Carson is thus numerically in the same league as Pol Pot, another famous liberal, at least in the effects of her having lived, if not by exactly the same means.:-?

[bfitz]

Just teasin about the water!
Good example of liberal recklessness, I'll be researching that one tonight.

-D

[Sly]

Nah, I couldn't. The water was in his personal containers that left with him. There were no other containers nearby I could have left it in, and I had no spares myself.

I already have planned to do some major trail magic next year.

OK then... :o :)

[minnesotasmith]

I have found maps north of Harper's Ferry through the NY/CT line to be VERY hard to find. Every outfitters seems to be sold out of them, to have lost them in flooding, to have gone out of business, tell me that section's maps are out of print, to not normally carry them (i.e., Cabella's), etc., etc. The only thrus I am seeing who seem to reliably have all the maps for that section apparently ordered the entire set from the ATC pre-hike.

[plydem]

A) I refilled my three 1-liter Nalgenes, for starters.

B) I drank about 2.5 liters of water while shooting the breeze with the man for 20-odd minutes.

C) The rest went back in the guy's car.

I have drunk 3 gallons in a day at least once before during my thru attempt so far, but that was in a day of brutal heat in VA where I did 3000'+ of climbing and was already a bit dehydrated. Drinking 7 or 8 liters during a day's hike is something I have done several times. Yesterday, I went through over half a liter of water per mile, and could have drunk substantially more. Hey, if your urine is either nonclear or infrequent, you need to drink more, I'd say, end of story, no matter how good you may feel or how many miles on the map you are cranking.

What's wrong with two gallons of water anyway? Even at work I go through a half to three-quarters of a gallon just sitting at my desk. For heaven's sake - it's been damn hot out there lately! If i had just walked several miles and had several more to go, I could probably go through three gallons!

[Wolf - 23000]

you da man!i ran away to the doyle hotel when i was 15. sat in bed and ate candy and read mario puzos' fools die.whent home when the week was up. met wolf the day before you did. he did the same thing to me and my gear. full of himself we all thaught. that night at the shelter we traded wolf stories. it seemed his line of questioning and insults were the exact same for all. he said he was finnishing a thru hike. he was southbound. hes an adult who lies like a kid. his eyes are freakin scary.sorry wolf no offense but were all scared of you and you have a bad vibe and you dont fit the AT hiker code of behavior. the one that sayes dont brag about your accomplishments. lets fase it your a walking resume of your unbelivably exaggerated hiking carrier. im sorry wolf and you are allways welcome to soften up a little and be friendly.

Ok,

I'm going to call Bull ***** on two, MinnesotaSmith for his claim a "relyable source" told him I needed to be "rescued". Please. I've always believe hikers should be prepared and respondable for getting themselves out of the wilderness under their own power. I say it and I do it. I've asked M/S for details - none he can provide other then it happen doing my Maine winter hike. About 300 pictures detailing my hike proves other wise.

The second, mweinstone. First I don't remember meeting you but I'll take your word for it on that. I met around 500 hikers and your name doesn't ring a bell. Maybe if I saw your face but anyway.

I don't asked hikers about thier gear. Personal there is only so many times you can talk about sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, before it just gets boring. I worry about what I carry and could not care less what other hikers carry. To say you were insulted, is just a lie.

My line of question are insulting??? The question I normal asked, "Are you a thru-hiker?", "Where are you from?", "When did you start?", etc. If you or your so call other hikers get offended from that, grow up.

And, I did my hike southbound, about 280 miles in total that hike. I don't have to lie about what I do, or what I've done. I think enough hikers saw me out there that even you can't say I lied about the whole thing and made it all up.

Wolf

[mweinstone]

im very sorry to hear this minnisota smith.but i still wish you all the best and will pray to hike with you again . your really smart and accidentally funny and great to talk to and hike with. all my best and watch my hike next year,...matthewski.

if you dare stop hiking now i promise you will receive this messege from me and a million others who will pitty your ass in perpetuity.

DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU.



this messege was brought to you by the foundation for kicking minnisota smiths ass to maine if he needs motovation or begins to get home sick

[Dances with Mice]

if you dare stop hiking now i promise you will receive this messege from me and a million others who will pitty your ass in perpetuity. No. No one should pity any hiker who has to pull out early, there is never any shame in following a dream as far as one can. But that's premature because, unless you know something I don't, then MS has many more miles to walk.

Passing on a question from MS that I can't answer: A relative of his, a marathon runner but an inexperienced hiker, would like to join him for a week or so later this year. What would be a good section for them to walk? Suggestions? They need good access points on both ends of the section. Nice views would be great. The Whites might not be the place for a beginning hiker, so some other suggestions would be welcome.

[Skyline]

Sorry, Skyline, gotta disagree.

Not everyone that does a good deed is a liberal.

And not everyone that does a bad one is a conservative.

When it comes to being a Trail angel, political sentiments usually have nothing to do with it. When someone offers me a cold soda, a ride, or anything else, I could care less what his politics are; likewise, when I do a good deed for a hiker (and yeah, it has been known to happen), who the guy voted for somehow never seems to come up.

I don't agree with everything in Minnesota's Whiteblaze signature, but implying that doing good deeds for people is something principally done by liberals is simply wrong.

Acts of kindness transcend politics. When it's 95 in the shade and the last three water sources were dry, I assure you that the can of Coke tastes just as good when it's presented to you by a Republican.


You took my post too seriously. But I see your point, and almost agree with it. And if I knew how to throw the Dancing Banana in there I would have.

[Skyline]

IMNSHO, a "liberal" no longer means what it did under Thomas Jefferson (one of our greatest Presidents IMO). Now, it means someone who is inclined to be "flexible" about things like marriage vows, honesty, the merit principle, equality under the law, property rights, courage to enter and remain in military combat when one's country needs it, permanent social contracts such national constitutions are open to being ignored by every nonperforming pressure group's logic-free panhandling pleas, or just what separates right from wrong. A liberal in America today is someone who can genuinely feel good about taking an action out of "caring" that makes a problem worse; if they meant well, the results of their actions should in their opinion be considered immaterial. Rachel Carson (author of the infamous environut screed Silent Spring) is thus a perfect example of a liberal in action; I understand that the ultimate primary effect of her life's work was to kill millions of politically-unconnected Third-Worlders by removing their best means of killing mosquitoes that carried often-lethal diseases such as falciform malaria.

Conversely, I would say a trail angel is someone who actually does good, as opposed to generally doing harm in (at least to them, if not to others) the name of good. The bags of fresh fruit, the gallons of water jugs, the vehicle rides to town or back to the Trail when I was expecting to have to hoof it (either at the end of a loooong day, or at the beginning of one) are all actual good. The actual material help is only part of the actual assistance, too. The encouragement from a bit of trail magic is incalculable but tremendously significant. I know that it has repeatedly buoyed me along when my hike has felt particularly tough to continue.

As an aside, I believe that there should be a special place in heaven for people like Trail Angel Mary in Duncannon, after what I saw her do (and inspire others to do) while there. I think the completion rate for the AT would be more like 10% without people like her.

I also think that the ATC would most prefer an AT without any hikers, but that they haven't figured out how to have that. They haven't given up on that goal yet, though, and periodically this preference of theirs comes out and is visible.


Well, your middle two paragraphs are right on the mark . . .

[Skyline]

The only thrus I am seeing who seem to reliably have all the maps for that section apparently ordered the entire set from the ATC pre-hike.


Which would mark them as "liberal," or "conservative"?

[Just Jeff]

...the Israelis could spur the Palestinians to lose their unwillingness to make real peace would be to move all the Pal males (of all ages) north of a line running from Jerusalem to the Jordan River...

You mean like the Trail of Tears?

FWIW, forced discriminatory relocations are considered human rights violations. For people who care about such things, anyway.

Don't wanna hijack the thread, though - my last post on the topic in this thread! :)

[bfitz]

Actually the arabs living in Israel have it way better than most of their counterparts in arab countries, and worlds better than the jews in those places, for what it's worth.

Fair Game since Smitty brought it up, Jeff!

[Just Jeff]

Mostly agree with your statement. Still not gonna argue it in this thread, though - out of courtesy to everyone else, even if MS brought it up.

And the other thread has become quite repetitive at this point...

[bfitz]

Agreed, but I'm not done with that other one just yet....:p

[bfitz]

P.S. Wolf23000 and MS: you're both crazy! And fun! (Not that I'm not twice as crazy as either of you in ways that have nothing to do with my pack weight...) De gustibus non est disputandum....that's latin for HYOH...Just my 2 cents...

[Darwin again]

I jump aboard this train, the get off at the next stop...


... move all the Pal males (of all ages) north of a line running from Jerusalem to the Jordan River, while moving all Pal women under, say, age 55 to north of their. If the Pals continue with their current policy for another 40 years, the issue is solved, without killing, jailing, or expelling one single Palestinian.

Hmm. Would you use trains to move these people, or make them walk? Would you give them directions in German?

Now, before anyone freaks out, kindly read on. I ask gentle readers to suspend their senses of indignation in the interest of an open, democratic sharing of opinion and discourse.

As much as MS's post above troubles me, I know that it's just the rambling of a likeable hobby eugenicist who really is just responding to his fears with a potpourri of hot air, untimately signifying nothing. The number of people of a given ethnic or religious or tribal persuasion has never really mattered in terms of who has power over a region (See: power elite through history). I don't share MS's fears about the brown people coming to take the white person's stuff/land/women/rights/money.

MS's signature line is less threatening to me (a shameless avowed liberal who believes in peace through superior firepower and extremely intelligent and sneaky people -- I'm a liberal until you mess with me or my family) if I understand that his definition of liberal is not the same as mine.

liberal: 1 open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values : • favorable to or respectful of individual rights and freedoms : liberal citizenship laws. • (in a political context) favoring maximum individual liberty in political and social reform : a liberal democratic state.

According to the above definition of LIBERAL, MS is hiking a LIBERAL hike, changing and adapting to the conditions and people as he goes, enjoying his freedoms to do so. I mentioned this to him at my dining room table when he was here at my place. I don't think he's responded yet...:rolleyes:

If anything, MS is a constitutional libertarian with right-wing tendencies, which isn't surprising considering his upbringing (military family). I can relate to that, I just chose to go another way with that value system -- I basically outgrew it after a couple of decades. His definition of "liberal" isn't typical or broadly functional in the real world, but more academic and hyperbolic.

MS isn't your typical conservative, either, but he's definitely riding on the crazy train, just like the rest of us, as best he can manage it. I ain't apologizing for MS, just forming a context. Not that it matters a whit.:-?

[Darwin again]

And not everyone that does a bad one is a conservative.

No, it just seems that way lately because the "conservatives" (actually radical neocons masquerading as conservatives) are the ones in power right now doing all the bad deeds.

(See: deficit, immigration, tax cuts for the rich, aggressive wars against countries who didn't attack us, katrina response, lack of prep for pandemics or other national emergencies, torture and imprisonment without charges, Gitmo, innefecttual diplomacy, image of United States at an all-time low across the globe, stagnant wages, corruption in GOP leadership, Iraq in a civil war, US military overextended, zero response to N. Korean missile launches, wild spending on anti-missile systems, $300 billion and counting down a black hole in Iraq, US military atrocities in Iraq, minimum wage legislation tied to estate tax relief, NSA easvedropping on Americans within US borders, tax cuts for the rich (again), (insert your own beef or baloney here)) .:banana

Come to think of it, nobody ever did a bad deed to me out on the trail. Course, I never met a rich white guy from Washington in a dark suit with a $200 hair cut out there, either...:rolleyes:

[mdionne]

[QUOTE=minnesotasmith] A liberal in America today is someone who can genuinely feel good about taking an action out of "caring" that makes a problem worse; if they meant well, the results of their actions should in their opinion be considered immaterial. Rachel Carson (author of the infamous environut screed Silent Spring) is thus a perfect example of a liberal in action; I understand that the ultimate primary effect of her life's work was to kill millions of politically-unconnected Third-Worlders by removing their best means of killing mosquitoes that carried often-lethal diseases such as falciform malaria.[QUOTE]

Calling bull***** on this one...:rolleyes:

DDT is still used in third world countries and is still the best mechanism used for controlling mosquitos there. here in, what we call, "am_er_i_ca" a number of studies have shown, DDT not only effects eagles but a number of other wildlife, including the fish you eat.

[Jack Tarlin]

mdionne beat me to it....

I've met Smitty several times and have spoken with him at length on any number of things. He's a reasonably intelligent man.

However, his comments about Rachel Carson were among the more foolish things I can recall seeing here in a very long time.

Rachel Carson's lifework, Smitty, was to wake up millions of people to the fact that we are systematically poisoning this planet and it can't continue.

I suggest you read more of her work and find out more about her before making any more outrageously incorrect comments.