PDA

View Full Version : 17 year old son robbed at Roan Mt Shelter



Mchales navy
07-01-2011, 23:15
Son robbed of all camping gear in shelter while he was getting water. Man was about 35, grey hoddie, black beanie. Heading to Hughs Gap

Red Hat
07-02-2011, 12:21
You would think that a 17 yr old could catch him, especially carrying gear... What a bummer...

Carl in FL
07-02-2011, 12:25
Perhaps he meant to say something like "last seen heading towards Hughs Gap",
because you are correct, a 17 year old ought to be able to catch up to him, if he knows where to look.

inspectorgene
07-02-2011, 12:31
IMHO, a seventeen year old does not need to tangle with a 35 yo man that is bold enough to be a thief. Best to alert authorities.

ChinMusic
07-02-2011, 12:34
Perhaps he meant to say something like "last seen heading towards Hughs Gap",


There is a parking lot up there not too far away. Easy place for a theif to operate up there. No need to go to Hughs Gap.

Jeff
07-02-2011, 13:05
Very sorry to hear of your sons experience. Be assured this is a very rare occurance. Most hikers look out for one another.

Slo-go'en
07-02-2011, 13:38
Sure would like to know the rest of the story.

Trailbender
07-02-2011, 14:12
IMHO, a seventeen year old does not need to tangle with a 35 yo man that is bold enough to be a thief. Best to alert authorities.

Either that, or be far enough away to nail him in the back of the head with a big rock. I don't take kindly to thieves, especially taking something in the woods that could threaten your life, if the weather turns bad.

Carl in FL
07-02-2011, 14:36
Sure would like to know the rest of the story.

Or at least more of the story.

Lone Wolf
07-02-2011, 21:23
Son robbed of all camping gear in shelter while he was getting water. Man was about 35, grey hoddie, black beanie. Heading to Hughs Gapwhat's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit

ChinMusic
07-02-2011, 21:29
what's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit

Did you have that opinion of Kirby?

Driver8
07-02-2011, 21:54
IMHO, a seventeen year old does not need to tangle with a 35 yo man that is bold enough to be a thief. Best to alert authorities.

Hello?!? Common sense, anyone?

McHale, that's terrible your son was robbed. I hope he's ok and hope he got some good out of his trip on the trail. :(

Cookerhiker
07-02-2011, 22:02
what's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit

In case you missed it Wolf, the OP posed the question on the wisdom of a 17 year old hiking on this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?73614-Ok-for-17-yr-old-son-to-hike-AT-by-himself) and the responses strongly favored the young man doing the hike.

Tuckahoe
07-02-2011, 23:10
I never understand why folks want to believe that crimes such as theft would be rare on the trail. What makes the trail and the people on the trail any different than the rest of society?

Sly
07-02-2011, 23:11
I was hitch hiking cross country and camping in Canada when I was 17.

Panzer1
07-03-2011, 01:03
In case you missed it Wolf, the OP posed the question on the wisdom of a 17 year old hiking on this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?73614-Ok-for-17-yr-old-son-to-hike-AT-by-himself) and the responses strongly favored the young man doing the hike.

yea, everybody told the man his son would not have any problems.

Panzer

Pedaling Fool
07-03-2011, 06:50
Yeah everybody did say he'd be alright. However, people need to remember that 90% does not equal 100%. So when something goes wrong you can't say, "well every one said it'd be ok...".

Papa D
07-03-2011, 07:48
If this kid is a savvy and capable hiker and he wants to, he should replace his gear and get back on the trail. I hate it that he was robbed but it could have happened to anybody - the fact that he was 17 probably has very little relevance. I know of a 50 - something year old thru-hiker that was robbed at Uncle Johnny's (duh). I'm sure that in the future, he'll be exceedingly careful. I'm very sorry that this happened though. Nevertheless, I do maintain that the vast majority of hikers and trail people are trust-worthy.

FatMan
07-03-2011, 08:24
I am so sorry to hear this. I hate to see a good hike ruined by this kind of incident.

But this has nothing to do with the victim being a 17 year old. His age had nothing to do with the crime. The 17 year old did what many hikers of all ages do. It's not smart to leave your gear behind when getting water but it is done all the time. I see unattended gear all the time at Gooch Gap. And geez, that it right at a road.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 09:07
FatMan is right - we should all be more careful. I really hope he gets back on the trail. If he gets off or is pulled off by his parents then he will have a sense that he couldn't accomplish a goal and they will all have a poor opinion of the trail and its people - this was a random act by a random, rare thief.

Tuckahoe
07-03-2011, 09:11
As mentioned in the other thread on whether a 17 yo should be allowed to hike alone, the young man was resupplied by his dad and continued on his hike.

The Grip
07-03-2011, 09:22
...yet another reason why NOT to frequent shelters.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 09:25
As mentioned in the other thread on whether a 17 yo should be allowed to hike alone, the young man was resupplied by his dad and continued on his hike.

this is good news - thanks Tuckahoe64

weary
07-03-2011, 09:47
I never understand why folks want to believe that crimes such as theft would be rare on the trail. What makes the trail and the people on the trail any different than the rest of society?
Because thieves -- not being totally dumb -- go where there are easy things to steal. They don't walk miles through the woods and up and down mountains to find victims.

The kid was robbed because he camped at a shelter in an area that thousands of tourists go to every year. I suspect his stuff was probably taken by a couple of teenagers tired of looking at rhododendrums with their parents. They probably claimed the stuff was found abandoned on the trail. Or maybe their parents were also thieves.

weary
07-03-2011, 09:55
Or do like I do. Only carry beat up gear that no one would bother stealing.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 10:13
I hear what you say Weary - most thieves worth their salt would not consider the Appalachian Trail a good place to "ply their trade" - those "professional thieves" go for high value things like ladies purses at nice hotel pools or jewelry or whatnot. The real deal is that the AT is a rural place for the most part where "our hiking community" - serious backpackers that is are "outsiders." The people who live in rural areas have been largely disenfranchised due to education and jobs being moved to bigger cities - usually, unfortunately, along with the smarter members of their community. Therefore, there is a small contingent of less than smart "locals" in these rural areas that hang-out and sometimes "party" at shelters or near roads that the trail crosses. These are what one might consider an "opportunistic redneck thief" - he or she is a poorly educated local dumb-dumb with a few beers in them maybe. They see the pack and just grab it hoping for some quick cash for its contents - maybe they are not really a "bad person" - just someone in a bad situation. This situation is a sad fact of the trail and of course we need to have our radar up at all times for these sorts of characters. Avoiding shelters within one mile of roads is always a good practice, if possible.

Tuckahoe
07-03-2011, 10:16
Because thieves -- not being totally dumb -- go where there are easy things to steal. They don't walk miles through the woods and up and down mountains to find victims.

The kid was robbed because he camped at a shelter in an area that thousands of tourists go to every year. I suspect his stuff was probably taken by a couple of teenagers tired of looking at rhododendrums with their parents. They probably claimed the stuff was found abandoned on the trail. Or maybe their parents were also thieves.

But Weary the mistake that you make and so many others makes is to assume that hikers can not be thieves.

And your assumption about it being teenagers is also incorrect as the thief has been reported by the victim to be a man about the age of 35.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 10:27
I think that when someone is termed a "hiker" on WB, the assumption is that they are a more or less well intentioned person walking or backpacking on the trail. If someone who is carrying a pack and walking on the trail is stealing, I would not term them a "hiker" -- this is purely semantics, of course. I believe serious backpackers who steal other backpackers gear would be rare in the extreme. The "35 year old man" was most likely a "local" that lives on or near the nearest road to that shelter.

k2basecamp
07-03-2011, 10:27
He should be ckeckin ebay to see if his stuff comes up.

jbwood5
07-03-2011, 10:33
Or do like I do. Only carry beat up gear that no one would bother stealing.

....or old gear that stinks so bad that not even the pawn shop would take it. :)

Papa D
07-03-2011, 10:33
doubtful - I'd say a local pawn shop or yard sale - doubt the type of thief I believe this to be would have the where-withall to be a seller on e-bay

Papa D
07-03-2011, 10:37
The dude will eat the food, keep the sleeping bag for a blanket for his bed. "pawn shop" the pack, sell the stove and clothes at a yard-sale and throw everything else in the dumpster behind the gas station.

Blue Jay
07-03-2011, 11:37
In case you missed it Wolf, the OP posed the question on the wisdom of a 17 year old hiking on this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?73614-Ok-for-17-yr-old-son-to-hike-AT-by-himself) and the responses strongly favored the young man doing the hike.

Astounding bit of chance, I smell troll.

Slo-go'en
07-03-2011, 12:14
Astounding bit of chance, I smell troll.

It does seem rather odd. There had to be other people around to witness this and for them to say or do nothing is astounding as someone walking off with anothers pack.

Carl in FL
07-03-2011, 12:26
Does it smell anything like paranoia?

RGB
07-03-2011, 12:31
We have had two acts of random assault in recent months, reports of more sketch people on the trail, and now more theft. There's nothing we can do about any of it.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 12:47
Take the following steps to avoid sketchy people:

1) Use your instincts - if it doesn't feel right, it's not
2) Avoid shelters close to roads - especially on Friday and Saturday nights
3) Hitch with a partner or trusted friend if possible - try to get a ride with a family of day hikers or other like-minded person - see #1
4) Do not tell people (other than your people) of your exact plans - be nice but be a bit vague
5) Do not leave your pack unattended when others might be around - stash it out of sight if you need to
6) Keep money, id, credit card zipped in the pocket of the shorts you are wearing if possible
7) Be willing to move on down the trail or even pack up camp and move on if strange people are around - see #8
8) If you are a hiker, you are probably faster than they are
9) Report strange behavior however (see #10)
10) Turn on your BS meter - if someone says things that just don't add up, then that's a little suspicious, right?
11) We are all mis-fits of one sort or the other - don't be uber-quick to judge - lots of different good folks are out there

ChinMusic
07-03-2011, 12:50
Astounding bit of chance, I smell troll.

To me honest, I'm thinking the same thing. Who knows?

Papa D
07-03-2011, 13:03
You'll hear some BS on the trail - for example, let's say I've hiked 100 miles and someone comes up from behind me and tells me that they are "thru-hiking" - hmm, that means that they caught me (but wait, they don't look to be in particularly good shape) and maybe they are clean shaved - this means that either they are really fast or got off in a town to shower and shave but then I notice that their camping methods are not "thru-hiker like" and they don't seem to know much about the trail - all of a sudden, I realize that this person is lying to me - why? This is when I might say, "wow, I'm really behind schedule - think I'll hike another couple of hours this evening," or whatever - and get out of there. Be careful though not to actually "throw the flag of doubtage" at someone - you don't want to piss off some weird person - just be nice and move along. One time I came upon a tent that had obviously been empty for several days (this was on another trail) -- I peeked inside and it was filled with porno magazines and enough canned food to live for weeks - super weird - I reported this to a park ranger. This sort of thing weirds me out much more than just a down and out quasi - homeless type guy sleeping in shelters - I've see lots of this sort of person - these types are a little more benign, usually.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 13:08
so wait a minute - you guys are saying that maybe this whole story was b.s.? Or are you saying someone set the kid up? I don't get it?

DamnYankee
07-03-2011, 13:20
what's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit

There is absolutely no reason why a 17y/o wouldn't or shouldn't be able to hike the trail, the young mans age I'm sure had nothing to do with the thieves proclivities for theft. I hope that the young man he is okay and is managing until he gets his pack and gear back. If a 17y/o can join the Army and die he or she can certainly hike the trail.

ChinMusic
07-03-2011, 13:53
so wait a minute - you guys are saying that maybe this whole story was b.s.? Or are you saying someone set the kid up? I don't get it?

This is the internet. It is possible that the kid does not exist. It could be a legit sad story or it might be a fabrication from a troll. I'm leaning toward troll but could well be wrong. We just don't know at this point. It wouldn't be the first time we have been messed with.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 13:59
wow - good point Chin Music - a wise card player once said, "if you are sitting at the poker table and can't figure out who the mark is, it's you"

weary
07-03-2011, 14:12
so wait a minute - you guys are saying that maybe this whole story was b.s.? Or are you saying someone set the kid up? I don't get it?
They're just know it all cynics, wildly guessing.

Blue Jay
07-03-2011, 14:38
so wait a minute - you guys are saying that maybe this whole story was b.s.? Or are you saying someone set the kid up? I don't get it?

No, it might be BS. I trust what people say on the trail, in person, FAR more than here.

WingedMonkey
07-03-2011, 14:39
The people who live in rural areas have been largely disenfranchised due to education and jobs being moved to bigger cities - usually, unfortunately, along with the smarter members of their community. Therefore, there is a small contingent of less than smart "locals" in these rural areas that hang-out and sometimes "party" at shelters or near roads that the trail crosses. These are what one might consider an "opportunistic redneck thief" - he or she is a poorly educated local dumb-dumb with a few beers in them maybe.

Not to be confused with the educated, well bred, well employed city hikers that get drunk and party on Trail Days or trash The Place and party there until thrown out.

Praha4
07-03-2011, 14:44
having stayed at Roan Mtn Shelter myself last June, I recall the springs being downhill behind the shelter, and slipping and sliding down some slick mud, rocks and tree roots in my climb down to the springs. The story is quite believable if the young man left his backpack at the shelter, as he climbed down the hill to get water. The climb down and back, as well as time required to get water was more than 20 minutes for me. It's enuff time for thieves to walk up on the shelter, see a pack there, and possibly assume the hiker perhaps abandoned his gear there. who knows? I left my pack at Roan Mtn shelter, I was the only hiker there at the time, climbed down to get water, and when I got back up, it was still there. The young man in this story was not so lucky. It's a fact that in today's tough economy, we will see more of these kind of stories, there are thieves out there, even on the AT.

keep us posted, we hope the young man recovers his lost gear. It's a lesson for other hikers to be vigilant on the trail. I would say 99% of the hikers you meet ont he AT are honest, friendly folks. But there's always one bad apple out there who can do something like this.

10-K
07-03-2011, 14:51
I hiked up to Hogback Ridge shelter last winter and there were a bunch of hikers sitting at the shelter talking. The water source for this shelter is about .2 of a mile from the shelter and as I headed off to fill up my bottles I put on my pack and one of the guys said I was crazy for wearing my pack when I could just leave it there...

I told him what would be even crazier would be leaving all my gear with a bunch of people I didn't know.... :)

vamelungeon
07-03-2011, 14:54
Exactly! A good attitude to have if you're like me and can't easily justify the $$$ to replace all that stuff if it gets stolen.

rjjones
07-03-2011, 15:10
Seems to me if he carried his pack down to the water,things could have been different.He hiked 10-20 miles to get to the shelter but couldnt carry the pack down to the water?Ive seen guys post on this board how your pack is your life on the trail.Guess there right.Lesson learned.

RGB
07-03-2011, 15:17
You'll hear some BS on the trail - for example, let's say I've hiked 100 miles and someone comes up from behind me and tells me that they are "thru-hiking" - hmm, that means that they caught me (but wait, they don't look to be in particularly good shape) and maybe they are clean shaved - this means that either they are really fast or got off in a town to shower and shave but then I notice that their camping methods are not "thru-hiker like" and they don't seem to know much about the trail - all of a sudden, I realize that this person is lying to me - why? This is when I might say, "wow, I'm really behind schedule - think I'll hike another couple of hours this evening," or whatever - and get out of there. Be careful though not to actually "throw the flag of doubtage" at someone - you don't want to piss off some weird person - just be nice and move along. One time I came upon a tent that had obviously been empty for several days (this was on another trail) -- I peeked inside and it was filled with porno magazines and enough canned food to live for weeks - super weird - I reported this to a park ranger. This sort of thing weirds me out much more than just a down and out quasi - homeless type guy sleeping in shelters - I've see lots of this sort of person - these types are a little more benign, usually.

That is weird! It's a strange world full of strangers.

earlyriser26
07-03-2011, 15:23
yea, everybody told the man his son would not have any problems.

PanzerI, and most others, said he would unlikely have any problems based on his age. I don't know why he would have been a more likely target than someone older, like myself (55). He went to get water and someone took his stuff.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 16:32
Allright you people - maybe this is all b.s. or maybe this 17 year old kid did have his stuff stolen while going to get water - I suppose that in the end it doesn't really matter - as wise people have said, his age doesn't really matter - there are 17 year olds far more capable that many 27 or 37 year olds BUT I have to call BS on all you people that say once you get to a shelter you always take your whole pack with you to pump water. During the day, if I'm near water, sure, my pack is with me but if I have to blue blaze more that about .2, I almost always grab my aqua-mira and my bottles, stash my pack behind a rock or something and go. At shelters, unless my radar has alerted me to someone strange, I typically leave my pack while going to get water. I've never really seen someone stash their pack while at a shelter so I think some of you guys may be embellishing your practices - no big deal - my sh&t doesn't stink on this site either.

ChinMusic
07-03-2011, 16:40
I do agree with 10K on the pack issue. I would not leave my pack if things didn't feel right, especially if we are anywhere NEAR a road. I would not expect a newbie to have these instincts whether they be 17 or 57.

mrc237
07-03-2011, 17:05
just another example of southern hospitality

jbwood5
07-03-2011, 17:12
Allright you people - maybe this is all b.s. or maybe this 17 year old kid did have his stuff stolen while going to get water - I suppose that in the end it doesn't really matter - as wise people have said, his age doesn't really matter - there are 17 year olds far more capable that many 27 or 37 year olds BUT I have to call BS on all you people that say once you get to a shelter you always take your whole pack with you to pump water. During the day, if I'm near water, sure, my pack is with me but if I have to blue blaze more that about .2, I almost always grab my aqua-mira and my bottles, stash my pack behind a rock or something and go. At shelters, unless my radar has alerted me to someone strange, I typically leave my pack while going to get water. I've never really seen someone stash their pack while at a shelter so I think some of you guys may be embellishing your practices - no big deal - my sh&t doesn't stink on this site either.

I did even worst than that. When I was at Mt Algo shelter, I left my pack in the shelter and hiked down to Kent for supplies and supper. I was gone for near 3 hours and when I came back, my pack was just where I left it.

I guess I better re-think that one.:rolleyes:
It is easy to be too trusting while being away from the real world for so long.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 17:27
yep - the sketchiest people are definitely in the south (and I live here) -- I also recall some real sketchy sorts in Pennsylvania (maybe that's just random)

10-K
07-03-2011, 17:31
Allright you people - maybe this is all b.s. or maybe this 17 year old kid did have his stuff stolen while going to get water - I suppose that in the end it doesn't really matter - as wise people have said, his age doesn't really matter - there are 17 year olds far more capable that many 27 or 37 year olds BUT I have to call BS on all you people that say once you get to a shelter you always take your whole pack with you to pump water. During the day, if I'm near water, sure, my pack is with me but if I have to blue blaze more that about .2, I almost always grab my aqua-mira and my bottles, stash my pack behind a rock or something and go. At shelters, unless my radar has alerted me to someone strange, I typically leave my pack while going to get water. I've never really seen someone stash their pack while at a shelter so I think some of you guys may be embellishing your practices - no big deal - my sh&t doesn't stink on this site either.

I will stash my pack if no one is around, definitely. I'll even stash it to walk a few miles or for an hour or 2 to get to a store or town.

If I've been at a shelter for a while and have a feel for the occupants I'll generally leave my pack.

But, if I walk up to a shelter as I did at Hogback Ridge and get water first thing before I really get the "lay of the land" the pack goes with me.

Also, I don't care if Jesus, Joseph and Mary are there - my cash, credit cards, phone, and DL go with me.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 17:34
Mt. Algo huh - I was just there a few months ago in the snow. I would say that Kent CT would definitely NOT be considered anywhere as close to as sketchy as a place like Irwin, TN - if you make less than a million dollars a year, you are basically homeless in Kent. The homeless people drink champagne and eat Brie. Seriously, did you go to the Fife and Drum Restaurant - neat piano bar there - old school.

10-K
07-03-2011, 17:34
Mt. Algo huh - I was just there a few months ago in the snow. I would say that Kent CT would definitely NOT be considered anywhere as close to as sketchy as a place like Irwin, TN - if you make less than a million dollars a year, you are basically homeless in Kent. The homeless people drink champagne and eat Brie. Seriously, did you go to the Fife and Drum Restaurant - neat piano bar there - old school.

Erwin... with an "E"...

And we're not sketchy. :)

Papa D
07-03-2011, 17:45
ha ha 10-K - sorry -I forgot your were from there - and I know how to spell Erwin (just not how to type) and I know you are not sketchy - I catch your drift!

Papa D
07-03-2011, 17:48
sorry 10-K - you are not sketchy - and I know how to spell Erwin - my bad - cheers

jbwood5
07-03-2011, 18:01
Mt. Algo huh - I was just there a few months ago in the snow. I would say that Kent CT would definitely NOT be considered anywhere as close to as sketchy as a place like Irwin, TN - if you make less than a million dollars a year, you are basically homeless in Kent. The homeless people drink champagne and eat Brie. Seriously, did you go to the Fife and Drum Restaurant - neat piano bar there - old school.

:D My supper consisted of a pre-made sub from the IGA in Kent and I treated myself to an ice cream from one of those ritzy stands on the way out. That is after I used a debit card to buy a stamp and get $40 cash back from the post office. The ice cream cost more than the supper but it sure was good!

10-K
07-03-2011, 18:11
sorry 10-K - you are not sketchy - and I know how to spell Erwin - my bad - cheers

:) I was just messing with ya.

p.s. There are a few sketchy people here for sure....

ekeverette
07-03-2011, 18:41
been a probation officer for 26 years, and it's one thing i can't stand is a thief! that's the only ones i ride tight. sorry it happened.

Papa D
07-03-2011, 19:23
I looked up the OP, he's like never posted onWB - so, maybe he is a Dad that foundthis forum for the 1st time or maybe he's a Troll but whatpossible motivation would someone havein making up a story like this? - it just gets everyone antsy.

SassyWindsor
07-03-2011, 19:24
This is the internet. It is possible that the kid does not exist. It could be a legit sad story or it might be a fabrication from a troll. I'm leaning toward troll but could well be wrong. We just don't know at this point. It wouldn't be the first time we have been messed with.

I agree and always take most posts/threads with a grain of salt.
I can't help believe that a lot, and I mean a lot, of postings here on WB are TROLL in nature. Some people have nothing better to do. These are the same kind of folks that would trash a trail, a motel or hostel, and think it's a lot of fun.

Shooting Star
07-03-2011, 19:44
Erwin... with an "E"...

And we're not sketchy. :)

Not sketchy, but pretty good at hanging elephants. And I'll let Mountain Viking weigh in on
that little bit of local history. I like Erwin though - It's a well-kept mountain town with its
share of good people. Any place wedged between Beauty Spot and Big Bald has a lot going
for it.

- SS

weary
07-03-2011, 20:03
.....I typically leave my pack while going to get water. I've never really seen someone stash their pack while at a shelter so I think some of you guys may be embellishing your practices - no big deal - my sh&t doesn't stink on this site either.
Well, either embellishing. Or, more likely, imagining what they would do if they actually get on the trail for more than a couple of days at a time.

I was a bit careful near roads and trailheads. But typically I either just left to get water, or as I was leaving tell whoever was in the shelter to "watch my pack, I'll be right back." I did tend to keep my money and critical documents like ATM cards with me.

Cookerhiker
07-03-2011, 20:15
I don't think I've ever taken my pack with me when leaving the shelter to fetch water, neither when the shelter's empty nor when there's other hikers there. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't if things didn't feel right. On my first section hike after my retirement in '03, I arrived at a shelter in PA where there was a semi-homeless, semi-hiker who I didn't trust from the outset. Fortunately the water was nearby.

Re the story here, I thought the OP's first thread was quite credible and made sense. All of us are new to WB at some time and I didn't see anything inplausible in his first post.

Uncle Cranky
07-03-2011, 22:16
Wow!

Your the dad posting on June 10th asking if it was a good idea to let your17 year old son hike the trail.
Just about everyone here was all for it.
I bet your regretting taking that advice now.
What an education that hike turned out to be.
The trail is no different or safer than the rest of the world.
There are bad actors everywhere and you have to look out for yourself.
Gear can be replaced.
Glad he wasn't hurt.

gunner76
07-04-2011, 11:34
I first started hiking the AT (by myself) when I was 17. Enjoyed the trail more when hiking by myself than with others.

waasj
07-04-2011, 12:08
Not sketchy, but pretty good at hanging elephants. And I'll let Mountain Viking weigh in on
that little bit of local history. I like Erwin though - It's a well-kept mountain town with its
share of good people. Any place wedged between Beauty Spot and Big Bald has a lot going
for it.

- SS

OK, gotta ask about the elephant. Wasn't it a circus elephant that got loose and destroyed abuilding or something?

earlyriser26
07-04-2011, 12:26
Wow!

Your the dad posting on June 10th asking if it was a good idea to let your17 year old son hike the trail.
Just about everyone here was all for it.
I bet your regretting taking that advice now.
What an education that hike turned out to be.
The trail is no different or safer than the rest of the world.
There are bad actors everywhere and you have to look out for yourself.
Gear can be replaced.
Glad he wasn't hurt. I started hiking the trail at 13 with another 13 year old. I was hiking solo on the AT at 15 in Maine for up to 10 days at a time. 17 is plenty old enough and is not even an issue in this situation.

Panzer1
07-04-2011, 12:51
This is the internet. It is possible that the kid does not exist. It could be a legit sad story or it might be a fabrication from a troll. I'm leaning toward troll but could well be wrong. We just don't know at this point. It wouldn't be the first time we have been messed with.

It is a little hard to believe that he got all his gear stolen his first day on the trail. What are the odds?

Panzer

Papa D
07-04-2011, 13:37
Well - there is a road that goes up to the site of an old hotel on Roan Mtn. that a their could drive. if my memory serves me right -- haven't done that section in a while -- and I think I do remember some tourists up there and I do remember that you have to do a fairly significant little jaunt down to the water source so, I suppose that the story is plausible and being that the OP was from Louisiana or somewhere, he would be pretty good at knowing the terrain to make such a story up. Now, of course, it's possible he is some dude that hangs out at this shelter all the time and not from LA and just wanted to start some trouble but I'm going to say that against very long odds (Panzer) that this did really happen. I think it is more or less irrelevant that he was 17 but it might be relevant that he was a newbie and didn't (perhaps) recognize a sketchy sort when he saw one.

10-K
07-04-2011, 13:47
Well - there is a road that goes up to the site of an old hotel on Roan Mtn. that a their could drive. if my memory serves me right -- haven't done that section in a while -- and I think I do remember some tourists up there and I do remember that you have to do a fairly significant little jaunt down to the water source so, I suppose that the story is plausible and being that the OP was from Louisiana or somewhere, he would be pretty good at knowing the terrain to make such a story up. Now, of course, it's possible he is some dude that hangs out at this shelter all the time and not from LA and just wanted to start some trouble but I'm going to say that against very long odds (Panzer) that this did really happen. I think it is more or less irrelevant that he was 17 but it might be relevant that he was a newbie and didn't (perhaps) recognize a sketchy sort when he saw one.

Lots of sketchy people around Roan Mt...... :)

WILLIAM HAYES
07-04-2011, 15:25
too bad someone did not catch the jerk off that did this- hughes gap is near a road stayed there one night and had a lot of road noise having said that I generally take my pack with me when getting water it is a comfort thing for me-glad to hear that the young man resumed his hike

Hillbilly

tennesseered
07-04-2011, 15:33
i have traveled on and off the trail alone as a 18 and 19 year old male and have had little to no problems. even in the sketchy places in PA + NY. sorry to hear about your sons experience though.

Dobie Swift
07-08-2011, 20:52
I can personally confirm this story as true. I was on Roan the morning the stuff was stolen... I think I might have even encountered the creep standing near the Cloudland Hotel site. Another section hiker used her cell phone to text the boy's mother. This is first hand knowledge.

weary
07-08-2011, 23:04
WHATEVER. I've wandered trails since the age of 13 or so. If anything hikers are safer now than they ever were. I.E. I could always find an escape when I got in over my head. I'm not confident, I could do the same, though, these 'these days.

Mchales navy
07-12-2011, 22:53
I have been so interested in reading the responses of the robbery. No, this is not a BS story. I am a 50 year old mom who loves a great hike herself and allowed her 17 year old to go on the AT alone. He went alone because his friends parents said their children were too young to go. My son spent all saved money from working, etc on his equipment... Stove, knief, water purifier stick, etc. He hiked from Hughs gap to roan mt shelter. There were two men there . The 35 year old just had a blanket and that was it. He kept asking my son how much his items cost, etc. My son did say that he became a little cautious of him because of all the questions. The other guy was in his 60's. He was a very friendly guy to my son, etc. The next morning , the 60 yr old went to go to the bathroom , so to speak, and my son for water. When both returned ..the other mans walking sticks were stolen along with my sons stuff. The 60 year broke down crying because they were sentimental to him. My sons stove, knief, some food, water system purifier were gone. The thief was selective. My son walked to visitor center and used someones cell to call me. We reported to police. Others witnessed a creepy guy leaving the same shelter. I meet my son and was happy that he was ok. Equipment can be replaced. He asked to continue if he could and went to nearest big town( Jackson city?) to replace stuff. He got back on trail and along came our golden retriever with him who happened to be with me. It turned out to be a great trip for him and lots if life lessons learned. Thanks for support and advice. His mom

WingedMonkey
07-12-2011, 23:40
The fact that he wanted to get back out there says it all.

10-K
07-13-2011, 07:46
The fact that he wanted to get back out there says it all.

Between you witty replies and your great tagline you're fast becoming my hero.

<I'm not being sarcastic :) >

Dad
07-13-2011, 10:09
I looked up the OP, he's like never posted onWB - so, maybe he is a Dad that foundthis forum for the 1st time or maybe he's a Troll but whatpossible motivation would someone havein making up a story like this? - it just gets everyone antsy.

Nothing really wrong with being a "Dad" that found this forum! Just sayin' :)

Slo-go'en
07-13-2011, 10:29
My sons stove, knief, some food, water system purifier were gone. The thief was selective.

Okay, thanks for giving more details of the incident, I can now see how this happened. Having the stove, some food, water filter and a knife taken is a lot different than having ALL his camping gear taken as you first reported. When you said all the gear was gone, we all assumed someone walked off with his fully loaded pack. Having your full pack stolen while in the woods is a really big deal, as that can be life threating. Having some food and a stove taken, while being a PITA, is not so big a deal and more easialy forgiven.

trailangelbronco
07-13-2011, 11:00
Bears stole the stuff.

WingedMonkey
07-13-2011, 15:05
Bears stole the stuff.

Snakes took it from the bears.

Slo-go'en
07-13-2011, 15:45
Bears stole the stuff.

If all that stuff was in one bag and being food related, then a bear (or other critter like a raccon) could very well have walked off with it. We are quick to blame 2 legged critters when something goes missing, when most often a four legged critter is the real thief.

Lugnut
07-13-2011, 16:44
If all that stuff was in one bag and being food related, then a bear (or other critter like a raccon) could very well have walked off with it. We are quick to blame 2 legged critters when something goes missing, when most often a four legged critter is the real thief.

I doubt a bear also took the other guy's favorite hiking poles.

Feral Nature
07-13-2011, 17:14
I doubt a bear also took the other guy's favorite hiking poles.

Yeah, but they were really good hiking poles!

ChinMusic
07-13-2011, 17:17
I doubt a bear also took the other guy's favorite hiking poles.

Might be and older bear with bad knees..........

Del Q
07-13-2011, 19:17
Stinks! I remain hyper-paranoid, rarely leave my gear out of sight, when hiking steep downs will leave my pack, sometimes, halfway down on the side, in Kent, CT talked to the food store manager as he continued to tell me to leave my pack outside, NO!

......but with full disclosure, I am from Philly

weary
07-13-2011, 21:01
Stinks! I remain hyper-paranoid, rarely leave my gear out of sight, when hiking steep downs will leave my pack, sometimes, halfway down on the side, in Kent, CT talked to the food store manager as he continued to tell me to leave my pack outside, NO!

......but with full disclosure, I am from Philly
And I am from a small town in Maine -- in the 19th century in the age of sailing ships -- an industrial town. For decades after the loss of that shipbuilding industry, we were among the poorest towns in Maine. Even today, thanks to the cleanup of our coastal rivers, that has made us among the richest communities of southern and midcoast Maine thanks to an influx of newcomers, we have pockets of extreme poverty. But I still leave my home and car unlocked. So far without serious consequences.

trailangelbronco
07-13-2011, 22:33
I grew up in Gardiner. Maine has always been financially challenged, or at least since I was there. They shut down the shoe and paper mills in the 70's and 80's and that hurt the whole state.

CaptChaos
07-15-2011, 00:30
[QUOTE=Papa D;1177584]I hear what you say Weary - most thieves worth their salt would not consider the Appalachian Trail a good place to "ply their trade" - those "professional thieves" go for high value things like ladies purses at nice hotel pools or jewelry or whatnot. The real deal is that the AT is a rural place for the most part where "our hiking community" - serious backpackers that is are "outsiders." The people who live in rural areas have been largely disenfranchised due to education and jobs being moved to bigger cities - usually, unfortunately, along with the smarter members of their community. Therefore, there is a small contingent of less than smart "locals" in these rural areas that hang-out and sometimes "party" at shelters or near roads that the trail crosses. These are what one might consider an "opportunistic redneck thief" - he or she is a poorly educated local dumb-dumb with a few beers in them maybe. They see the pack and just grab it hoping for some quick cash for its contents - maybe they are not really a "bad person" - just someone in a bad situation. This situation is a sad fact of the trail and of course we need to have our radar up at all times for these sorts of characters. Avoiding shelters within one mile of roads is always a good practice, if possible.[/QUOTE

Oh please Papa D. Do you really believe that because they are poor and non educated that they are more prone to being a thief than a person from a family that never wanted for anything and has an education? You made a remark "Just someone in a bad situation", what are you saying, this is their get out of jail card and they are not responsible for their actions because of their situation? I don't mean to question your logic but I have to think back to my father, who was a small town banker, and he told me the first day that I worked at the bank during my summers home from college, that if you steal .01 cent or a million dollars that "you are what your are, and that is a thief.

When I used to backpack around college in Eastern Kentucky, i.e., Morehead State Univeristy in Morehead, KY, I used to run into the local people all of the time on my trips. As a person told me one day when I came upon their small farm and stopped by to say hi, that if you are hungry just say so and I will feed you, but if you steal from me, I'd just as soon kill you because of it. I have always remembered that and believe it myself.

A 17 year old made a mistake of getting to far away from his pack and he got robbed. It could happen to anyone but the fact is that his stuff was stolen by a thief and to say that it might be due to a lack of education or being poor is an excuse to not call a spade a spade.

Plodderman
07-15-2011, 07:52
It is a shame it happens but over the past few years I have been more cautious but still hike alone most of the time. I agree that in general the hiking community is a very good group of peolple but these things do occur. Hope everything worked out.

TravelPro
07-18-2011, 15:26
@ OP: Like everyone, I agree this kind of opportunistic theft is a rare event on the trail. Too bad it happened, and sounds like your son took it in stride and kept it in perspective. Good for him, and you.

90-something % of the folks on any trail are fine, and many of those are better than fine...as we all know.

mamanuke
08-10-2011, 01:11
Sorry to hear of this young man's mishap. It is unfortunate...especially when there are so many great people on the trail and also those willing to help hikers.

neighbor dave
08-10-2011, 06:57
I was hitch hiking cross country and camping in Canada when I was 17.

me too, an' hitchin' 'round europe at 18

-SEEKER-
08-10-2011, 13:34
might be and older bear with bad knees..........
now that was funny!

Feral Nature
08-10-2011, 15:42
The backpack is like a woman's purse. You don't just leave it where something can happen to it. I live in a small cowtown now and there is virtually no crime. But I spent 20 plus years in Houston and will always have the instincts to guard myself.

BlackCloud
09-12-2011, 23:45
This is the internet. It is possible that the kid does not exist. It could be a legit sad story or it might be a fabrication from a troll. I'm leaning toward troll but could well be wrong. We just don't know at this point. It wouldn't be the first time we have been messed with.

One dude even wrote a book about hiking the AT and made up a hiking companion. Hello!

lush242000
09-13-2011, 09:03
One dude even wrote a book about hiking the AT and made up a hiking companion. Hello!

The made up companion was about the best thing in the book.

weary
09-13-2011, 11:02
The made up companion was about the best thing in the book.
Not only that, but there is some evidence that it's about the only true thing in the book.

Sarcasm the elf
09-13-2011, 11:07
One dude even wrote a book about hiking the AT and made up a hiking companion. Hello!Dumb question, but which book are you talking about?

Skidsteer
09-13-2011, 11:30
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.

Sarcasm the elf
09-13-2011, 12:28
The made up companion was about the best thing in the book.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.Doh! I misread "hiking companion" and thought that someone had made up a hiking guidebook. Should have realized you were talking about the elusive Mr. Katz.

Lugnut
09-13-2011, 15:43
Katz was a real person (name: Mark Anger) that really did accompany Bryson on the hike. He is a friend of Bryson's and has made appearances in other Bryson books.

daddytwosticks
09-13-2011, 15:59
Wes Wisson sez that Bryson did have a hiking companion with him durring the shuttle ride from the airport to AFSP. :)

RITBlake
09-19-2011, 00:09
Interesting thread, good on the young hiker to keep pushing forward after a strange/alarming/confusing incident.

Gotta be aware of your surroundings and the people you come in contact with. Every person you meet has the potential to be a friend or foe. Trust your instincts.

I leave you with this from KV:

"The chief weapon of sea pirates, however, was their capacity to astonish. Nobody else could believe, until it was too late, how heartless and greedy they were."

tenn_hiker
02-07-2012, 11:20
what's a 17 year old doin' without an adult parent or guardian with him? there's certain hostels i wouldn't let a young man like that visit

I'm 17 and i was 16 last year when i hiked alone, and i'll be hiking alone again this year.. i never felt very threatened by anybody

wornoutboots
02-07-2012, 12:06
I have been so interested in reading the responses of the robbery. No, this is not a BS story. I am a 50 year old mom who loves a great hike herself and allowed her 17 year old to go on the AT alone. He went alone because his friends parents said their children were too young to go. My son spent all saved money from working, etc on his equipment... Stove, knief, water purifier stick, etc. He hiked from Hughs gap to roan mt shelter. There were two men there . The 35 year old just had a blanket and that was it. He kept asking my son how much his items cost, etc. My son did say that he became a little cautious of him because of all the questions. The other guy was in his 60's. He was a very friendly guy to my son, etc. The next morning , the 60 yr old went to go to the bathroom , so to speak, and my son for water. When both returned ..the other mans walking sticks were stolen along with my sons stuff. The 60 year broke down crying because they were sentimental to him. My sons stove, knief, some food, water system purifier were gone. The thief was selective. My son walked to visitor center and used someones cell to call me. We reported to police. Others witnessed a creepy guy leaving the same shelter. I meet my son and was happy that he was ok. Equipment can be replaced. He asked to continue if he could and went to nearest big town( Jackson city?) to replace stuff. He got back on trail and along came our golden retriever with him who happened to be with me. It turned out to be a great trip for him and lots if life lessons learned. Thanks for support and advice. His mom This just proves, for the millionth time, DO NOT STAY AT A SHELTER NEAR A ROAD. Access to Roan High Bluff Road is at (nobo mm) 371.8 & Roan High Knob shelter is at 372.5. I hiked past there last October & once I saw that road, I knew I wasn't going to stay there. It is a beautiful site but as a solo hiker I moved on, I may have stayed if there were 3 or more hikers that I had been traveling with for a while?

JAK
02-07-2012, 13:33
People should post real stories on this forum. It just gets people like me upset.

Seriously though, sorry to here the bad news.

JAK
02-07-2012, 13:39
I meant to say people should not post real stories. Ruined my own joke.
Anyhow, I still got it, which is the important thing.

MaybeTomorrow
02-08-2012, 00:13
I never understand why folks want to believe that crimes such as theft would be rare on the trail. What makes the trail and the people on the trail any different than the rest of society?

They are in better shape and generally tired and hungry?

lunchbx
02-08-2012, 07:31
im sure the thief wuz not a serious hiker and just some jackhole who went for a day hike and saw an opportunity to steal some valuables. I know its been said already but the lesson to be learned here is to be aware of where you are staying the night while hiking b/c being near a road crossing will increase the possibilty of coming into contact with wrongdoers. As a hiker it is easy to tell the difference between a serious long distance hiker, who understands the importance of ones personal property while thru-hiking and a less experienced day-hiker/city-dweller who you should keep an eye on.

lunchbx
02-08-2012, 07:34
to sum it up cotton hoodie, jeans, inappropriate footwear = keep an eye on him/her
fleece/synthetic tees and or long beards = hiker friend :)

JAK
02-08-2012, 15:17
... and if he isn't carrying oatmeal, poke him with a stick.