ALERT! Weird Guy on AT - Section 6 - Rocky Run Shelter

[Noah Genda]

Hiked out to Rocky Run...some dude showed up after midnight - then he started making a fire with the scarce wood I'd collected for my morning fire. I said to him, "go easy on my firewood, man, that's for my morning fire..." to which he replied "tough," and threw down the piece of wood he was holding. He was a tall *****er...as tall as me...no back pack, just a orange-looking fanny pack. He was wearing those dingy yellow coveralls construction guys use. Had a hoodie sweatshirt on underneath - couldn't see his face, but he was about 38, stood about 6'-2", around 250 lbs, and lightly bearded. What the hell was he doing out there at that hour? He sat in the wrought iron chair all night long next to the fire - stoking the flames, continuing to burn the wood I'd collected. John (another hiker I met up with) got up to pee around 2, thought it was me when he started talking to him...was surprised to see the guy. He was freakin' weird, man. John (he's 62) said he had his knife handy because he freaked him out, too, but my knife and mace canister were in my backpack outside the shelter.

We got up at around 6, and promptly just started packing our *****. Didn't say a word to the weird guy. We were ready to stab him if we had to! That was my first time to ever use a shelter - always stay in my tent away from the shelters...now I know why I'll never use another shelter again!

John said he'll make a report with MD Rangers on his way out...we talked about the logbook in the shelter that spoke about a weird guy...we're thinking we ran into him...but now have a description to give the cops.

I get creeped out from time to time when I'm on the trails - Saturday night (12/10/2011) was the creepiest. Sure didn't sleep much. It was 28 degrees, but didn't feel too cold with sleeping bag and what not. I am going to buy a pistol...start packin' special heat to help me sleep when the nights are cold, and even when they're not!

[Don H]

FYI your WV carry permit is no good in MD.

[veteran]

Forget the pistol, carry one of these.

[Gray Blazer]

No agenda? I wonder ...

[Noah Genda]

Thanks for info about WV carry permit in MD...I haven't even started the carry process yet...can you direct me to web info for WV permit?

You got it right, Gray Blazer...no agenda = Noah Genda By the way...I'm from the panhandle - Fort Walton Beach...sure miss my hometown!

[Lone Wolf]

Thanks for info about WV carry permit in MD...I haven't even started the carry process yet...can you direct me to web info for WV permit?

You got it right, Gray Blazer...no agenda = Noah Genda By the way...I'm from the panhandle - Fort Walton Beach...sure miss my hometown!

http://www.wvcdl.org/WVCCW.html

[Majortrauma]

FYI your WV carry permit is no good in MD.

Permit might not be valid but that won't stop the gun from working when needed.

[Lone Wolf]

Permit might not be valid but that won't stop the gun from working when needed.

correct. the 2nd amendment is your permit. you have the right to defend yourself anywhere

[Kerosene]

I suggest a sword or a lightsaber: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?6931

[Tom Murphy]

Yes.

More, and bigger, guns are the answer.

[Yahtzee]

Incorrect. You do not have the right to defend yourself anywhere. There is no law on the books or anything in the second amendment that states that. Should one care? Of course not, being dead is dumber than getting arrested for not having a permit. But you will be arrested for not having a permit and for unlawfully discharging a firearm after saving your life. As it should be. But, don't want to steer anyone wrong here, the second amendment does not give one the right to defend themselves anywhere.

[Rain Man]

Some of those promoting illegal and even criminal conduct (packing heat without proper permits or even sawed-off shotguns, i.e., felonies), might want to review the WB User Agreement.

Rain Man

.

[Hoofit]

First time I hit the Trail, I packed heat
And I mean a gun
Not in case of weirdos
But in case of Snakes and Bears!
It took me quits a few miles, (well, actually just to Neels Gap), to realise that I would probably miss the bear and set the woods on fire!
Now I leave my flare gun on the boat.......

[Tinker]

Some of those promoting illegal and even criminal conduct (packing heat without proper permits or even sawed-off shotguns, i.e., felonies), might want to review the WB User Agreement.

Rain Man

.

Agreed. Big Brother can see anything you post in an open forum.

BESIDES: I'm disappointed. We haven't heard and anti-shelter rant yet.

Honestly, if shelters were removed, how many "weird" folks would head out into the woods? They'd have to buy a Wal-Mart cheapie tent and sleeping bag, at least. Without the promise of a roof over their head, a windbreak, and a fire ring (likely stocked with firewood collected by others), how many vagabonds would head out into the inhospitable woods?
There you have it - the first official "Anti-shelter rant".

[Hobbler]

It is just so amazing to see how the OP's head's up to us about a strange and questionable person has gotten so far off message. Though he did mention he might be packing heat in the future, I feel that the OP was doing us a service to bring attention to a problem but the gun and weapon discussion always seems to be jumped on, creep in, and be a means to stray into oblivion....Too Bad...What is important is...Has anyone else seen or experienced this individual?

[MedicineWoman2012]

"correct. the 2nd amendment is your permit. you have the right to defend yourself anywhere " AMEN! LONEWOLF! )

[Gray Blazer]

Incorrect. You do not have the right to defend yourself anywhere. There is no law on the books or anything in the second amendment that states that. Should one care? Of course not, being dead is dumber than getting arrested for not having a permit. But you will be arrested for not having a permit and for unlawfully discharging a firearm after saving your life. As it should be. But, don't want to steer anyone wrong here, the second amendment does not give one the right to defend themselves anywhere.

Would you defend your home and family? This one guy was telling me that he was such a godly pacifist that he would not defend his home or family if someone broke in and hurt them (in other words he would turn the other cheek). You shoulda seen the look on his face when I asked him where he lived.

[Lone Wolf]

all bullcrap aside, just cuz the guy was "weird" doesn't mean he's dangerous. no need to "report" him. he did nothing illegal. stay at a shelter you gotta expect anything.

[Old Boots]

As I understand the issue the stranger came to the shelter and began to burn wood that was stacked there. His size and attitude may have seemed menacing but he made no threat or overt act that indicated he intended to harm anyone. Is this justification for lawbreaking to say nothing of contemplating killing someone? I'm with you Lone Wolf. This kind of reaction only makes the AT more dangerous for all of us.

[tscoffey]

[quote] You do not have the right to defend yourself anywhere. [/quote ]

This statement is so ludicrous on it's face that I am sure you meant something different to what you implied.
Perhaps you meant that the use of deadly force in self-defense is not guaranteed in all situations. But to claim that a right to self-defense in general is not guaranteed is certain incorrect.