[pct-l] Responsible Hiker or Knucklehead

[dsaufley at sprynet.com]

Unfortunately, there is probably an extremely low percentage of the Class of '07 on this list, and an equally small number on the '07 mail list.  This is true every year.  I know the ADZ tries to get the message out to hikers about trail etiquette, but I'm willing to bet that the people who need to hear that message are either not present for that lecture or tune it out. 

The people who hang out on this list, or care to hear discussions about proper behavior on trail are "the choir."  All this discussion won't reach a single knucklehead and change them.  They'll still be out there, and it only takes a couple of them to cause trouble. 

Unfortunately, you have to catch someone in the act to know with certainty that they are responsible, in order to call them on it. Not everyone has the courage to speak up and say something.  And, you're presuming that people who are behaving badly give a rat's behind about what you or anyone else thinks -- chances are extremely high that they don't care and won't change.  They might just continue the behavior to spite you.

Knuckleheads exist, and will be out there, no matter how much we wish they weren't.  Thank goodness there's fewer of them in the hiking community than can be found elsewhere in "real" life.  If they were present in the same proportions on the trail, we would not be hosting hikers. It is the extremely low number of them that let's us look at the bigger picture of the 99% of absolutely wonderful and considerate people that hike the PCT.  

L-Rod



-----Original Message-----
>From: enyapjr at comcast.net
>Sent: Apr 8, 2007 10:27 AM
>To: pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
>Subject: [pct-l] Responsible Hiker or Knucklehead
>
>Switchback said:
>
>>What is so frustrating is that doing the right thing on the trail is so 
>>easy.  It takes a real conscience effort to screw up out there.  You almost have 
>>to will yourself to be a Knucklehead.  It is a premeditated act to be one.  
>>It is not an accident.   
>> 
>>Just because someone is on a hike does not mean they cannot act like ladies 
>>and gentlemen.  Like they have some class about them.
>> 
>>It is the responsibility of every  hiker to immediately let those very few
>>hikers know that their conduct is not  appreciated.  That the sooner they wise up,
>>the better for everyone.  Do your part and help us keep the trail community
>>healthy and  positive.
>
>Thank you, Switchback, thank you!
>
>Class of 2007, please - let's have zero 'incidents' this year...  Zero 'misunderstandings'...
>Zero might not be realistically attainable, but it's certainly something to strive for...
>If a fellow thru steps out of line - immediately put them in their place, in 'public', not later in private...
>It shows those offended that you do not agree with the 'Knucklehead', and maybe the lesson will more likely be taken to heart... 
>
>Class of 2007 - Have a great trek.  Good luck.  Hike safe.
>
>Happy trails!!!
>Jim
>
>
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