[pct-l] Responsible Hiker or Knucklehead

[Craig Stanton]

Isn't there a quote about taking a donkey for a walk in the woods,  
and he'll still be an ass? I thought I read it on this list but I  
can't find it in my archives.


~Craig

On 10/04/2007, at 5:58 AM, dsaufley at sprynet.com wrote:

> 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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