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  1. #121
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    Quote Originally Posted by Trailweaver View Post
    See? So sometimes there is "more to the story." We all need to remember that, and take that into account sometimes when something is posted here. I sometimes jump to conclusions, and have had to backtrack too. It's always best to err on the side of kindness and less judgement.
    It was not until post #93 (Page 5) that a medical problem was mentioned. People's advice—whether snarky and condescending or comforting and coddling—made the reasonable assumption that the OP's information was accurate, and there was, at least at first, a certain, uhh, 'smell' to it. All MVHO, of course... okay just the last phrase was MVHO.

  2. #122
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    Default Sorry, and Thank You EVERYONE!

    I would like to thank EVERYONE who weighed in with the advice I requested!
    Please forgive me, if you feel I was misleading in any way! It appears there may have been some hard feelings! I apologize!
    I was completely honest and as open as possible in seeking advice. There was an underlying medical issue, but not one that should interfere with the hike. Our hiker did not mention this as a reason in desiring to discontinue the hike.
    All is well, and he is back on the trail!
    Thank you again!
    Still loving the White Blaze family!
    Happy trails everyone!
    Suzy Q

  3. #123
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    [QUOTE=Suzy Q;2066362]I would like to thank EVERYONE who weighed in with the advice I requested!
    Please forgive me, if you feel I was misleading in any way! It appears there may have been some hard feelings! I apologize!
    I was completely honest and as open as possible in seeking advice. There was an underlying medical issue, but not one that should interfere with the hike. Our hiker did not mention this as a reason in desiring to discontinue the hike.
    All is well, and he is back on the trail!
    Thank you again!

    SuzyQ: You are so kind! And, you understand that the trail community of White Blaze, unfortunately, went with information from your original post that did not contain enough information. That is a double problem:
    #1: White Blaze members should understand that there are two sides to every story, and the whole story might not be in front of them.
    #2: As an original poster, you have been understanding that some people, including myself, gave responses that we would not have given if we had the whole story. I apologize.

    Lastly, your last post stated you hadn't thought his condition warranted getting off the trail; however, it ended up working that way. Kudos to you for helping out and ENSURING HE GOT BACK ON THE TRAIL!!!!! You are truly awesome!!!

  4. #124

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    Quote Originally Posted by Suzy Q View Post
    I would like to thank EVERYONE who weighed in with the advice I requested!
    Please forgive me, if you feel I was misleading in any way! It appears there may have been some hard feelings! I apologize!
    I was completely honest and as open as possible in seeking advice. There was an underlying medical issue, but not one that should interfere with the hike. Our hiker did not mention this as a reason in desiring to discontinue the hike.
    All is well, and he is back on the trail!
    Thank you again!
    Still loving the White Blaze family!
    Happy trails everyone!
    Suzy Q
    feel like you are yelling in every post lol SO MUCH EXITEMENT!!!!! lol
    Trail Miles: 4,927.6
    AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
    Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
    Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
    Foothills Trail: 0.0
    AT Map 2: 279.4
    BMT: 52.7
    CDT: 85.4

  5. #125
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    I would like to thank everyone for your wonderful responses during our family member's crisis. You were all very helpful! I thought you might like an update?
    Our hiker is still on the trail! Yay!
    He came across a great group of fellow thru-hikers and they are doing great!
    They have hiked over 600 miles now, and are well on their way to finishing in Maine before mid October. If necessary they will do a flip flop towards the end!
    Thank you again for all your support during a difficult decision!
    Happy trails!
    Suzy Q

  6. #126
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    04-26-2016
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    Columbia, MO
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    SuzyQ just curious does your hiker have a heart thing, and carries a GPS that he can msg home with?

  7. #127
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    Sparta, Tennessee
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    You cannot make someone succeed. You can encourage, you can support...but this individual seems to have set out on this journey for all the wrong reasons. The AT offers all kinds of challenges and experiences, but it is not merely a social walk in the woods. It can be an immensely rewarding experience or it can shake an individuals soul to the core. If this person wants to quit for the stated reasons, then they should quit. Period

  8. #128
    Registered User Doctari's Avatar
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    Glad to hear he is hiking again.
    IMHO: there is no such thing as a "well prepared hiker" when it comes to months on the trail. Well, unless you are a former thru hiker. I've been hiking the trail (average of 1 trip each 4 years) for 28 years, & each time I get on the AT, I'm ready to quit the first week. Every time I think I got it worked out, I get to the trailhead & think "WHAT IN THE H### WAS I THINKING? THIS IS INSANE!!!" Again, IMHO, a thru hike isn't a vacation, it is HARD WORK. But as mentioned many many times here at WhiteBlaze & elsewhere, that really hard part is what is in your head. Gramma (Emma) Gatewood even said "hiking is mostly in your head"
    I hiked with a partner this year, & still got lonely. I got as light gear / pack weight as I can (base of 19 LBS) & still thought it WAY too heavy. I was in very exciting terrain, still got bored. I'll be back in 2017 regardless of that.
    SuzyQ: tell your hiker to hang in there, it will be worth it in the end, & trust the word of someone who has quit early for similar reasons given, you WILL regret it (Insert the line from Casablanca here.)
    Curse you Perry the Platypus!

  9. #129

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    Quote Originally Posted by Moosehead87 View Post
    You cannot make someone succeed. You can encourage, you can support...but this individual seems to have set out on this journey for all the wrong reasons. The AT offers all kinds of challenges and experiences, but it is not merely a social walk in the woods. It can be an immensely rewarding experience or it can shake an individuals soul to the core. If this person wants to quit for the stated reasons, then they should quit. Period
    The only wrong reason, is if someone else coerces you. If someone wants to be out there voluntarily, Id say thats good enough. Smart choice?..thats a different story.

    Quote Originally Posted by Doctari View Post
    Glad to hear he is hiking again.
    IMHO: there is no such thing as a "well prepared hiker" when it comes to months on the trail. Well, unless you are a former thru hiker. I've been hiking the trail (average of 1 trip each 4 years) for 28 years, & each time I get on the AT, I'm ready to quit the first week. Every time I think I got it worked out, I get to the trailhead & think "WHAT IN THE H### WAS I THINKING? THIS IS INSANE!!!" Again, IMHO, a thru hike isn't a vacation, it is HARD WORK. But as mentioned many many times here at WhiteBlaze & elsewhere, that really hard part is what is in your head. Gramma (Emma) Gatewood even said "hiking is mostly in your head"
    I hiked with a partner this year, & still got lonely. I got as light gear / pack weight as I can (base of 19 LBS) & still thought it WAY too heavy. I was in very exciting terrain, still got bored. I'll be back in 2017 regardless of that.
    Well if you dont enjoy it, why you do it?
    Last edited by MuddyWaters; 06-23-2016 at 19:50.

  10. #130
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    Quote Originally Posted by MuddyWaters View Post
    Well if you dont enjoy it, why you do it?
    It feels so good when you stop.

  11. #131

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    Quote Originally Posted by rafe View Post
    It feels so good when you stop.
    I try to spend 3-4 weeks per year on trail somewheres these days. I loves every minute. Especially rainy nights snug under tarp. But then, I like hard work. It makes me feel like did something worthwhile. Something we are supposed to do.

    I basically run 800-1000 miles per year....just to stay in shape so I do enjoy it more.
    Last edited by MuddyWaters; 06-24-2016 at 05:47.

  12. #132
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    Quote Originally Posted by Traveler View Post
    Given the last instructions to not pick up the hiker, the family should respect that wish. The onus is on the hiker to decide what to do and either figure out how to push through the issues that are in the way, or figure out how to get home. Either way will work out fine and the family will hold their promise.
    This is the best advice I've read here. To truly HYOH, may mean to QuitYOH, sure ... but it has to be on them to decide and act. Don't be his scapegoat, don't let him blame you later (which may or may not be out loud).


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost;
    the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost."

  13. #133
    Registered User Doctari's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MuddyWaters View Post


    Well if you dont enjoy it, why you do it?
    Didn't say I don't enjoy it, just want to quit within 1st week. Once I get through that It's all golden!!!
    Curse you Perry the Platypus!

  14. #134
    Skywalker jdavis7590's Avatar
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    12-14-2012
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    Best of luck!
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

    Mark Twain

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