Yogi
Can anything be Yogi? (Or begging.) I know it is most to be used for food but some of hikers go to new limits!
Yogi-ing isnt begging.
Its getting strangers to give you what you need, without asking.
Subtly show them you have a need, and have them offer assistance while thinking its their own idea.
Yeah, some hikers just beg.
That pretty much sums it up ^
Getting lost is a way to find yourself.
Traditionally, it only applied to pick-a-nick baskets.
It also helped if you had a small, seemingly helpless, companion.
Wayne
Sent from somewhere around here.
Eddie Valiant: "That lame-brain freeway idea could only be cooked up by a toon."
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MW nailed it.
MW is correct. When done properly, the person providing the assistance thinks it's their own idea.
This.Originally Posted by MuddyWaters
The first time I was accused of yogi-ing by a hiking buddy was after I persuaded another hiker to their hands prior to making communal food without them realizing that they were doing it at my suggestion.
Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.
I never yogi'd any food...but I have Scooby-Doo'd it!
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I find it sad that so many in the AT community think that begging and yogi-ing food is the same thing. Not even close.
RS, If you're not careful, you could start a new tradition.
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I put it in the same category as "stealth" camping. The term's meaning has changed since us old-timers first used it.
Agree, huge difference. I picked up a resupply at a campground and asked someone where I could get change for detergent for laundry. They gave me detergent. THat was a proper yogi. Later when I was done and returned the detergent they were drinking red wine. I made the comment that the wine looked delicious especially since I hadn't had any since the start of the trip. they offered me some wine. I did not accept because I believe I crossed the line between a yogi and begging. (I hadn't meant for it to come across so strong, it just looked good.)
People tend to give more and freely when its their idea. If your truly humble and appreciative, sometimes the floodgates of giving open.
One of main lessons of the trail is that there are many good selfless people left in the world that will take care of total strangers.
Funny that many selfcentered hikers strive to take advantage of them, while acknowledging the trails lesson.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 05-22-2016 at 09:42.
Disclosure: aspiring section hiker, not a through hiker.
How is this different from "grifting" aka "a con?" I'm honestly asking because I don't see it.
I meet people in urban settings who attempt exactly what you've described. They are invariably mooches/con-artists/scammers who simply apply a different tactic than outright "begging."
Further, what's the trail etiquette surrounding what you're calling "yogi?"
If I'm packed for exactly a week of hiking, I likely don't have any extra food or fuel, or my surplus is designed to keep me safe, not resupply someone else.
I can pump some filtered water for them as that has no downside to me.
Let them use my phone to call for a pick-up because they aren't properly equipped to be on the trail? Sure, I can do that.
Now I'm really confused... that doesn't seem the same as any of the previous examples! You were more than happy to pay for your detergent, correct? Someone was nice enough to offer some but you weren't expecting it, right? (plus: you had a plan, resupplied, were not ill equipped to be hiking)
The type of person I'm picturing doing the "yogi" thing would be the chronic abusers: they're trying to do a hike without proper planning or supplies and relying on the charity of others. No matter what you give them, a few miles down the road, they're at it again.
In contrast, I can see someone needing transitory help to get back on track (broken tent pole, water bladder tore, whatever) but I'm not expecting to run into them day after day "in need." (I can splint a pole, patch a bladder for them)
Please though, set me straight. I'm both fascinated and horrified by the type of people I'm imagining repeatedly "yogi-ing."
Theres no con involved.
Picture a young woman hiker that walks up to a family picnicing at a popular trailhead overlook. She says hi, pets their puppy. They ask her questions about her hike, she enthralls them with details. Then she pulls out a pop tart to nibble on while they are eating buckets of fried chicken. Seeing this they invite her to join them. Thats a yogi.
Maybe she takes her boots off and bandages her blisters afterwards. They feel sorry for her. She says shes thinking about taking a day off. They offer to give her a ride to town. She just yogi'd that too.
In an extreme example they may invite her home to stay with them a day or two, feed her, do her laundry, and bring her back to trail. It happens.
No con involved.
Another hiker could walk up and ask if they had any food they could spare when they are finished, or ask for a ride to town. Thats begging.
Women are better at yogiing and getting rides because society is more trusting and protective of them.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 05-22-2016 at 10:25.
Semantics. Like the Dali Lama once told me: "The intention either purifies, or sullies the act." Then he handed me a doughnut with no hole. Being in a high vis position where folks have the bright idea to give you stuff, versus cruising up and appearing needy to trick them into giving you stuff you don't necessarily need, but want - vastly different. The dying art of the Yogi is sad to behold. Don't get me wrong. I've staked out a picnic pavilion or two - Hell, I crashed an outdoor wedding on the PCT. It's about finesse, class, style, and understanding the art. Everybody wants to be part of a miraculous adventure. They'll either approach you and invite you over - or not. I had to hike on by the wedding - they had to see me. The bride's father came right over and next thing you know I'm drunk eating cake and have a ride to town. Simply by implementing the gift of MANIFESTATION. For those who don't know, this is to hikers what the Force is to Jedi. Focus on what you want and psychically make it come true by implementing the energy of your mind's intention. If it doesn't happen it wasn't meant to be, or you're not a Jedi yet. Begging has nothing to do with it. Experiment with manifestation on trail and you will be amazed, blessed, and you hang on to your self respect. Additionally, as an ambassador for all hikers that follow you maintain our image in the community as positive - we may be hungry, but we are NOT needy.
10702015_804683976259345_355609313858558445_n.jpgI like to be in a position where I can ask for work in order to get stuff I need to keep hiking.
It's just flaunting a need to plant a suggestion. If people do this too much it'll probably annoy you. I would never yogi on purpose since it is definitely "semantics".
Last edited by CamelMan; 05-22-2016 at 13:00.
This is a con.
By your own words you are describing a situation in which a person is manipulating others in order to get something.
I would much, much rather have someone come right out and ask me for something.
Baloney.
You cant manipulate someone by dropping subtle hints
People basically only do what they want to do
They are free to ignore you always.
The only difference from chance is the hiker is hoping this person will want to help.
Asking outright does two things, it reflects poorly on hikers
It puts people on the spot and may help coerce them when they dont really want to do something. They dont want to appear to be aholes.
Subtle hints are free to be ignored, and are, by people that dont want to help.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 05-22-2016 at 13:14.
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