Thru Hiking Sober?

[Tipi Walter]

You get to choose who you hang out with.
Its that simple.

This is only true on the AT if you never camp near the rat-box shelters and spend minimal time at the shelters.

But we sure did have some fun on those early nights.

I had no fun in the North Carolina section. That is why I have been sticking to Georgia.

In case you haven't figured it out, I am exactly the type of person you want to avoid.

Carl

You definition of Fun is different than my definition of fun. Of course I dumped demon booze and pot way back in February 1973 and see the use thereof as a temporary inertial-station on the ladder of life. No movement forwards, probably going backwards etc etc.

So when I'm backpacking the AT and come across dope smokers or drunks (esp at shelters) I reflect on my personal life-and-death struggle with drugs (alcohol is a drug) and know eventually these boys will have to quit when they hit bottom. Just not there yet.

I have an especial low regard for so-called "nature lovers" who worship in the church of the outdoors and yet bring booze (or pot) on backpacking trips and into camps and then suckle for hours on the Demon Teat. I question their intent. It's all about intent.

[MuddyWaters]

This is only true on the AT if you never camp near the rat-box shelters and spend minimal time at the shelters.

You can stay at shelters (tenting) and never even talk to another soul if thats what you like. Aint hard at all.

[rafe]

You can stay at shelters (tenting) and never even talk to another soul if thats what you like. Aint hard at all.

Or hike off season and have the shelters to yourself. Gets lonely.

[MuddyWaters]

Or hike off season and have the shelters to yourself. Gets lonely.

One persons lonelyness, is anothers bliss.

I honestly dont understand why so many are reluctant to hike by self and need to have others around. With them. 24-7.

[Sarcasm the elf]

You can stay at shelters (tenting) and never even talk to another soul if thats what you like. Aint hard at all.

Agreed. If you have even a modest tolerance for being around others there will be little issue. I'm around "party" hikers often enough and I barely notice since they tend to be low key.

Up on Southern New England where I do most of my backpacking, we are required to stay in established campsite or shelter areas. I routinely share sites with others. The only time I recall having a even a slight problem was at a campsite that was directly next to a road and effectively had vehicle access. There were a bunch of Jersey Shore rejects partying there who had hauled in all the comforts they wanted. Even then I walked about 300 yards past them, setup out of the way and had a good night.