Words of wisdom

[Doctari]

Words of wisdom?

So what are your “words of wisdom” to other hikers? Be they new/beginning hikers or old/experienced hoofers. I am thinking of a few simple sentences similar to: “Please don’t eat the yellow snow. It will make you sick!” Or “Don’t spit into the wind, you will get wet.” Even: “get water every chance you can, and drink as much as you can hold before continuing. The goal here is to stay as hydrated as you can. Dehydration makes hiking miserable, painful or even deadly.” Or “carry a small, light weight tarp which can be used for: cooking under, temporary shelter in a storm, extra protection in a storm, extra big vestibule, etc.”

I know it’s tempting, & may even be true, but try to avoid something like: “Hammocks rule, Tent’s drool” instead, try to state briefly WHY the above is true, at least for you.

Remember; short & sweet is what we are after here. Feel free to post even if you think it is a painfully obvious statement like; “Stop and treat hotspots before they become Blisters!” because not necessarily everyone knows this.

Have fun, be creative.

Thanks!

Doctari.

[Footslogger]

This is something a friend (also a thru hiker) told me prior to my thru in 2003:

" ... When the miles are easy taken em. When the miles get tough push back"

Sounds pretty profound but I found myself mumbling those words on many occasions between Springer and Katahdin.

'Slogger
AT 2003

[SGT Rock]

The more I carry the more I like camping, the less I carry the more I like hiking.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

If you are in a hurry, why are you walking?

[msupple]

The more I carry the more I like camping, the less I carry the more I like hiking.

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

If you are in a hurry, why are you walking?

That reminds me of what a guide in Peru told while hiking at altitude...."The slower you hike the faster you'll get there. "

[Tent-N-Kent]

Any where is within walking distance, if you've got the time...Stephen Wright, comic

Sent to us in a card from a class of 99'er friend...Tent-N-Kent AT 2001

[Ridge]

Wherever you go, there you are!

[sailsET]

Wherever you go, there you are!

This is very true. Be present in the moment. Enjoy whatever you can find to appreciate, exactly where you are. All we have is now.

[sbarn]

mine too. classic

[Tenderheart]

Don't let electronics and gadgets ruin your hike.

[Lone Wolf]

Don't let electronics and gadgets ruin your hike.

...and itineraries, schedules, deadlines, lack of funds, etc.

[mrc237]

If You Don't Use It Every Day You Probably Don't Need It!

[TakeABreak]

Don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff.

A bad on the trail, is better than a good at work.

[MOWGLI]

"The best way to carry water is inside of you."

"Dont let anyone live inside your head rent free."

[D'Artagnan]

"Don't $#!+ where you eat."

[Nean]

Keep an open mind

[ATSeamstress]

Never quit on a bad day.

For section hikers: You complain all the way up the mountain, but on the way home you start planning your next trip.

[Stoker53]

Early to bed and early to rise = more time avail for walking.

[Doctari]

To determine how much daylight you have left: PM, locate the sun, preferably near the horizon, hold your arm out full length, put you hand in such a way as your fingers are paralell to the horizon, the thickness of each finger is aproxamatly 15 minutes. This works for me, with less than a 1 to 2 minute error per finger. In the mountains, this "guide" works for where you are at NOW, as you move the time may change as you climb & descend, but you will have a rough guide.

Doctari.

[TDale]

It's always darkest right before it goes pitch black.

Walk quietly, stop often, look around, breathe.

[Rainman]

Walk quietly, stop often, look around, breathe.

This is great. I have always felt it, but have never said it so well. Thanks.