High Sierra Topix

AT, that was a jab at the Sierra Club

Jimr wrote:AT, that was a jab at the Sierra Club

Ah, I didn't see the word hypocrisy in there.... Given the rules and the outcomes, one would expect it.

markskor wrote

BTW, where are we going next year?

We?

Mike

oldranger wrote:markskor wrote

BTW, where are we going next year?

We?

Mike

Maybe make Mark plan your trip? that should be fun...

Labels Labels Labels.... I just can't see the need to classify everyone into a multitude of categories. I probably have various characteristics of at least four of those groups. At times I have had to strap the bear canister on the top of my pack which towered above my head, have carried a 70 lb. pack, carried a multitude of extra stuff in my first aid kit (and needed it!), usually stick to trails but go off trail on a whim, hike alone, have the best gear I can afford (sometimes the latest & greatest but usually not), try to go as light as possible now that I am older etc. etc. Any label is transitory with the circumstances of your life and experience ever changing. :-)

I believe what Cloudy said is true. I don't think anybody was trying to clasify everyone. I just think people were having fun with this. My comment was the furtest from classification and mine didn't really say anything remotly important.

Really enjoyed the responses like WD's or AT's...where you can feel the trail angst. Lots of subtle information contained there. BTW, Whatever classification mentioned, we all have our Sierra's well-being in common.

Most backpackers are the hardy sort - many are loners, maybe a bit introverted but usually quick to respond to any interesting situation Sierra. Many here are experienced, seen it, done it - made mistakes...got into situations that are questionable, and learned.

Most old-timers also develop a sarcastic side too (quick to point out ironies seen, foolish mistakes made...anything is fair game). Backpackers have thick skins (at least the ones I hike with)...not so readily offended by disagreement.

So lighten up everybody, maybe grow a pair...HYOH, carry whatever backpack/gear you want...nobody is going to carry it for you. Just get out there.
This thread started was in fun...just a way of pointing out some of the many quirks observed.

The "Dish it out but can't take it" hiker.

And it is all in fun. I was going to respond to Rogue that he is a class all his own, but I suspect he's not. He's just got the huevos to own it out loud.

I have hiked with someone I'll call "Yuppie Backpacker." Baby boomer, well-to-do, accustomed to expensive guided trips with porters, wants to check off Roper's Route for bragging rights, doesn't really enjoy being out in wilderness, prefers to scurry from tent site to tent site, impatient and unable to adapt to schedule changes caused by anyone who is "to slow," OR "too fast," wants to be guided step by step over talus, rather than allowing companion to walk several yards ahead, complains about all aspects of the trip as if paying for a trip guide, pouts and sulks when "trip guide" answers that if he/she is so unhappy with trip, perhaps Yuppie Backpacker should try to get his/her money back.

I have one more addition. The "Naked Backpacker." Hiking up to Caribou Lake in the Trinities several years ago, good-looking, thirty-something man completely naked except for hiking boots and pack. Stopped to talk to my daughter and me--we were on our way down and were asking if there were any fires in the way. He politely held his camera case over himself, and I am ashamed to admit that both my daughter and I turned around to enjoy the rear view as he departed up the trail.