trips organized over the interent

[Skyeward]

Hello everybody,

Been real busy since back in school, but when I get the time I'll post my trip report from spring break (intenseLinville Gorge action!). Right now I'm trying to figure out a way to go backpacking out west this summer. I really want to get out to the Wind Rivers, but I can't make the ODR gathering, or a volunteer trip with the American Hiking Assocation that happening there, both have date conflicts. So I started looking around for other options.

My question is about interent based trips, like the ones being organized here: http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/ . Has anyone ever gone on a trip like this? Did it work out ok? I guess I'm just a little nervous about signing up to go into the backcountry with a bunch of people I know nothing about. Other than that, it seems like a great opportunity. What are people's thoughts on this, and on ways to make sure it's safe/legit?

Thanks a bunch!

Daniel

[KeithEA]

In Apr of 2002 this board had kind if an organized outing. It was Ed Fest. EDK from Calif meet up with the Ga boys and I meet then all of a weekender in Shinning Rock Wildernesss. Most of us had never seen each other before. It was great. A finner bunch you will never meat. I have never traveled with a group that I liked finner than this. We all had something in common. This broke down the time that it took to be friends with someone. But I did carry a firearm!! Just in case! (kidding. I always carry one, ha) Keith

[brad nicholson]

the solo option...

[Gam]

the solo option...

Backpacking trips with people off this board always turned out great, but we had been talking on this board a long time and more less knew the kind of people we were dealing with, I have been on some "whoever wants to go" rockclimbing ventures where I clearly did not want to be around some of the people who showed up, for various reasons.

[brad nicholson]

i have met several people from other sites for different things, such as bikepacking, backpacking, etc.

i have met my two current climbing partners as well from other sites, since i am in germany. however, i think that you have to be able to judge how someone handles a line, ties knots, etc and speaks about climbing pretty well before you tie into the sharp end and launch up a climb. good idea to make a few top ropes or perhaps gym sessions before you head out with a strange partner.

trust is perhaps what being self-reliant and in the backcountry is all about so i like to get out with new folks to go packing...not to say i wouldn't be prepared for all contingencies. the question to ask is are you prepared to defend yourself if all hell goes wrong, which while slim, could. if you aren't prepared for that then maybe you should relook...

on that note looks like i move back the us sometime next year and will be looking to pay a few visits to some folks on this board...especially in the sierras for some winter snowshoeing.

[Snow Nymph]

Hi Daniel,
I've done a few trips with this group (and other forums). I would hike with most of them again. I would also check their ability before hiking with them. Some hike a lot slower than I can handle (three 1 hr breaks waiting for them to catch up is a little too much). We ended up splitting into 2 groups after the first day.

I've done trips to Desolation Wilderness and Lassen (CA), Montana, and British Columbia with this group.

You can see what they look like here: http://community.webshots.com/album/33252761WobJJC

If you have any questions on the CA trips, send me an e-mail and I'll answer questions

sierrariders@socal.rr.com
www.snow-nymph.com

[brad nicholson]

nothing worse than two or more disparate fitness levels. this can really lead to a breakdown in the trips harmony! whether or not you are climbing, cycling, or packing; i went with someone i met off another site once in nc and he was older but said he was really in shape and he ended up bailing on day two of an 8 day cum solo trip. oh well...

i'd risk it though just be prepared to solo if things go south...

[wingding0]

Actually, everyone I met everyone I regularly hike and backpack with over the internet. I'm going on the South to North Lake trip on thebackpacker.com in July.

I don't mind the different speeds because I just go at my own speed and don't try to stay with the group, but it's nice to cross paths during the day and camp with the group at night.

These days, I like to mix solo trips with group trips and I don't much like large groups hikes that require everyone to stay together.

I always carry all my own gear. I don't like to depend on others for things I might need in the backcountry.





Hello everybody,

Been real busy since back in school, but when I get the time I'll post my trip report from spring break (intenseLinville Gorge action!). Right now I'm trying to figure out a way to go backpacking out west this summer. I really want to get out to the Wind Rivers, but I can't make the ODR gathering, or a volunteer trip with the American Hiking Assocation that happening there, both have date conflicts. So I started looking around for other options.

My question is about interent based trips, like the ones being organized here: http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/ . Has anyone ever gone on a trip like this? Did it work out ok? I guess I'm just a little nervous about signing up to go into the backcountry with a bunch of people I know nothing about. Other than that, it seems like a great opportunity. What are people's thoughts on this, and on ways to make sure it's safe/legit?

Thanks a bunch!

Daniel

[brad nicholson]

i don't do large groups at all. self-defeating to wilderness in my opinion....

[Jordie]

I think that it can be a little risky as far as fun. Your chances are upped for a good time if you know the poster's pretty well like the regulars on this board or other boards, but if you don't it's pot luck.

I used the board from backpacker.com a few years ago and went on a trip with 3 other complete strangers. No one knew any of the others. Hiker 1 was essentailly a backpacker version of a hobo and since then ended up in jail, Hiker 2 was constantly in a bad mood and hiked mad but at the end of the trip said what a great time and when were we going to do it again (he did go another trip with Hiker 3 and as it turns out, even though he was married he turned out to be a "Beer Queer" after a few drinks around the campfire). Hiker 3 turned out to be a great guy who I've now gone on 5 trips with and have become good friends with and with his family.

You just never know...


Jordie

[brad nicholson]

I think that it can be a little risky as far as fun. Your chances are upped for a good time if you know the poster's pretty well like the regulars on this board or other boards, but if you don't it's pot luck.

I used the board from backpacker.com a few years ago and went on a trip with 3 other complete strangers. No one knew any of the others. Hiker 1 was essentailly a backpacker version of a hobo and since then ended up in jail, Hiker 2 was constantly in a bad mood and hiked mad but at the end of the trip said what a great time and when were we going to do it again (he did go another trip with Hiker 3 and as it turns out, even though he was married he turned out to be a "Beer Queer" after a few drinks around the campfire). Hiker 3 turned out to be a great guy who I've now gone on 5 trips with and have become good friends with and with his family.

You just never know...


Jordie

what the hell is a "beer queer," in all my travels i can honestly say i have never run across that saying...anyone?

[Duckman_]

Kinda wondered that myself. Afraid to find out tho. Maybe its one of those dudes that starts hanging on you or sometime afer they get a buzz. I'm usually solo for most of my trips(packing/mtn biking), so my patience for such is rather short.

[walt walkabout]

Amen, to all the above. Went on a winter hike and the one guy who hiked in with my 2 friends the day before packed up and left the next morning. Left us with a *%$# heavy folding army shovel and an 8 oz jar,yes a glass jar, of instant decaf coffee to carry out. Shows how prepared he was for a winter trip.
Try meeting these people for a weekend hike before planning any extended trip. Your sure to meet some one who matches your style and can make further plans after that.
Walt

[brad nicholson]

Amen, to all the above. Went on a winter hike and the one guy who hiked in with my 2 friends the day before packed up and left the next morning. Left us with a *%$# heavy folding army shovel and an 8 oz jar,yes a glass jar, of instant decaf coffee to carry out. Shows how prepared he was for a winter trip.
Try meeting these people for a weekend hike before planning any extended trip. Your sure to meet some one who matches your style and can make further plans after that.
Walt
walt, if you carried it out and didn't smash his windows on his car with the shovel you need some counseling! brad

[Jordie]

what the hell is a "beer queer," in all my travels i can honestly say i have never run across that saying...anyone?


It is someone who is apparently straight but after a few drinks has some other leanings present themselves. In this case case he got drunk and came on to his hiking partner. I have gay friends and wouldn't hesitate backpacking with them if they wanted to go, because they are very funny and good guys and everything is "on the table" so to speak. But it's a little creapy when a married guy you're with hits on you unexpectedly. Anyway, that's what a "beer queer" is.

Jordie

[walt walkabout]

Yea Brad, and dump the coffee in his gas tank! :o) Seriously, he left early in the morning before any of my friends were up,no good byes,I'm freezing my butt,I wet my sleeping bag,nothing just gone.
I didn't arrive until later that day and the funniest part to me was my friends overcarry gear and had extra pads and stuff that if he had asked they would have been glad to help him enjoy the rest of the trip.
My friend Dave talked to him after the trip and returned his junk and asked why he left. His reply was 'His head got cold.'
Me, I think he wasn't prepared for the weather,colder than expected, and rather than let people know and find out if gear or help was availible just slunk off into the dawn.
Walt