first timer needs some encouragement

“I have allways wanted to go backpacking but never had the courage to go and do it, now life is flying past me and it s time to do it, now i need advice from the ones that aren\'t to scared to just get up and go, thats you lot
im thinking of going to oz for about 3 months

1-where is the best place to go for first timer
2-how much money to take
3-essential equipment to take
4-and all the advice you can give me

thanx in advance
paul rowlands”

“troll!

(can an unknown newbie call another poster a troll?)”

“Heck, a troll can call a troll a troll.

Paul - where do you live?”

“Paul backpacking is great fun and in warmer weather you don't really need a whole lot of special gear.

Question 1: Go someplace easy, preferably with people that have been before. Check the trips page on this website. I am betting that there is a trip in your area.
2: Money is hard to spend in the woods. I usually bring a $20, my license, and my Amex. This way if I have to cut the hike short and need to get home or back to my car I can pay.
3: Lots of info on this do a google search on the 10 essentials for Backpacking.
4: Advice is cheap on this website, you just have to weedout the BS.”

“Besides this site, the web has a lot of sources. Here is a general one that answers your questions: http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking.htm

Try this is that doesn't work: http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache:cwFnwXUGca0J:gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/hiking.htm+backpacking&hl=en
last edited: 1/18/05 7:27:40 AM”

“You are a troll until we know better. Please start by giving some User Information. Just click on Edit My Information on the right side of this page. Your questions are very broad and since we don't know your location or anything, like your current equipment, most answers will be meaningless. I am wondering how old you are. I am 72 and frequent go for three or more months.

However, the advice is to take some very short trips to get into backpacking and to check out your equipment. Then you will have an idea as to whether or not you want to continue and what you will need for a longer trip.

---

It's becoming difficult to tell the trolls from the unreal folks.
last edited: 1/18/05 7:40:09 AM”

“Hey!!! be nice! I had almost the same problems. Didn't know anyone who backpacked, and didn't know where to go and what to take.

I researched A LOT. Then I came to this site and asked the same questions that I just researched just to see if "real" backpackers know what the hell they are talking about.

anyway, if you don't have friends that backpack it's hard to find a starting point.

Okay...NOW...here it comes...the BS...

T R O L L ! ! !
last edited: 1/18/05 7:37:13 AM”

“I live in england
wot is a troll
and im looking for as much info as i can but i just want to jump in the deep end and just do it, i know that its not sensible but there you go”

“www.dictionary.com

www.google.com

Good luck, troll!
last edited: 1/18/05 7:43:22 AM”

“http://www.thebackpacker.com/beginners/

Welcome to TT.”

“Wow, it's hard to make suggestions for nice easy hikes in your area, lol.

I'll offer this Paul, it's not as hard as you might think. Try cooking meals over a campstove at home, outside. Practice pitching your tent and try out your sleeping bag in the garden, go for long walks with your pack on around town (yes, you will get funny looks) and once you feel you're in good shape to go, go!

Use the search function at the bottem of the forum to look for threads with packing lists, what people like to ea on the trail, new gear selections, etc. If you read old threads yopu'll learn much.”

“Paul are you talking about European style backpacking where you go from city to city or American style which is backcountry camping and hiking (trekking)?”

“I say you book the cheapest flight to the US and join the catskills trip
http://thebackpacker.com/trips/trip/589.php

After that trip you won't have any more questions.”

“I think that i will do european first till i get use to being in differant countrys then il my try trekking some where good whith some exelant views maybe conoeing in canada, but better take it easy at first as i have never been camping or walking in other countrys, i have been around the lakedistrick for meny years and need a new chalenge”

“I think your're just a kid who needs to grow up some more before trying to troll!”

“Maybe you're a troll (your spelling and grammar make you suspect) but even if you're not you might want to seek info somewhere else. This site is geared toward backcountry hiking and camping, which is what us Americans refer to as "backpacking." I'm sure there are plenty of boards out there that are geared toward the European concept of backpacking. Good luck in your search for info.”

“From Wikipedia:

Internet troll”

“hay bonecrusher
why do you think that im a kid who needs to grow up,
im 24 and have been walking,camping and canoeing all around england since i was 13 and wont to travel and see differant places.
and no one has told me wot a troll is yet
Im not a foolish kid with a silly dream i realy wont to do this and its people like you
that put off people like me from doing it”

“The troll thing on this board is ridiculous. Not everyone who leaves their profile blank is a troll. Some people don’t want to share any personal information on the internet for any and everyone to see (imagine that). If you think a poster is a troll, don’t respond to them.”

“google - england backpacking trails - etc etc...

oh and check out webster.com...

Troll...”

“Don't let anyone (like bonecrusher) discourage you from trying what you want to do... just be safe cuz if not, that's how people die. I'm a Master SCUBA Instructor and in that biz we have a saying "ANY member of the team can call (off) ANY dive at ANY time NO QUESTIONS ASKED" and no guilt will thrust upon that person upon surfacing. It's always better to err on the side of safety than DIE! You can always discuss what went wrong & right later on the surface and plan another dive. The ocean will be there tomorrow.

Same can be said for backpacking & mountaineering. PLAN your hike, Go prepared for the worst & Hope for the best, don't get yourself into something you can't get out of if you have to and DON'T be afraid to "turn" (call off) a hike if conditions warrant.

Good Luck & talk soon!
Capt. Jim”

“I usually assume someone is NOT A TROLL until they prove by their posts that they are. You're not a troll just because you don't post a profile... although it is nice to know a little about the people you're talking with. It doesn't have to be real personal like name address & phone number... just general info like where generally from (country/state?), sex, age, and for an activity like hard backpacking , mountaineering or SCUBA diving, I like to know the general physical fitness of the person before I recommend an activity. (As a matter of fact before we take students into dive classes they have to fill out a detailed questionnaire and if certain conditions are present, they have to get a doctors approval to dive.)

Peace Out,
Capt. Jim”

“A lot depends on what your experiences are. Have you car camped? Have you day hiked? If yes then you are set to go! Backpacking is one of the simplest things you’ll ever do. Backpacking is nothing but camping with a day hike in between. It’s walking and sleeping in the woods. You don’t need $2,000 worth of mountaineering gear to do it like Backpacker Magazine makes it out to be.

Where to go- Check out Matt’s trails database.

Here is a great thread called The $300 Challenge where we all threw around ways to completely outfit yourself for $300 or less. It is surprisingly easy to do.



General advice- Find someone you might be able to tag along with. Check the trips page here. Don’t be shy either because everyone goes. But if you can\'t find someone don\'t let this deter you. Going solo can be even more fun and relaxing than going with others.

Go buy the book The Complete Walker III by Colin Fletcher. This book is all you’ll ever need for backpacking info. Worth it’s weight in gold and you’ll read over and over for years to come.

#1 rule…keep it simple!! Don’t let ANYONE convince you this is some type of extreme sport that ya have to be half crazy to do.”

“You can get a good idea at www.dictionary.com. Here are a few quotes from www.dictionary.com - troll:

"An electronic mail message, Usenet posting or other
(electronic) communication which is intentionally incorrect,
but not overtly controversial (compare flame bait), or the
act of sending such a message. Trolling aims to elicit an
emotional reaction from those with a hair-trigger on the reply
key. A really subtle troll makes some people lose their
minds."

"Trolls are recognizable by
the fact that the have no real interest in learning about the topic
at hand - they simply want to utter flame bait."

In addition to what Bison mentioned in his post, this poster has failed to follow advice, neglected to supply much information, like his age group, etc. He jumped from backpacking in Europe to canoeing in Canada. In addition, costs for using an ICP in England are high, so it is more likely that he would communicate with others in England or in Europe. Getting tied up on a forum in the US from England is ridiculous. He is unlikely to get much useful information for his stated needs. Thus, the probability is high that he is a troll.

I did not respond on the other thread, because at the time I did not feel a responce was really needed. I hope all this helps you.

BTW, my life is full of mistakes and, no doubt, I shall continue to make mistakes. I just try to have fun and enjoyment as I make my way to the hitherland.

aka bonecrusher

paulrowlands - I did refer you to a dictionary so that yhou could check out "troll." Now that you ha ve supplied some additiona information, I will consider the possibility that you are real.
last edited: 1/18/05 9:26:31 AM”

“paulrowlands,

Here's something you might find interesting.

Cheers' 2004 AT Journal

It's the trail journal of one of your countrymen who hiked part of the Appalachian Trail this year. There were a few other Brits who hiked the AT this year, I think that Cheers' journal lists them somewhere.
last edited: 1/18/05 9:20:09 AM”

“If you're serious, Paul, be safe is rule #1. Learn what you can, but don't assume that after reading 14 books you've attained all knowledge. Get some basic gear, pack, tent, bag, stove, etc (check out the gear sections for advise & reviews) and find a spot, backyard, park, etc to try it out for a day or overnight. Go for walks with a loaded pack around your neighborhood to see how it feels. Eventually do an overnight or weekend basecamping gig (hike in, set up camp and then day hike). You'll know pretty quick if backpacking is for you.

A troll, on the internet, is someone who posts messages just to get people to respond, not really looking for info or interactivity, just stirring the pot. They get sorted out & ignored pretty quick. On THIS site, apparently everyone starts as a troll and has to prove themselves otherwise by posting meaningful comments, questions, etc. It's sort of an initiation, not meant as an insult. Just grin and bear it, it'll pass...”

“Here\\\'s a good English backpacking site.

Try giving a shout out to Y2 here on the boards. He\\\'s a transplanted Brit.”

“Oh, also, that doesn't mean you'll like/agree with/want to hike with EVERYONE here. Don't let those who would rain on your parade, pee in your cheerios or steal the middle out of your oreo cookie ruin your experience.

Troll...”

“if you go hiking you may twist an ankle and die.

A cold and lonley death . . .by yourself.

Your friends will tell you they are going for help, but they will really be drinking a pint of Tetley's in the local pub.”

“And don't forget rule #2 lee...if you die we're splitting your gear!”

“I have all the walking and camping gear, well i do need a new pair a boots but iv been doing it for years around england but doing it in another country is totaly diferant thing as you can not just jump on a bus and be home in a few hrs, thats why i haven't done it yet and come to seek advice from people that have.
and thank you to everyone that has been helpfull in my serch for info
last edited: 1/18/05 10:15:55 AM”

“I'm kinda new to posting on forums... have my own website, but only lately (because I'm home with the kids Tu - Thurs) am I actually able to sit down and do some posting. Thanks again for the TROLL info.

Peace Out,
Capt. Jim”

“Very cool site Cap!”

“I checked out your site... f**ckin' Hilarious main page! Great idea... I'll be reading more.

Capt. Jim”

“You should put together a snorkling or diving trip. I bet there'd be some interest in that.”

“All these troll accusations just amuse and encourage trolls, while discouraging people who are sincerely seeking information.”

“1-where is the best place to go for first timer
2-how much money to take
3-essential equipment to take
4-and all the advice you can give me

1. The Bronx-DC Heritage Trail
2. How much you got?
3. Food, shelter, clothing, babe
4. Bring an extra babe for me, preferably Australian.”

“pedx - TROLL!!!! ;-)

pedx has a point.”

““All these troll accusations just amuse and encourage trolls, while discouraging people who are sincerely seeking information.”

I feel the same way except replace "amused" with "think it's stupid"”

“On THIS site, apparently everyone starts as a troll and has to prove themselves otherwise by posting meaningful comments, questions, etc. It's sort of an initiation, not meant as an insult. Just grin and bear it, it'll pass...
athikerol
9:20:01 AM
1/18/05

it will pass a whole lot faster if the purported troll meets with or better yet backpacks with another known TTer who then reports that the individual really exists and is twisted enough to enjoy TT”

“Welcome aboard Paul! I don't think we have a Europe contingency. The closest thing we have is Gemini and she lives in the US, but she is as German as it gets. We love her though. There is a lot of mountains to hike in in northern England and Scottland. I wonder where Y2 is, he's from England and has done quite a bit of backpacking in Scottland and he could give you some ideas.

Anyway, welcome aboard and don't let the troll calling scare you away. Check out the other threads and join in the conversation, get to know us crazy yankees and maybe one day cross the pond and join us out in the back country. Welcome!”

“"it will pass a whole lot faster if the purported troll meets with or better yet backpacks with another known TTer who then reports that the individual really exists and is twisted enough to enjoy TT”

Don't fall for the old, "You have to do a trip with other people from here.". That's what they told me and I woke up blindfolded, naked, tied to a tree with my trekking pole hanging out of my ass.”

“Has anyone been in England with y2? I mean, he says he's English but so what?

I demand picture of y2 in England including his home........or favorite pub.........same thing.”

“I don't think you can get much more English than looking like George III.”

“Nigal, lol

Paul, Are you anywhere close to Leeds?”

“im in sale, manchester”

“deep down you kind of liked it.”

“LOL Bit! Well, his parents might be from England but so what? My mom's from England. Well her ancestors from the 1700's were from England.

Same thing.”

“Yes, you do have a nice homepage. I enjoyed going through it.

I, too, enjoy the water and under the water, having snorkeled in Hawaii, Rep. of Panama, Puerto Rico and Florida. I'm swimming 2-3 times a week and recently did 3,900 yards in a pool. I'm shooting for 5,300 yards(3-miles). I went across the Atlantic on a ship and have done a lot of time on a ship in the Pacific Ocean and in the Bering Sea, sometimes with seas running 60-70 feet.

Should our paths cross or get close, it would be a pleasure to meet and talk with you some day. It appears that you could provide plenty of interesting conversation.

BTW, this will show you why I sometimes use the name, bonecrusher, nowslimmer. Additional pictures are available in Phil's Photo Page under my name, nowslimmer.

aka Paul, Panama Paul, Barnacle Paul, Skipper

Peace
last edited: 1/18/05 1:37:33 PM”