we ran into a thru hiker who was going ultra lite to the point of not packing a shelter (tent, tarp, or hammock). got upset that the shelter was full and nobody wanted to give up their spot lol
Why should anyone established in a lean-to for the night give way to an intentionally under-prepared hiker? Total self entitlement! I would have to say that the only problems I've ever encountered on our local trail system occurred at a lean-to. Some of them are situated close enough to roads that they become party spots for non-hikers on some weekends in the summer months; these people will hike into the lean-to with their coolers. It wouldnt be bad if they were polite enough to set up tents away in a corner, but inevitably they want space in the lean-to itself. I've encountered them in the past and been irritated enough that I pack up my stuff and hike on down the trail. I dont think these non-hikers understand how a section or thru-hiker looks forward to a restful night in something other than their tent. The mice in the lean-to's are more polite than these cretins.
It was probably more like there were four of u in there and had stuff all spread out and didnt want to scrun h to make room. We had 16 plus in the shelter on moosalak in a rain storm. Some sat up along wall to sleep, hung 5 hammocks. U probably werent even a threw hiker so didnt belong in it..or someone in there. If none of the above i beg your pardon which is usually and supposed to be the case. Just like the dancer here. If been at the tip of the spear to many times being nice and it getting twisted thats my peeve. I left others to there own and they left me. Some didnt want to talk. Its not rude. Just probably smart
@@hikingdancer typical narcissistic behavior from that idiot! You handled it with class, and grace. I hope you are well and healthy! Much love from SanDiego!
The AT is not the place for the greenhorn guy. He knows nothing about nature, hiking or respect for other human beings. So glad he didn't scare you off the trail because he doesn't belong on it. What an arrogant imbecile.
Three kinds of rude people outdoors that I run into: 1. The person with the big, loud, aggressive dog left off the leash (don't worry, he's a sweet lil babie who won't hurt a fly!). 2. The person who won't even look at a fellow hiker or respond to a hello. I get that I'm a short, neurodivergant guy with glasses, but still. 3. The exact kind of folks you mentioned in the last segment who have zero situational awareness, humility, or empathy.
You have great videos that I frequently learn something new from. I'm glad you don't sugarcoat the hiking experience and take on subjects that other vloggers avoid or don't consider relevant. Thanks for your efforts.
Wow! I remember the video when you talked about your experience regarding the last situation about the section hikers being loud and inconsiderate when you were hiking the AT at the shelter! Oh my goodness and then the comment of refugee camp was so wrong and insulting! can't believe one of them had the audacity to contact you and continue being rude! If he were contacting you, it should have been to apologize for him and his friends' behavior. I am glad you don't sugarcoat it because often times, vlogs only show more of the happy times, but you were being real. However on a happier note, I love the background of the palm trees! 😊 It makes me miss Florida. I haven't been to Florida since 2017 but hope to visit Florida again in the next few years!
I watched your video because of the channel name, my daughter is a dancer but unfortunately she rarely hikes with me! These were some interesting stories and gives me plenty to think about. I have done lots of hiking but normally I go into the backcountry so rarely have to deal with idiots. I'll be doing a 100 mile AT section hike next month and had assumed there would primarily be like minded people on the trail, glad I watched this so I'll be prepared for some of the obstacles I may encounter. Great channel and I'm now a subscriber!
I don’t stay at shelters because of the small percentage of idiots and large numbers of rodents. Whenever people are rude coming in late, I make sure to get up early and be loud on my way out. Admittedly, this screws over innocent bystanders but every war has its collateral damage. After a while, I just avoided shelters altogether.
Thise experiencees pending the person would be plus or minus. Small by comparison to what really might be bad. Except the ridgerunner. We will pray for him. Lol
A couple of hikers I subscribe to had a shared a similar experience in the smokies this year. I wonder if it were the same people. I’m glad you share stuff like this. I’m interested in all aspects of the trail…The good, the bad, and the ugly. I think it helps potential thru hikers manage expectations and mentally prepare for the range of experiences on the trail.
So sorry you encountered these rude people. Very thoughtless! Some people don't learn their manners while growing up. During my 7 months on the AT in 2021, I slept in shelters maybe 5 times. Most people are nice on the AT, but the rude ones are out there.
Thanks for reminding us future AT hikers that the idyllic AT is still located on earth, surrounded by humanity, and will still have to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly. Really good info for setting realistic expectations…
You've never sugar coated your hike. It was realistic the good and the bad. I enjoyed tagging along with y'all. Rude folks are a part of life. It's how you deal with them that makes the difference. Don't let them bring you down to their level. 🙏🙏❤️🥾🥾✌️☕
@@hikingdancer I don't thru hike but how busy is it on the AT? Would it be easy to make arseholes disappear or have an accident on the trail? You know, with no witnesses. lol
Yes thanx for ketting us know what the real probkem with the trail is. Busy bodies, snoops, i stead of people minding there own buisnes. Forgive them lord for they know not what u do. U didnt say anything to him out there did u though.
That last part really boils my blood. Just because someone has walked farther than you doesn't give them the right to be an asshole... I've hiked thousands of miles so I can treat every other hiker like garbage... Get the F outs here🤦🤬
Nice vid HD, bottom line - people can be assholes. You did a good job of threading that needle with your delivery - well done. I had a guy show up one night and try to hang his bear bag in the shelter I was sleeping in. I had no problem explaining to the guy he needed to fix himself, and not hang his bear bag in the shelter. That was probably the worst case I had out there. Sorry you guys had it a bit worse. Keep on hammering, be well and keep up the informative vids.
Several people with 1000s of subscribers are more concerned about their videos than bear hangs. I wonder how many people are learning this habit from them.
Had a similar experience a couple of Octobers ago in the Smoky Mts. I arrived at my reserved campsite to see a couple of tents set up and 4 packs up in the bear cables. No hikers. I figured they were either napping or on a day hike up on the AT. I made my dinner and had a nice fire. Went bed around 8:30pm. Around 10pm the 4 guys came barreling down the trail, loud, obnoxious tones, etc. I figured they would hit the sack pretty quickly. No chance. I heard sticks being broken for firewood and pots and pans clanging. The worst thing was that they had some kind of stereo system. It was LOUD too. Not the worst kind of music but I didn't care to have walked 10 miles to listen to someone else's music. Things quieted down in about a hour. I got up the next morning and greeted the young men. Nice enough fellas but obviously had no clue or consideration. I dwelled on it the rest of my hike and wound up contacting the ranger office on the way home to make a complaint/ report. The ranger acknowledged being able to determine who the party was and promised to send out a letter of reprimand to them. Hopefully they followed through with it.
We as humans have these type of people in our daily lives whether its at work,play and even hiking. My philosophy is to stay positive as much as possible and to walk away and just avoid them.
It seems to happen in the USA more than any other country! :( It's just so freakin sad that there are so many rude and mean people here. It's just getting worse and worse.
I feel like a lesson here is to avoid staying in the shelters. Too unpredictable; if someone awful or worst yet dangerous shows up, you are kinda stuck.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of unappreciated people in this country just the way they’ve been raised. I apologize the rudeness I have a feeling though they’re gonna learn their lesson very soon.
Congratulations for your video. It is very interesting, I watched it all along, I listened, I liked it. Looking forward to watch your other videos. Thank you so much ! You made my evening !
Thanks for sharing these. I'm hoping to do the PCT next year for my first thru hike and I have to say, I have ZERO interest in the AT. The CDT seems like it would be fun, but from everything I've seen and read, the AT seems to have a much different vibe than the other two, like much less "out there in the wilderness". The high Sierra is where I've done all of my backpacking so far, and I've never come across someone who wasn't polite or courteous. Of course there are some out there, but I don't think you get anywhere near as many as on the AT. Besides, humid weather is a no-go for me. 😂 As a side note, I walked into a tree branch and ended up with about 10 staples in my head and a 4" scar. Not fun, so Fox has my sympathies.
I have not yet encountered aholes on the AT, but everyday I would, typically towards the end of the day, meet an elderly person going where I've just come from, thru hiking. Knowing that the direction they are going, the next shelter is 7 miles away over rocky inclines/declines with an hour of sunlight left. I am amazed that there isn't constant rescues of people suffering from overexposure on this trail.
Sorry to hear about Fox I didn't start watching you till you reached New Hampshire, I hope everything turned out ok , that last guy sounds like a stocker glad you made it out,he should be making apologies not accusations
I can almost guarantee you this will not happen on the PCT. The PCT is out in the middle of nowhere with a few nice town stops. The AT is almost like a series of day hike routes with shelters and crossing civilization infrastructures almost daily.
Unfortunately there are people like that on Trails, Campgrounds etc. It can happen anywhere. I'm pretty much a loner type for that very reason, I see similar behavior in the city which is a big reason I go to the back country. I'm sorry you had this experience.
Sorry to hear that. There are assholes everywhere. The fact one of them felt they needed to contact you further shows their doucheness… There is zero excuse to be rude or inconsiderate.
The AT is a party trail with a bunch of strange people, some are not even hikers. There’s a number of homeless people that spend the summer months living in some of the shelters. I don’t stay in the shelters.
The youtube videos always crack me up when they act like everything is so happy and hunky dory on the A.T. When the truth is, all the people that you can't stand in society, those same type of people are on the trail as well.
Yeah I feel shelters used to be a common place. I remember squeezing 15 people into a 8 person shelter. Now a days it seems like whoever gets to a shelter first takes the shelter over as there own!
I’m so sorry you had to experience that. You seem like a really awesome lady. Fortunately most people aren’t that way especially hikers. I say especially because it’s always, to me, seems like their heads are in such a more stable and generously happy place. But like you’ve experienced, there are freaks and not good people in all walks. Love to hear that you protect yourself. Be safe.
Shelters can be a real cesspool, in several different ways. Tent is the only way to go for me, I dont care if its raining or windy or im tired, its worth having my own space where im not in a personal sphere of 6-12 other people with their own situations and state of mind.
Me and my wife came across an older man in Arizona while hiking and he stopped us. He went on this long explanation on how we were going the wrong way. I told him there isn’t a sign anywhere out here that says you have to go one way. He just wanted to show his ass. I asked him to point me to where I can find something that says I’m going the wrong way and he moved on. Most people you come across hiking are nice people but there’s always a chance you run into a d-bag.
Sad to hear that your shelter experience was bad.The world is full of Narcs always projecting their anger on you.Don't go into those shelters unless its a lightening storm to save yourself.
The real trouble usually comes from the 2 legged animals. Being an old guy, I don't the same sort of creepiness as younger women do. But there are jerks who will start trouble because they seem to get off on that. There are people who are very rude. Some don't know better (but they can learn). My experience is that the good interaction far outweighs the bad. those who interrupt the hikers who have bed down for the night are more than rude. They are the type who are the opposite of leave no trace.
I feel like you've made this video before. Sometimes I get weird deja Vu though. Ahh it was about the shelter. Sorry you didn't have a good experience. Are you thinking of doing the PCT?
We feel you on this and we’re sorry you had to do deal with those situations. To those watching, we hiked the same year and also dealt with a lot of awkward and perturbing situations. Not bashing thru hiking the AT. We’d do it again, it is life changing especially post trail. But don’t be surprised if you encounter what you deal with in the “real world” on the trail too. Road runner best of luck to you and your future dreams. Much love
I’ve noticed that covid has brought out a lot of newbies to the hiking, backpacking community and unfortunately a few of them are stupid, rude and disrespectful. Nothing is more scary than a bunch of loud obnoxious men that get off intimidating others. I especially fear them more so in the United States where guns are more prevalent
Exactly. However you respond to them, some people always try to gaslight you and say that you should have been more confrontational or said more. But that can literally get you killed. Also, many people literally have anxiety disorders and can't confront them.
Some people forget that life is a roller coaster and the down bits are as important as the ups, and they can be even more memorable sometimes. No shame.
I always say that, life is a rollar coaster,with ups and downs. That and life is a shit sandwich, sometimes you have to nibble,other times swallow the whole damn thing.
Yes Assholes are everywhere! I had some similiar experiences. A shame but as you stated, it is part of real life. Didn't realize FOCS has a siezue?! Wow, that was super serious! Anyway, thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your videos! Who are you following from Class of 2023?
The guy with the clothesline was just being an ass*ole. The choice is yours as to whether or not to let him know that. ...😁The Ridge Runners are affiliated with and work for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They are assigned specific sections of the trail You should contact the Trail Conservancy and let them know what your experience was with this individual. I am sure that they would want to know as there are many applicants for that position. In regard to the hostel, Is it possible to let the young man who took care of you know what happened, or if there is a place to leave a review to give others a heads-up. The dudes that lit the fire, it sounds like they were section hikers. What they did with the smoke could be considered assault. In that scenario, the best thing you could have done is either leave and put distance between you and them. or use the EPIRB that fox carries as a weapon. How? let them know that popping off the EOIRB will elicit a response from law enforcement as well as Federal Agents, it may put the fear of god into them or at the very least convey the seriousness of their behavior even though you have no intention of using it
All of those experiences do suck, granted, but thats why im a tent sleeper strictly and only. This cures all of your problems, and you dont have to worry about norovirus, spiders, or anything else. Takes me 3 minutes to setup my tent and sleep system, and then i dont have to worry about assholes 99% of the time
I hope the last 2 stories trip and get booboos 😐 And that the man who emailed you gets a spider bite Haha jk. But POOOO on them!!! Rude, gross people. ......I love your hat! Very cute
I hear you! I meet these types all the time in the "great outdoors" which alway seems very strange. And there you were 4 strong capable women still feeling uneasy with the obnoxious hiker in the shelter. Makes you wonder how it would have been for other less confident women. Glad you talked about the less than perfect aspects of the trail. No need to sugar coat.
It would be nice to think that your stories might help someone think about their behavior and possibly change it. Unfortunately, jerks feel entitled and rarely recognize themselves or just don't care. As your experience shows, these jerks seem incapable of admitting that maybe they were in the wrong and had to turn it around on you. Sad.
I hiked the Camino Frances. It is not a through hike, however, my experience was wonderful. No one compared other hikers. The philosophy is your Camino is your Camino, no one else's so the judgement goes out the window. I also met so many people from many different countries as well as from Spain. People were there for spiritual, personal or religious reasons or maybe just to hike. I do feel that there is a culture in our country where it is fine to be rude, to judge and to basically be an asshole. I am sure that many peoople have had a wonderful experience on the Appalacian Trail, however, I have no desire to do this hike. Too much of what you just talked about. Also the attitude that if you aren't a thru hiker you're not really worthy. It's just ridiculous and I have no desire to deal with it.
You have as much right to be out there hiking as anyone else. I don't matter if you're a new hiker or a triple crown hiker. I've encountered two very rude younger hikers on the PCT but let it go because I didn't want to ruin my hike.
This is why I hike less well known trails. I have hiked all of the AT in GA, NC and TN but I have no desire to attempt an AT through hike and get caught up in AT drama. I prefer to hike off-piste anyway. I’ve hiked to places in the Southern Appalachians where few humans have ever set foot. I hiked to a stand of virgin timber in NC that few people know about. The trees are so big 10 men couldn’t get their arms around them. I’ve hiked to the sites of several infamous airplane crashes including the cocaine bear plane crash site. This old timer told me about an Indian cave that was also used by Civil War deserters. I had to find it. That old timer was dead on correct in his directions. I’ve hiked to several old gold mines in GA and the site of a Spanish fort in TN. I need an interesting destination to get motivated to hike. The AT consist of too many PUDS to interest me.
One thing I have taken from your vids and many others is DON'T SLEEP IN SHELTERS. I'm sure I will have to at some point (driving rain, etc), but I am sure gonna avoid it like the plague and pitch my tent on the outskirts!
If I've learned anything from 25 years in customer service and over a decade in ministry, it's that people are people wherever you go. I don't think you are being negative, you are being realistic. Women are still treated like 2nd class citizens in many realms, including hiking and backpavking, and the incident in the Smokys (at least) is proof of that. Last week my friend took a potty break and left her dog in her car (near a trailhead) while she did. She came back to her car only to have a male hiker chastise her for leaving the dog in the car. It was a whopping 53 degrees outside. She didn't even bother trying to explain. Hike on Roadrunner!
Thanks for the reality check. People think the trail will give them some magical change, but bringing their personality problems out on The AT is not gonna' cure their long learned behaviors . . . get your problems solved before a thru-hike. Hikers don't wanna' hear it.
1) The guy who pissed in the drain in the dungeon at Lake of the Clouds hut. Same guy put in zero effort at cleaning dishes when we were all doing work for stay (he sat and ate in the middle of the kitchen while the rest of us worked). Same guy sat down for breakfast in the morning like he had paid for it. Total jerk. 2) The woman in went by me in NH talking loudly on her phone the whole time about how pace was decreasing in the northern states. No acknowledgement whatsoever of a fellow hiker. Highly self-absorbed. 3) A passive-aggressive hostel owner ... you know who you are. If you don't like your job, find something else that doesn't involve dealing with people. Other than those three, nothing else really stands out, so that's pretty good for over 2000 miles. I have many, many examples of people showing kindness and/or consideration on the trail.
Only 4? I’m a little over 800 in and I have a handful including hostel managers and shuttle drivers. I wish more hikers would be honest so others could avoid them. I looked at FarOut and nothing negative. On the trail you hear the craziness but never shared. So disappointed. Thanks for being honest. I would avoid any contact with both Stanimals.
People being loud and disrespectful while you're trying to sleep? Get up at 3:30 or 4:00 AM and make a lot of noise packing up your gear to extend the curtesy and then hike far far away.
Im going to start calling myself a greenhorn and get REALLY tough with these guys who seem to have a problem with it. Nothing more satisfying than seeing these bully assholes turn into cowards when confronted by other men who stoop to their level.
I appreciate your honestly about the trail. Although it was an incredible journey, it doesn’t mean every person you encounter was super pleasant. Thanks for sharing!
She has the best thumbnails. I’m talking spit soda on the screen thumbnails. Hahaha great video! There are Aholes everywhere ya go. We had a small grocery store in the town I grew up in and the owners were both genuine Aholes! Why they got into customer service is beyond me, but they were the rudest people in town.
So inconsiderate makes it unenjoyable. Esp when you need any sleep. I was asleep laying on seats as well as another in an airport we had to stay over night. A group came to the gate super loud with music and all right next to sleeping me. It was5:00 am I would have been quiet if it was me.
.. . Rude people are a part of life everywhere but something as specific as a well known trail system known and based on the experience for like minded people should be about the last place to have to deal with such behaviors ... unfortunately some people think it was made for them , and them only ... if possible as you all did ,, do your best not to engage with then as anything said would create an argument and unwanted anxiety...
So on my hike we got to one shelter and this one in particular guy that I was with he talked a whole lot and it was quite early when we got to the shelter and there were some people in there sleeping and I did try to keep as quiet because there's no sense in getting super loud for no reason but the guy that was with me was talking so loud this old man that was sleep up in the Loft pretty much woke up and check this guy and told him to shut the hell up and he did...😂😂😂
I agree with all except the first example possibly. Did you ask the guy for any assistance? In NE, we are standoffish, so you have to speak up if you need something. We try to mind our own business basically. Not from here originally, but have learnt how they are over the decades. Hard to get a friend, but if you do they are very loyal. So no fake Southern friendliness.
The world is not full of assholes but they are strategically placed so that you'll come across one everyday.
I like that lol
Yes, it is.
Lol, I think that's probably true 🙂....
we ran into a thru hiker who was going ultra lite to the point of not packing a shelter (tent, tarp, or hammock). got upset that the shelter was full and nobody wanted to give up their spot lol
Why should anyone established in a lean-to for the night give way to an intentionally under-prepared hiker? Total self entitlement!
I would have to say that the only problems I've ever encountered on our local trail system occurred at a lean-to. Some of them are situated close enough to roads that they become party spots for non-hikers on some weekends in the summer months; these people will hike into the lean-to with their coolers. It wouldnt be bad if they were polite enough to set up tents away in a corner, but inevitably they want space in the lean-to itself.
I've encountered them in the past and been irritated enough that I pack up my stuff and hike on down the trail. I dont think these non-hikers understand how a section or thru-hiker looks forward to a restful night in something other than their tent. The mice in the lean-to's are more polite than these cretins.
Gosh, he should’ve been more prepared and of course not expect people move for him .
It was probably more like there were four of u in there and had stuff all spread out and didnt want to scrun h to make room. We had 16 plus in the shelter on moosalak in a rain storm. Some sat up along wall to sleep, hung 5 hammocks. U probably werent even a threw hiker so didnt belong in it..or someone in there. If none of the above i beg your pardon which is usually and supposed to be the case. Just like the dancer here. If been at the tip of the spear to many times being nice and it getting twisted thats my peeve. I left others to there own and they left me. Some didnt want to talk. Its not rude. Just probably smart
@@tc556guy first come first serve. Or is it entitled thru hikers first i get it mixed up
@@tc556guy did the right thing moved on
That guy calling you a greenhorn and making YOU the problem is classic gaslighting. I'm sorry you had to deal with him again!
Really eh? What a jerk! Common sense and common courtesy are just not so common anymore!
It was very weird he would try to go that route.
@@hikingdancer typical narcissistic behavior from that idiot! You handled it with class, and grace. I hope you are well and healthy! Much love from SanDiego!
@@Josh_Andrade anyone and everyone is a narcissist gaslighting toxic individual if they do something you don’t like huh
The AT is not the place for the greenhorn guy. He knows nothing about nature, hiking or respect for other human beings. So glad he didn't scare you off the trail because he doesn't belong on it. What an arrogant imbecile.
Three kinds of rude people outdoors that I run into: 1. The person with the big, loud, aggressive dog left off the leash (don't worry, he's a sweet lil babie who won't hurt a fly!). 2. The person who won't even look at a fellow hiker or respond to a hello. I get that I'm a short, neurodivergant guy with glasses, but still. 3. The exact kind of folks you mentioned in the last segment who have zero situational awareness, humility, or empathy.
True
“Don’t understand his thought process.” Some people simply don’t have a thought process - especially when it come to other people’s feelings.
True
You have great videos that I frequently learn something new from. I'm glad you don't sugarcoat the hiking experience and take on subjects that other vloggers avoid or don't consider relevant. Thanks for your efforts.
Thank you for the kind words
Wow! I remember the video when you talked about your experience regarding the last situation about the section hikers being loud and inconsiderate when you were hiking the AT at the shelter! Oh my goodness and then the comment of refugee camp was so wrong and insulting! can't believe one of them had the audacity to contact you and continue being rude! If he were contacting you, it should have been to apologize for him and his friends' behavior. I am glad you don't sugarcoat it because often times, vlogs only show more of the happy times, but you were being real. However on a happier note, I love the background of the palm trees! 😊 It makes me miss Florida. I haven't been to Florida since 2017 but hope to visit Florida again in the next few years!
Florida can definitely be very pretty
I watched your video because of the channel name, my daughter is a dancer but unfortunately she rarely hikes with me! These were some interesting stories and gives me plenty to think about. I have done lots of hiking but normally I go into the backcountry so rarely have to deal with idiots. I'll be doing a 100 mile AT section hike next month and had assumed there would primarily be like minded people on the trail, glad I watched this so I'll be prepared for some of the obstacles I may encounter. Great channel and I'm now a subscriber!
Welcome to my channel 🤗
What the heck. Who needs drama on the trail. You were the big person in these scenarios. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Happy trails
I don’t stay at shelters because of the small percentage of idiots and large numbers of rodents. Whenever people are rude coming in late, I make sure to get up early and be loud on my way out. Admittedly, this screws over innocent bystanders but every war has its collateral damage. After a while, I just avoided shelters altogether.
I also avoid shelters
I appreciate you sharing these experiences. It is helpful to know the various scenarios we can run into. Not just rainbows and unicorns.
Im so glad it’s helpful. Thank you for following.
Thise experiencees pending the person would be plus or minus. Small by comparison to what really might be bad. Except the ridgerunner. We will pray for him. Lol
I avoid people at all costs. It's my coping mechanism
Lol, I get that. But there are some really great people too
There u go. Because u might run into her and her judgement. Its ok u can say it. Lol i vit your back.
You are a really good storyteller.. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time
Thank you very much
Thank you so much for sharing this. The more people share the more I learn. I’m a beginner and I want to understand all things hiking 😊
Glad it was helpful!
You are on a roll girl. Lots of content lately. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thank you very much
A couple of hikers I subscribe to had a shared a similar experience in the smokies this year. I wonder if it were the same people. I’m glad you share stuff like this. I’m interested in all aspects of the trail…The good, the bad, and the ugly. I think it helps potential thru hikers manage expectations and mentally prepare for the range of experiences on the trail.
Could be
@dawnhikes I’m glad you said this. I am exactly that. I’m trying to learn all aspects as I learn more about hiking.
dancing shoes are about 2oz, they can work for camp shoes
You need one of those signs that says, 'Be nice or leave.' I see them in people's offices as I empty their wastebaskets.
Lol
So sorry you encountered these rude people. Very thoughtless! Some people don't learn their manners while growing up. During my 7 months on the AT in 2021, I slept in shelters maybe 5 times. Most people are nice on the AT, but the rude ones are out there.
They are everywhere
Remember , Bear spray works on people too. These guys needed to be more respectful of others.
Lol 😂
Thanks for reminding us future AT hikers that the idyllic AT is still located on earth, surrounded by humanity, and will still have to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly. Really good info for setting realistic expectations…
Yes one should be prepared for a few unpleasant situations
You've never sugar coated your hike. It was realistic the good and the bad. I enjoyed tagging along with y'all. Rude folks are a part of life. It's how you deal with them that makes the difference. Don't let them bring you down to their level. 🙏🙏❤️🥾🥾✌️☕
Exactly
You tell it like it is. Some people love controversy and are so self promoting!
Indeed
There’s no shortage of rude people in life. Some can’t just look at themselves in the mirror. I’m glad you finished safely.
Thank you
@@hikingdancer I don't thru hike but how busy is it on the AT? Would it be easy to make arseholes disappear or have an accident on the trail? You know, with no witnesses. lol
Yea look in the mirror, its the lynch mob posse lol. Get all the rude people..as if u never were once. U forgive them they know not what they do
Yes thanx for ketting us know what the real probkem with the trail is. Busy bodies, snoops, i stead of people minding there own buisnes. Forgive them lord for they know not what u do. U didnt say anything to him out there did u though.
That last part really boils my blood. Just because someone has walked farther than you doesn't give them the right to be an asshole... I've hiked thousands of miles so I can treat every other hiker like garbage... Get the F outs here🤦🤬
Absolutely agree on that
Nice vid HD, bottom line - people can be assholes. You did a good job of threading that needle with your delivery - well done. I had a guy show up one night and try to hang his bear bag in the shelter I was sleeping in. I had no problem explaining to the guy he needed to fix himself, and not hang his bear bag in the shelter. That was probably the worst case I had out there. Sorry you guys had it a bit worse. Keep on hammering, be well and keep up the informative vids.
Thank you
Several people with 1000s of subscribers are more concerned about their videos than bear hangs. I wonder how many people are learning this habit from them.
Had a similar experience a couple of Octobers ago in the Smoky Mts. I arrived at my reserved campsite to see a couple of tents set up and 4 packs up in the bear cables. No hikers. I figured they were either napping or on a day hike up on the AT. I made my dinner and had a nice fire. Went bed around 8:30pm. Around 10pm the 4 guys came barreling down the trail, loud, obnoxious tones, etc. I figured they would hit the sack pretty quickly. No chance. I heard sticks being broken for firewood and pots and pans clanging. The worst thing was that they had some kind of stereo system. It was LOUD too. Not the worst kind of music but I didn't care to have walked 10 miles to listen to someone else's music. Things quieted down in about a hour. I got up the next morning and greeted the young men. Nice enough fellas but obviously had no clue or consideration. I dwelled on it the rest of my hike and wound up contacting the ranger office on the way home to make a complaint/ report. The ranger acknowledged being able to determine who the party was and promised to send out a letter of reprimand to them. Hopefully they followed through with it.
Whiny Americans
We as humans have these type of people in our daily lives whether its at work,play and even hiking. My philosophy is to stay positive as much as possible and to walk away and just avoid them.
True
It seems to happen in the USA more than any other country! :( It's just so freakin sad that there are so many rude and mean people here. It's just getting worse and worse.
Overall it’s not really a big amount of people. Just a few but they are definitely memorable
Decency in real life or on trail are lessons that need to be learned. I like to hike alone for those reasons 🥾🥾🥾
Yes I like to hike alone too
I agree but people/hikers still insert themselves in my hike even comments on how I eat or mileage done.
I feel like a lesson here is to avoid staying in the shelters. Too unpredictable; if someone awful or worst yet dangerous shows up, you are kinda stuck.
I try to avoid shelters
Sad 😢
I feel bad that you went through that!
People love themselves and don’t know how to sacrifice in showing any love
Unfortunately, there is a lot of unappreciated people in this country just the way they’ve been raised. I apologize the rudeness I have a feeling though they’re gonna learn their lesson very soon.
Perhaps they will
Congratulations for your video. It is very interesting, I watched it all along, I listened, I liked it. Looking forward to watch your other videos. Thank you so much ! You made my evening !
Thank you
Thanks for sharing! Interesting people...
Pretty common interactions with people , that is why I'm an introvert and cherish solitude 👌
Yes exactly
Thanks for sharing these. I'm hoping to do the PCT next year for my first thru hike and I have to say, I have ZERO interest in the AT. The CDT seems like it would be fun, but from everything I've seen and read, the AT seems to have a much different vibe than the other two, like much less "out there in the wilderness". The high Sierra is where I've done all of my backpacking so far, and I've never come across someone who wasn't polite or courteous. Of course there are some out there, but I don't think you get anywhere near as many as on the AT. Besides, humid weather is a no-go for me. 😂 As a side note, I walked into a tree branch and ended up with about 10 staples in my head and a 4" scar. Not fun, so Fox has my sympathies.
Thank you for the comment 😊
I have not yet encountered aholes on the AT, but everyday I would, typically towards the end of the day, meet an elderly person going where I've just come from, thru hiking. Knowing that the direction they are going, the next shelter is 7 miles away over rocky inclines/declines with an hour of sunlight left. I am amazed that there isn't constant rescues of people suffering from overexposure on this trail.
Well lots of us dispersed camp. So that’s probably what they did.
Sorry to hear about Fox I didn't start watching you till you reached New Hampshire, I hope everything turned out ok , that last guy sounds like a stocker glad you made it out,he should be making apologies not accusations
Thanks Daniel
I can almost guarantee you this will not happen on the PCT.
The PCT is out in the middle of nowhere with a few nice town stops.
The AT is almost like a series of day hike routes with shelters and crossing civilization infrastructures almost daily.
Unfortunately there are people like that on Trails, Campgrounds etc. It can happen anywhere. I'm pretty much a loner type for that very reason, I see similar behavior in the city which is a big reason I go to the back country. I'm sorry you had this experience.
Sorry to hear that. There are assholes everywhere. The fact one of them felt they needed to contact you further shows their doucheness… There is zero excuse to be rude or inconsiderate.
Yeah that was a weird one
You definitely saved the best for last and of all the miles on the AT thank God it was only 4!!!
Yeah pretty small number of ride people for sure
That's what happens when you go to populated trails. More nature less people is always a better experience.
Yeah
The AT is a party trail with a bunch of strange people, some are not even hikers. There’s a number of homeless people that spend the summer months living in some of the shelters. I don’t stay in the shelters.
I prefer my tent too
Just found your channel and getting caught up. Good work!
Welcome aboard!
The youtube videos always crack me up when they act like everything is so happy and hunky dory on the A.T. When the truth is, all the people that you can't stand in society, those same type of people are on the trail as well.
Exactly
Yeah I feel shelters used to be a common place. I remember squeezing 15 people into a 8 person shelter. Now a days it seems like whoever gets to a shelter first takes the shelter over as there own!
Unfortunately there are some that do but many hikers are very kind
I’m so sorry you had to experience that. You seem like a really awesome lady. Fortunately most people aren’t that way especially hikers. I say especially because it’s always, to me, seems like their heads are in such a more stable and generously happy place. But like you’ve experienced, there are freaks and not good people in all walks. Love to hear that you protect yourself. Be safe.
Thank you John
An “awesome lady?” 😬
Shelters can be a real cesspool, in several different ways. Tent is the only way to go for me, I dont care if its raining or windy or im tired, its worth having my own space where im not in a personal sphere of 6-12 other people with their own situations and state of mind.
I prefer being in my tent for sure
The appropriate term is scheissekopfs(I think). My father's favorite term for most people.
Lol
Me and my wife came across an older man in Arizona while hiking and he stopped us. He went on this long explanation on how we were going the wrong way. I told him there isn’t a sign anywhere out here that says you have to go one way. He just wanted to show his ass. I asked him to point me to where I can find something that says I’m going the wrong way and he moved on. Most people you come across hiking are nice people but there’s always a chance you run into a d-bag.
Yes most people are nice, some are not. Such is life
When im on the trail, I do my hike and to hell with everyone else... Anymore I try to avoid talking to anyone... thats just the way it is.
Yeah
Sad to hear that your shelter experience was bad.The world is full of Narcs always projecting their anger on you.Don't go into those shelters unless its
a lightening storm to save yourself.
Absolutely agree
The real trouble usually comes from the 2 legged animals. Being an old guy, I don't the same sort of creepiness as younger women do. But there are jerks who will start trouble because they seem to get off on that. There are people who are very rude. Some don't know better (but they can learn). My experience is that the good interaction far outweighs the bad.
those who interrupt the hikers who have bed down for the night are more than rude. They are the type who are the opposite of leave no trace.
Aren't you lucky that you don't have to be preyed on by creeps, and you sit by and do nothing to stop them.
I feel like you've made this video before. Sometimes I get weird deja Vu though. Ahh it was about the shelter. Sorry you didn't have a good experience. Are you thinking of doing the PCT?
Yes I’m planning to do the PCT
We feel you on this and we’re sorry you had to do deal with those situations.
To those watching, we hiked the same year and also dealt with a lot of awkward and perturbing situations.
Not bashing thru hiking the AT. We’d do it again, it is life changing especially post trail. But don’t be surprised if you encounter what you deal with in the “real world” on the trail too.
Road runner best of luck to you and your future dreams.
Much love
Thank you guys 🤗
I’ve noticed that covid has brought out a lot of newbies to the hiking, backpacking community and unfortunately a few of them are stupid, rude and disrespectful. Nothing is more scary than a bunch of loud obnoxious men that get off intimidating others. I especially fear them more so in the United States where guns are more prevalent
That’s a good point
Exactly. However you respond to them, some people always try to gaslight you and say that you should have been more confrontational or said more. But that can literally get you killed. Also, many people literally have anxiety disorders and can't confront them.
Thanks for keeping it real!
You bet!
Some people forget that life is a roller coaster and the down bits are as important as the ups, and they can be even more memorable sometimes. No shame.
Absolutely
I always say that, life is a rollar coaster,with ups and downs. That and life is a shit sandwich, sometimes you have to nibble,other times swallow the whole damn thing.
Yes Assholes are everywhere! I had some similiar experiences. A shame but as you stated, it is part of real life. Didn't realize FOCS has a siezue?! Wow, that was super serious! Anyway, thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your videos! Who are you following from Class of 2023?
I’m following badbathikes this year
The guy with the clothesline was just being an ass*ole. The choice is yours as to whether or not to let him know that. ...😁The Ridge Runners are affiliated with and work for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They are assigned specific sections of the trail You should contact the Trail Conservancy and let them know what your experience was with this individual. I am sure that they would want to know as there are many applicants for that position. In regard to the hostel, Is it possible to let the young man who took care of you know what happened, or if there is a place to leave a review to give others a heads-up. The dudes that lit the fire, it sounds like they were section hikers. What they did with the smoke could be considered assault. In that scenario, the best thing you could have done is either leave and put distance between you and them. or use the EPIRB that fox carries as a weapon. How? let them know that popping off the EOIRB will elicit a response from law enforcement as well as Federal Agents, it may put the fear of god into them or at the very least convey the seriousness of their behavior even though you have no intention of using it
Thank you for the thoughts
There are definitely some shitty people on the trail. They tend to fizzle out the further down the trail you hike
Absolutely
All of those experiences do suck, granted, but thats why im a tent sleeper strictly and only. This cures all of your problems, and you dont have to worry about norovirus, spiders, or anything else. Takes me 3 minutes to setup my tent and sleep system, and then i dont have to worry about assholes 99% of the time
Exactly
I hope the last 2 stories trip and get booboos 😐
And that the man who emailed you gets a spider bite
Haha jk. But POOOO on them!!! Rude, gross people.
......I love your hat! Very cute
I hear you! I meet these types all the time in the "great outdoors" which alway seems very strange. And there you were 4 strong capable women still feeling uneasy with the obnoxious hiker in the shelter. Makes you wonder how it would have been for other less confident women. Glad you talked about the less than perfect aspects of the trail. No need to sugar coat.
Thank you
It would be nice to think that your stories might help someone think about their behavior and possibly change it. Unfortunately, jerks feel entitled and rarely recognize themselves or just don't care.
As your experience shows, these jerks seem incapable of admitting that maybe they were in the wrong and had to turn it around on you. Sad.
How much time on the trail does one need to qualify as a prick?
It depends on how much you want it
@@hikingdancer! hope you never see him again.
I hiked the Camino Frances. It is not a through hike, however, my experience was wonderful. No one compared other hikers. The philosophy is your Camino is your Camino, no one else's so the judgement goes out the window. I also met so many people from many different countries as well as from Spain. People were there for spiritual, personal or religious reasons or maybe just to hike. I do feel that there is a culture in our country where it is fine to be rude, to judge and to basically be an asshole. I am sure that many peoople have had a wonderful experience on the Appalacian Trail, however, I have no desire to do this hike. Too much of what you just talked about. Also the attitude that if you aren't a thru hiker you're not really worthy. It's just ridiculous and I have no desire to deal with it.
I want to do the Camino with my father
@@hikingdancer It's beautiful.
You have as much right to be out there hiking as anyone else. I don't matter if you're a new hiker or a triple crown hiker. I've encountered two very rude younger hikers on the PCT but let it go because I didn't want to ruin my hike.
Yea - lesson learned I hope. Stay out of shelters. It’s better to camp away from shelters and just enjoy your own hike.
Yep
It sounds like there are too many people on the trail and inconsiderate. It is ok to vent. How did he get your name?
He was a follower of my RUclips :-)
Good Video, sorry about the rude people.
Thank you but it’s all ok
I'm never supprised in NZ when super obnoxious trampers turn up at a hut, that in the morning often a critical bit of their gear has gone missing.
Oh really
This is why I hike less well known trails. I have hiked all of the AT in GA, NC and TN but I have no desire to attempt an AT through hike and get caught up in AT drama. I prefer to hike off-piste anyway. I’ve hiked to places in the Southern Appalachians where few humans have ever set foot. I hiked to a stand of virgin timber in NC that few people know about. The trees are so big 10 men couldn’t get their arms around them. I’ve hiked to the sites of several infamous airplane crashes including the cocaine bear plane crash site. This old timer told me about an Indian cave that was also used by Civil War deserters. I had to find it. That old timer was dead on correct in his directions. I’ve hiked to several old gold mines in GA and the site of a Spanish fort in TN. I need an interesting destination to get motivated to hike. The AT consist of too many PUDS to interest me.
Sounds like you’ve been in some really neat places
Are you in Florida?
Yes sir
One thing I have taken from your vids and many others is DON'T SLEEP IN SHELTERS. I'm sure I will have to at some point (driving rain, etc), but I am sure gonna avoid it like the plague and pitch my tent on the outskirts!
Well I try to avoid the shelters as much as I can
Who leaves a house to go find a shelter? Tf is the point???? Why are you outside?
If I've learned anything from 25 years in customer service and over a decade in ministry, it's that people are people wherever you go. I don't think you are being negative, you are being realistic. Women are still treated like 2nd class citizens in many realms, including hiking and backpavking, and the incident in the Smokys (at least) is proof of that. Last week my friend took a potty break and left her dog in her car (near a trailhead) while she did. She came back to her car only to have a male hiker chastise her for leaving the dog in the car. It was a whopping 53 degrees outside. She didn't even bother trying to explain. Hike on Roadrunner!
Thank you Sue
Thanks for the reality check. People think the trail will give them some magical change, but bringing their personality problems out on The AT is not gonna' cure their long learned behaviors . . . get your problems solved before a thru-hike. Hikers don't wanna' hear it.
You got it right
1) The guy who pissed in the drain in the dungeon at Lake of the Clouds hut. Same guy put in zero effort at cleaning dishes when we were all doing work for stay (he sat and ate in the middle of the kitchen while the rest of us worked). Same guy sat down for breakfast in the morning like he had paid for it. Total jerk.
2) The woman in went by me in NH talking loudly on her phone the whole time about how pace was decreasing in the northern states. No acknowledgement whatsoever of a fellow hiker. Highly self-absorbed.
3) A passive-aggressive hostel owner ... you know who you are. If you don't like your job, find something else that doesn't involve dealing with people.
Other than those three, nothing else really stands out, so that's pretty good for over 2000 miles. I have many, many examples of people showing kindness and/or consideration on the trail.
Wow some interesting situations you had. But overall there really are just few of them.
Talk about negative stuff all you want! I hope to try a thru hike and I need to be prepared. The more info the better.
Thank you for those words
Thank You!!!
Thank YOU!
Only 4? I’m a little over 800 in and I have a handful including hostel managers and shuttle drivers. I wish more hikers would be honest so others could avoid them. I looked at FarOut and nothing negative. On the trail you hear the craziness but never shared. So disappointed. Thanks for being honest. I would avoid any contact with both Stanimals.
Yeah I am happy it was only 4
When I hike I carry a .25 automatic with an extra full magazine. Sad but true. Human predators are a reality.
Indeed they are
People being loud and disrespectful while you're trying to sleep? Get up at 3:30 or 4:00 AM and make a lot of noise packing up your gear to extend the curtesy and then hike far far away.
Im going to start calling myself a greenhorn and get REALLY tough with these guys who seem to have a problem with it. Nothing more satisfying than seeing these bully assholes turn into cowards when confronted by other men who stoop to their level.
They are really something.
I appreciate your honestly about the trail. Although it was an incredible journey, it doesn’t mean every person you encounter was super pleasant. Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate that!
For the underwear.....some guys think girls want to smell their underwear as they liked to smell hers. Some guys are clueless, to say the least!
Oh my! Lol 😂
The world is full of rude, obnoxious people. They are everywhere.
That’s true
I hit my head on a tree like what happened in first story. Man that hu😳rt!
Yeah it really does hurt
She has the best thumbnails. I’m talking spit soda on the screen thumbnails. Hahaha great video! There are Aholes everywhere ya go. We had a small grocery store in the town I grew up in and the owners were both genuine Aholes! Why they got into customer service is beyond me, but they were the rudest people in town.
Yeah ride people are everywhere
Be grateful you didn't run into a killer
I’m grateful. Very very grateful
So inconsiderate makes it unenjoyable. Esp when you need any sleep. I was asleep laying on seats as well as another in an airport we had to stay over night. A group came to the gate super loud with music and all right next to sleeping me. It was5:00 am I would have been quiet if it was me.
Awe I’m sorry you had a bad experience
.. . Rude people are a part of life everywhere but something as specific as a well known trail system known and based on the experience for like minded people should be about the last place to have to deal with such behaviors ... unfortunately some people think it was made for them , and them only ... if possible as you all did ,, do your best not to engage with then as anything said would create an argument and unwanted anxiety...
Thank you
Best video of my day. Plenty of a$$holes in America.
So on my hike we got to one shelter and this one in particular guy that I was with he talked a whole lot and it was quite early when we got to the shelter and there were some people in there sleeping and I did try to keep as quiet because there's no sense in getting super loud for no reason but the guy that was with me was talking so loud this old man that was sleep up in the Loft pretty much woke up and check this guy and told him to shut the hell up and he did...😂😂😂
Rude people use other people's things without asking first.
🤗
Wow. Guy-line underwear guy might have been wearing it on his head if I’d been there…
Lol he was a special one
I agree with all except the first example possibly. Did you ask the guy for any assistance? In NE, we are standoffish, so you have to speak up if you need something. We try to mind our own business basically. Not from here originally, but have learnt how they are over the decades. Hard to get a friend, but if you do they are very loyal. So no fake Southern friendliness.
That’s very similar to us Europeans
That's why I refuse to stay in shelters.
Yeah
Humans aren't generally very "good" creatures. We invented the concept, after all.
The concept of being good?