travel and rhum

I've never been to America but your national parks look out of this world ! Where would you guys suggest I go. I love the lakes , scenery but also a challenge.

Hi all!

I got told recently that a habit I have might be rude, and I'm fully prepared to get downvoted into oblivion.

Talking sucks when you're trying to breathe, and sometimes I'm nonverbal anyways. [Edit for clarity: sometimes I literally cannot speak, irrespective of whether I'm exerting myself.] So when I need to pass a group on a trail and they're blocking it needlessly, (e.g. I could pass if they were single-file and there are no hazards) I'll pace them about 5-10ft back for 50 or so feet, long enough for them to hear me tramping around behind them if they're going to, and if they don't notice me I'll scuff my shoe on the ground to make a loud but not terribly obtrusive noise. This gets the attention of the last person and they'll usually call to those ahead of them and scootch so I can get through. I've only had this fail once or twice.

Is it rude to do that? [Edit: If so, what do you recommend I do instead?]

Precursor: I differentiate trip documenters vs influencers. Youtube trip documents can be great. Most LNT, don’t geotag, bait, or dramatize. Documenting a trip can also help people get out solo! It also tests/shows gear for others.

Note 2: I live in and near influencer hotspots. I have seen first hand how they act and degrade the local regions. This is not a post made regarding one interaction, this is an observation with a large sample size.

 This is also a rant, just move along if it bothers you.

Anyway:

I HATE outdoor/hiking influencers so much. Especially Instagramers and photo opers.

Why? You might ask. Well here’s why:

1. They destroy trails to get better pictures and angles. Leave their trash despite preaching LNT.

2. They block trails with their groups with no awareness that THEY AREN’T IMPORTANT AND OTHERS ENJOY THOSE TRAILS

3. Drones… for god sake, the drones! Especially in no drone zones. (One guy kept huffing that others were walking into his shot)

4. They are extremely rude, and self interested. “I have been asked to wait while one was doing a photo shoot. No? How about you wait until it’s clear instead of badgering others.

5. Geotagging for likes leading to areas becoming ruined and/or permitted. I have seen trail after trail become permitted leaving areas overused and now inaccessible to many locals.

6. Wildlife!!!!!!!! (If I see one more influencer try and get close to a moose!)

7. Dramatics! You are not special, you are not the first to travel that trail. The music is stupid, no I won’t join your MLM.

8. Frolicking about during hunting season with no high vis. Dogs off leash during hunting season as well.

   I am a frequent hiker, backpacker, and backcountry mountaineer. Here are a few things to note;

Don’t leave your trash. I don’t care that it’s one wrapper. Oh it blew in the wind? GO PICK IT UP.

 Don’t setup your camp on the wildflower patch. See that dirt patch in the tree shade? Make camp there. Oh it’s not as pretty? Well none of it will be soon if you help destroy all the flowers.

Most of the time, you would never know I even camped somewhere.

 Don’t geotag. Just don’t. Wildfires happen because idiots swarm in. Hunting regions get over pressured. Gate keeping is great when the gate keeps selfish morons out.

 What makes my opinions worth a damn anyway? I hike the same trails A LOT. Because I live next to them. So I see these behaviors all the time, and can confirm that it is a growing issue. We all have a responsibility to protect our public lands. I want my kids to enjoy the SAME nature I do.

I also want to note that because I utilize the same trails, I also actively participate in trail rehabilitation. I volunteer with my local ranger office to remove invasives, and restore native plants, and have gone through training to do so.

Specifically waterproof jacket and shoes, and if possible gloves and pants? I don't mind getting wet in the warmer months, but cold rain is a different beast. Many reviews for products that claim to be waterproof still report water seeping through after 15 min of exposure.

Very open to hearing about gear that is working for you.

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