[catwoman]

I'm not a super fast hiker, or anything, but I sure feel like a speed demon in town! Nobody walks like they're going anywhere! Why does everyone wander around so slowly and get in your way? Anybody else experience this? Is this my own personal problem or is it perhaps a dilemma that hikers in general have? I try not to let it make me crazy.

[Rich Baldwin]

YES! Drives me nuts.

[A. Roseisarose]

You need to stop and sniff the diesel fumes!

[Bushwacker]

It's not just on the sidewalks. I seem to encounter it everywhere. My favorite is shopping malls. Individuals that apparently have only one goal in life......being a human obstacle. Stretched out...four across...moving at a snail pace, so you can't get by. Or the ones that you're walking behind and they step on their brakes right in front of you and come to a dead stop. You have to pull off a "Gumby" maneuver to avoid a major pile-up. Oh well, at least it keeps us in shape. BW

[Backpacker Joe]

"Make a hole" "Commin through" "Pick up the pace soldier" "Move out like you've got a pair" (no offence Miss. Feeline) "Move aside civilian" There are any number of things you can say, ah-la the U.S. Army to get your point accross Miss. Feeline! TB

[#19]

Right on catwoman! I almost started a thread on this at x-mas time, but with a little different twist. I think it safe to say that most of us are pretty strong walkers? Yes? Ever use that to your advantage when trekking a mall or downtown sidewalk? Find a gap, downshift and go. The average person just can't keep up with us.

[catwoman]

Ahh, it feels so much better to know that I'm not alone in this!

[Tom]

Yep, those slow walkers and their partners in arms who block the escalators, don't get me going. Actually, I don't really mind them on the trail, but those speed walkers... Speaking of which, anyone see that Malcom in the Middle episode? One of my favorites.

[C Dog]

[skippy]

Some folks like a nice brisk walk, Others like to amble, Some just like to stand and talk, Others like to scramble, Some folks shuffle like a penguin, Or huff and puff complexion sanguine, Or do the rolly strolly as they glide From wall to wall. But if I'm behind you for a year, Why not check your rear view mirror? Then suck in each offending side, and bring peace to the mall.

[IBEX]

I read with some amazement, a tinge of jealousy, and a pinch of disbelief, the trip reports that pronounce these huge mileages traversed and seemingly super human altitude gains calculated to the nearest foot and this all covered in just a few hours one afternoon. I realize the urges of competitiveness that outdoor endeavors incubate, as I to have been previously infected with rash and dangerous frolicking in my youth. But now, being older and wiser and much slower, I can’t help but to wonder if these self proclaimed elite athletes of today, that dash thru the wilderness, just might be missing something. It’s a shame that the busy-bee, rush-rush mentality of modern life has bulled its way into the wilderness. For the wonders of the Washington Cascade Range beckon to be savored and filtered thru all your senses like a fine wine. It would be wastefully rude to guzzle such beauty like a weak pale beer. In this day and age, the body and soul of all humanity yearns for the peaceful and stress free gift the mountains can provide. On day thirteen on the Ptarmigan Traverse, my supplies were down to a stick of jerky and a few lemon drops. All my film was gone and my fuel bottle was empty. Yet still I had no urge to run for the car. Instead I reclined away the afternoon near the shores of Kool-Aid Lake. Without a sliver of urgency, I pulled out a bit of paper and then drew an amateur yet memorable sketch with a stubby golf pencil. Whenever I feel impatience eating away at my sensibility, I imagine this scene and my frame of mind at the time. I am ever amazed how the Cascades can hypnotize me into a calm, unhurried state. This peaceful Nirvana I wish for all mankind. Kool Sketch (168k) Insert by smmslt.

[Backpacker Joe]

Ibex, your perspective is unique to be sure. It seems others must go through what you did to create this appreciation! Ive been there too. At times I fly through the winderness, but I always try and observe all that is around me. I can appreciate your perspective. I'd be honored to accompany you on one of your trips.... TB

[Sore Feet]

[Steve]

I don't walk fast...Oh, wait. Did I just run over someone with my Costco shopping cart? No time for CPR gotta get to the checkout line fast!.

[Steve]

I don't walk fast...Oh, wait. Did I just run over someone with my Costco shopping cart? No time for CPR gotta get to the checkout line fast!.