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Post by Lonewolf on Jan 17, 2016 4:55:31 GMT -8
I don't drink (by choice) anyway so why? Is this one of those things that aince I'm asking the question I'll never understand the answer?
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jan 17, 2016 5:13:56 GMT -8
HYOH
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jan 17, 2016 5:15:37 GMT -8
Is this one of those things that aince I'm asking the question I'll never understand the answer? Probably. And good for you, I say. At least for me, an evening glass of whiskey is a very relaxing part of my routine, part of the unwinding process. The equivalent, perhaps, of a warm bath. Alcohol can, as we all know, be extremely harmful, so one must always be careful to monitor motivation and intake, especially when one drinks (as I do) on a daily basis. So taking that routine out into the back country with me is just something that I find extremely enjoyable. After all, I'm out there to relax. But I always use restraint, especially when backpacking. Severely impaired senses can be fatal in the back country.
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RedDoug
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Post by RedDoug on Jan 17, 2016 6:30:12 GMT -8
I don't drink, either. Never have. So certainly I wouldn't drink on the trail.
My drink is Welches grape juice. I like the red when I can get it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2016 6:43:48 GMT -8
I have taken a drink or two whiles in camp ater all the chores are done.
My preference is, after the camp chores are done, to fire up a joint.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2016 7:39:40 GMT -8
My prefrence is, after the camp chores are done, is to fire up a joint. 30 years ago, that would have been my preference also. I don't drink either, but I don't care if responsible adults do. As long as they are not shooting off firearms, tossing cans or bottles around, driving their 4-wheelers into the lake, raping the wildlife or disturbing the women, etc., that's their privilege. Those are not behaviors I associate with folks here, so indeed, HYOH.
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Woodsie
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Post by Woodsie on Jan 17, 2016 8:00:52 GMT -8
There are occasions when I will have a little bit of Irish Cream in my hot cocoa while on the trail. It isn't for the buzz - I left those days behind me a long time ago. When backpacking, no way am I going to carry alcohol (other than what goes in the stove ) If other people want to bring their wine or whatever, I don't mind at all, as long as they don't get drunk and disruptive. Being around drunk people is not my cup of tea.
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Post by williamh4 on Jan 17, 2016 8:07:56 GMT -8
Granted, there have only been a few responses to this thread, but I'm surprised that most participating (including the OP) indicate they don't drink. I'm assuming the "I don't drink either" responses are in general and not just while on the trail? Personally, I don't drink either, on or off the trail. Allegedly, alcohol can be healthy if consumed in a responsible volume daily. However, too many people exceed the amount that's beneficial, and certainly don't consume for the health benefits.
Perhaps, the more I think about it, the less I'm surprised. Maybe most serious backpackers lead, for the most part, healthier lives. I'm guessing most of you don't smoke either.
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Post by williamh4 on Jan 17, 2016 8:12:03 GMT -8
There are occasions when I will have a little bit of Irish Cream in my hot cocoa while on the trail. It isn't for the buzz - I left those days behind me a long time ago. When backpacking, no way am I going to carry alcohol (other than what goes in the stove ) If other people want to bring their wine or whatever, I don't mind at all, as long as they don't get drunk and disruptive. Being around drunk people is not my cup of tea.I'm with you on this. As long as the people drinking do so responsibly, I wouldn't mind. No drunk people on or off the trail.
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Post by bradmacmt on Jan 17, 2016 8:16:00 GMT -8
I often pack vodka to mix with water and emergen-c for an evening cocktail. It's light and I find it enjoyable. Will also sometimes pack a bottle of wine for the first night out to be enjoyed with friends... the wine get transferred to a Vino-Platypus the night before leaving.
Last time I ever smoked pot (anywhere/anytime) was on a BP trip, August 1978. Smoked with a friend. Decided that was the last time, and haven't partaken from that day to this.
HYOH
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tomas
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Post by tomas on Jan 17, 2016 8:16:13 GMT -8
I have some wonderful memories of sitting on the west side of the AT on a rock overlooking the Hagerstown valley at sunset with a delightful bourbon in my cup.
Getting drunk on the trail is ridiculous and dangerous. Appreciating the view, a small fire, or just listening to the flowing brook near the tent with a cup of a quality drink in hand is relaxing for me.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Jan 17, 2016 8:17:02 GMT -8
You'll never understand the answer and it can't be justified anyway. If you are a socially awkward introvert with obsessive tendencies who gets constant reinforcement that everything you do in your normal life wasn't done well enough, then you backpack to get away from all that. You might drink a little for the anesthetic affect and occasionally over-indulge, although that's not a good reason - just another thing on the extremely long list of things you should do better.
So if you see me stumbling around my camp naked, singing loudly and hollaring obscenities, just keep on walking. I haven't seriously injured myself yet.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2016 8:25:51 GMT -8
Granted, there have only been a few responses to this thread, but I'm surprised that most participating (including the OP) indicate they don't drink. I'm assuming the "I don't drink either" responses are in general and not just while on the trail? Just wait until someone starts a thread entitled "The Backpacker Bar is Open" and you'll see that quite a few members here do in fact drink a little on backpacking trips.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Jan 17, 2016 8:31:35 GMT -8
Yup, this. I appreciate others' points about not being drunk and obnoxiously loud, but loudness in the backcountry in general I find annoying. Plenty of folks get annoyingly loud without a drop of alcohol (pack speakers, anyone?) so that's kind of tangential to the alcohol question. Plus, I've been to every Pickle Gulch and a couple HOTB events, so yeah. It's not enough to bother ruffling my feathers about.
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leafwalker
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Post by leafwalker on Jan 17, 2016 9:00:33 GMT -8
I don't drink when in the woods. Prefer the natural.
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