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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 30, 2015 7:59:38 GMT -8
That campfire enabled the sheriff to track the bank robbers, the Indians to track the cowboys, the cowboys to track the Indians . . . and, oh yeah, the wolves and mountain lions to track any humans foolish enough to advertise their location with a fire. Case in point Clint clearly was not familiar with LNT, and he also loses points for not clearly extinguishing his fire before riding away.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Oct 30, 2015 9:00:20 GMT -8
Maybe a "welcome" thread or one such as Travis describes would be a good idea. We can sometimes be an intimidating bunch--there are a lot of inside jokes and, as Travis noted, a lot of jargon. Making sure people are comfortable would help in getting them to stick around! ETA: And I see now that the thread refreshed that other have already said this. Well, dang. PPS: I love the whole bit about the campfire and the Westerns
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Post by trinity on Oct 30, 2015 9:23:47 GMT -8
Maybe a "welcome" thread or one such as Travis describes would be a good idea. It would be nice if we could figure out something like this. I remember when I first started coming to this forum, probably around 2008, I experienced the same feeling expressed by MK and others, and after 7 years of not very active posting, I still feel like a relative newcomer. One problem, I think, is that the Trailhead Register, which is supposed to be a place to check in and introduce yourself, is in practice more a place for banter. I'm pretty sure I never actually introduced myself, precisely because that didn't seem to be what this subforum was actually for. When a person does take the step of introducing themself, they are immediately hit with insider questions about kilts and bacon, which probably reinforces the sense some people have of being outsiders. Like MK, I certainly do not intend these comments as criticisms, only observations. For all its warts, this is by far the best online community I know of, with some really fine folks, and an incredible wealth of information that is very generously shared. I value it more than ever since its near-death experience.
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Admin
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Post by Admin on Oct 30, 2015 9:36:57 GMT -8
Really quite a diversion from campfires, but a good twist on how newcomers can be affected by this unknown environment. When somebody signs up, they get a Welcom PM. Of course it's assumed that they will wonder what the PM tag is for if they even notice it right away! This is what it says: Hello $[user.recipient], You might want to start by setting up your Profile! See how in the first topic of the Community Discussions. Tip: You can split a registered name that should have a space or capped letters. That is found in your Profile for Display Name. Please take a minute to visit the Trailhead Register and post a message to say hello. Tell us something about yourself, where you're from, etc. For tips on using the forum: bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/post/13And welcome to the group. - - - As for a special thread for new users to say hi: it fails. It's been used on two other forums and few people bother. It's better to just let intros happen in the TR. As for jargon: we can have a thread in the How To and replies can add acronyms as needed, or anyone who wants to compile a list, please do. And as for slow growth here? I'm actually really pleased to see more than 13,000 posts in just four months. I don't think there were 10,000 posts in the whole year of watching shot old forum collapse. I think the place is going relly well and have no idea why HQ has not nailed the door shut on the old forums. The current connection is unusual, to say the least.
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Post by xiaolichen1988 on Nov 1, 2015 20:27:09 GMT -8
Thank you for everyone sharing your opinion and answer my questions. great help..Sorry for did not check it out lately.busy at school. I learn a lot from all of you. For me it is very interesting to see people have different opinions in one things .
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2015 21:59:40 GMT -8
Did this get so technical that xiaolichen1988 was left behind? I wonder? Thank you for everyone sharing your opinion and answer my questions. great help..Sorry for did not check it out lately.busy at school. I learn a lot from all of you. For me it is very interesting to see people have different opinions in one things . Thanks for answering bp2go's question for us.
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Post by xiaolichen1988 on Nov 1, 2015 23:00:44 GMT -8
I wonder did anyone bring anything for campfire substitute or have your ever seen other people bring it? I would very interesting about this . I definitely understand why some areas prohibited campfire in backcountry. I appreciate the wilderness act, love the idea of protect and preserve nature for next generation.I very happy that my country -China start to learn it from USA. I appreciate here people are very nice and helpful.So i can have chance to try and learn this activity.Thank you all again.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 2:12:12 GMT -8
I wonder did anyone bring anything for campfire substitute or have your ever seen other people bring it? I would very interesting about this Many backpackers take small stoves and lightweight cookware. Those things add a little weight to your backpack. But if you like hot coffee in the morning and a warm meal at night, a backpacking stove is often the best way to have that. With a stove, meals are prepared in advance so that they can be quickly heated when backpacking. Some of us take food that can be eaten without cooking. But stoves are generally allowed where campfires are prohibited. To find a stove that works for you, it is good to know other backpackers who can show you how their stove works. You can also read Backpacker Magazine's reviews of backpacking stoves here. Or you can buy a stove from REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), a popular company that sells supplies, clothing, and gear for backpackers. REI has many stoves to choose from in its online catalog here. There are also plenty of YouTube videos that you can watch in order to get an idea of how different types of stoves work. Below are a couple of those videos:
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 5:37:19 GMT -8
The area of the Sawtooths I have been frequenting requires fires to be put / made on a firepan or fire cloth. The remains of the fire can be collected and packed out, after the fire is out. Whiles there are a number of fire rings, in the area of the Sawtooths I frequent, which is against the posted regulations. the 'trouble' and added weight of a fire cloth or pan along with packing out ashes are part of what discourages ua from building fires. One time this past summer, my wife and I stopped for the day at Nanny Creek. There we found a newly created fire ring. The fire had, clearly, singed a neaby tree and was still smoking. We spent time pouring water on the remains of the smoldering wood, expressing our thanks that the tree did not catch on fire, and reaffirming our position of not lighting fires in the back country.
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Post by 1camper on Nov 2, 2015 6:02:19 GMT -8
I like campfires. Much of the backpacking I do is in the east in winter where fires are no problem. Often, especially at AT shelters, the fire ring is a mess of half burnt logs and debris that won't burn. I'll pack out the trash and if conditions permit, start a big enough fire to consume any partially burned logs. Many jackets and other lightweight apparel have suffered burn holes as a result. I hope this service is appreciated.
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Post by Crockett on Nov 2, 2015 6:49:58 GMT -8
Aside from cooking for which there is now many alternatives, as Travis described, many people like to have a fire for the ambiance. It provides a focal point for a social gathering when there is a group and I have no problem with that where it is allowed and appropriate. By that I mean not in a area where fire is a danger or that is so heavily travelled that a fire would further stress the ecology of the area. As an alternative, some replace the fire with a lantern to provide a glow to gather around. Personally, I can do with out and when I am solo I will not usually have a fire and actually enjoy the sights and sounds of the night woods. Many would be surprised how much your eyes adjust to the dark and how much light the moon and the stars actually provide. I remember as a Scout our leader always telling us to turn off our flashlights as they were only making us "night blind". Anyway, welcome and I hope you stick around. Sites such as this are a wealth of information and I have learned a lot since I "reintroduced" myself to backpacking back in 2001. New blood is always welcome.
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Post by trinity on Nov 2, 2015 7:33:18 GMT -8
For me it is very interesting to see people have different opinions in one things . Ha, you noticed that, did you? Yes, we have some strong opinions, but most of us are pretty respectful. You will see two abbreviations used frequently here: HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike) and YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). Words to live by. I wonder did anyone bring anything for campfire substitute or have your ever seen other people bring it? Just for clarification, what aspect of a campfire are you wanting to substitute for, cooking, warmth, ambiance? There are some pretty good lightweight lanterns that provide a nice glow around the campsite. I have grown fond of my Luci Lantern, a small solar powered inflatable. For a more campfire-like ambiance, you might look at the Snowpeak Mini Hozuki, which has a flickering setting which is intended to mimic the flicker of candlelight. www.rei.com/product/847049/snow-peak-mini-hozuki-lantern
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Nov 2, 2015 7:53:26 GMT -8
I wonder did anyone bring anything for campfire substitute In addition to the stoves that are shown in Travis' links, there are a myriad of alcohol stoves. Personally, they're my favorite due to simplicity, and the fact that you can make them at home with inexpensive materials, and the design/construction can be exceedingly easy to complex... depending on how much time and effort you want to invest. zenstoves.net/Stoves.htm
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 2, 2015 9:41:59 GMT -8
In addition to the stoves that are shown in Travis' links, there are a myriad of alcohol stoves. Personally, they're my favorite due to simplicity, and the fact that you can make them at home with inexpensive materials, and the design/construction can be exceedingly easy to complex... depending on how much time and effort you want to invest. I agree with this for the most part, though I get the feeling many beginners like canister stoves as probably the very easiest. But hard to beat the alky stove for light and cheap! I just realized that one reason I don't feel much need for campfires is that we do most of our backpacking in June and July, when the days are the longest. By the time it's dark enough for a fire to feel like a nice thing to gather around, I'm ready for bed If it's warmth needed from the fire, I like my down jacket, a thick fleece hat, and a pair of fleece pants under my rain shell. When it's too cold for all that, definitely time to go to bed. I use a headlamp for light around camp. When we are car-camping (so weight and bulk are less of a concern), I have a nice little battery lantern that can be set on the table and provides enough light for cooking or a game of cards.
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Post by xiaolichen1988 on Nov 2, 2015 12:06:59 GMT -8
Just for clarification, what aspect of a campfire are you wanting to substitute for, cooking, warmth, ambiance? I think my questions are more about campfire substitute for ambiance ,sorry for did not make my question clearly. I bring stove and headlamp with me. there are very useful and easy to use. for me,I think campfire more like entertainment at night . when i stare at just feel calm and happy. so i am thinking about if i can not make fire,what else i can do at night or what things i can bring to substitute campfire.
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