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BS: serious advice needed
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Subject: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,wordy Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:33 PM The English son of a great friend who is a fine musician plans to walk soon from Chicago to New Orleans. He will be carrying a guitar case and plans to do some singing when he can. We were talking about weather, hot and humid, and he said he'd be knocking on people's doors asking for water probably. Now the States he will be going through on this journey which will take in Nashville don't strike me as the best places to go on people's property, particulalrly if you are walking in a country where hardly anybody ever does. Carrying a guitar, a backpack, and speaking in a foreign accent can also be added in to the equation. I ask our American friends for sincere advice to this young man. I told him in certain States he could be legally shot for going on someone's property. I may be wrong in this, but what would you like to tell him before he sets out? |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Azizi Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:58 PM Unfortunately, I believe that your fears for your friend's son are well founded. If he does decide to do a walkathon, in my opinion it would be far too dangerous for him to knock on doors of private residences asking for water or for anything else. If he is not able to carry bottled water, he should be prepared to buy water at gas stations. This is not a good reflection on the nation that I love. But you did asked for opinions-and this is mine. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Janie Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:00 PM Sad as it is to say, I don't think he would be wise to plan on knocking on doors to ask for water in ANY State. In most places that would be considered an intrusive and somewhat bizarre thing to do. People would tend to be very suspicious. He probably wouldn't get shot (although that could happen.) But he would often be denied, probably get dog-bit several times, would scare people, and cops WILL be called to check him out or move him along. There probably will be convenience stores/gas stations at somewhat reasonable intervals where he could fill up a canteen. Wish him safe journey for me. Janie |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:06 PM advise him to watch the DVD "Deliverance" |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Sorcha Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:24 PM Get a 'camel' back pack....made for cyclers....tube to the mouth. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: michaelr Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:29 PM Walk from Chicago to New Orleans? Why in the world would anyone want to do that? I'm guessing that's 1500-2000 miles. Does this musician have any idea how long it would take? If you're concerned about him, get him to rethink the whole concept. Cheers, Michael |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: wysiwyg Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:29 PM Why knock anywhere? There ARE public water fountains in parks where he can refill. As well as in public buildings. A better question might be, where are there Mudcatters along the way to offer a friendly face and a chance to swap songs? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Jeri Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:41 PM They can't legally shoot him just for being on their property. That doesn't mean they won't, but most Americans really aren't that crazy. It's more likely they won't answer the door or just ask him to go away. I honestly don't think we're that bad. Ask the people here what they'd do, not what they think other people would. People will help often go out of their way to help you, then warn you not to trust anybody because people won't ever help, only hurt you. If it were me, I'd probably avoid private homes just because I'd feel uncomfortable knocking. He's going to be walking over 900 miles. Some of this is going to be through farmland where he might walk for a very long time witout seeing a house. It's illegal to hitch-hike here, although people do it. It's illegal for pedestrians to use toll roads. I think the main thing I'd tell him is to buy a bus ticket. Since he wants to walk, I'd say plan his route so he can get to towns. Midwest towns may not have a center, and be strung out along stretches of road. Truck stops may have showers and rooms. Gas (petrol) stations often have convenience stores. If he wants decent tea, bring his own. He should let someone know his itinerary and keep in touch on the road. During late spring and summer, have bug repellent and sunscreen. Sorry this is so rambling - I'm just brainstorming. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Rapparee Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:52 PM The shortest land route from Chicago to NO is about 925 miles (1,489 km.). That takes in Memphis, but not Nashville. After walking from Chicago to Cairo, that would be sort of following the Mississippi River. Assuming that he can walk four miles per hour the whole way, he'll be on the road for better than 231 hours, or close to 10 days -- and he can't do it because that's walking all day everyday, with not even a bathroom break. Most likely he'll average about 2 miles per hour (467 hours, more or less), or about three weeks. But then, you'd better figure six weeks, because he'll probably want to eat, sleep, rest, take toilet breaks, and so on. If he wants to sight-see or take a rest from walking for a couple days -- I'd figure eight weeks, most likely. The US is big. And it's better to fill up a canteen in a park or gas station than to ask for water at someone's house. I doubt that he'd be shot (and no, it's NOT legal to shoot someone just for coming on your property, not even in the South!), but someone might very well call the cops. And do NOT NOT NOT expect to hitchhike! |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Deckman Date: 30 Mar 06 - 10:09 PM My advice to him would be ... GO FOR IT!!! He'll find some dangers, he may die, but he will also find find open hearts and homes. He'll soon learn how to present himself in a non-threatening manner. I do feel that America is very tramatized these days by both 9/11 and by President bush's reaction, meaning the invasion of Iraq. We are certainly more paranoid than five years ago. But we are still a basically friendly and inviting people. Besides, look at the wonderfull stories he can tell the grandkids! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: JohnInKansas Date: 30 Mar 06 - 10:52 PM My ancient DeLorme CD map calculates the shortest distance from Metro Center Chicago to Metro Center New Orleans at 909 miles. The Preferred Route, Scenic Route, and Quickest Route all indicate 926 miles and essentially show the same route. Note that he cannot use any of these routes since pedestrians are prohibited on all Interstate highways, and on most major highways near metro areas. Also prohibited on most of the same routes are hitchhiking, bicycles, horses and other animals, and any vehicles unable to maintain minimum speeds of 40 to 45 mph. He will need to plan carefully to find a route that even goes from Chicago to New Orleans where it is legal to walk. This will take some detailed study of maps and perhaps hiking guides (if any are available.) I would expect to add 30% to the highway miles above for a usable walking route - and in some areas there may not be a route one can walk safely. Bicycling clubs may have info, since most routes where you can legally bicycle would also permit walking. He likely will not find too much really unfriendly treatment in real rural areas, especially if the locals have heard about "the hiker with the guitar;" but he may encounter a good bit of suspicion. One method sometimes successful is to check in with local police and/or newspapers at each town along the planned route, and ask them to inform the next town or two before he gets there. With adequate publicity he may find locals fairly friendly, especially in small towns. Lots of the small towns don't have newspapers, or publish only weekly, so getting the needed publicity may require advance contacts. The greatest real danger probably is from isolated individual muggers, thieves, and other malfit individuals. A walking route may also run through some rather "wild" country, and camping out may risk hazards from critters. Most parts of the US were settled when a "day trip" to town and back couldn't be much over 15 miles or so, so towns tend to be around 20 or 30 miles apart. I don't have enough detailed knowledge of the areas through which he might travel to assure that this will hold true there now. In many of these small towns, there may be "nobody home" when he goes through, as today's more mobile population tends to shop at larger towns and there are no "businesses" in many of the remaining small ones. "Significant" towns, where there's likely to be some kind of funcitonal business tend toward about 70 miles apart in much of the country. Again I can't vouch for this on his route. There are places where there's 150 miles of very lonesome road between recognizable houses in many parts of the US, and they're usually in areas physically inhospitable to tender critters like musicians. Busking is considered begging and is likely to be illegal in many places, so planning on paying his way with music needs careful prior investigation. Any other kinds of "odd jobs" to earn his way across are likely to be difficult to find. Carrying significant amounts of cash may be risky. Even if he can plan a nominally safe route, travelling with at least a couple of others would be a lot safer. Just a few random thoughts .... John |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Azizi Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:01 PM May I assume that your friend's son is White? If not, the danger factor is greatly increased. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Rapparee Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:07 PM I'm not telling him not to do it. Just tossing out some facts. Having said all that, I agree with Deckman and JiK. He may even be able to swap songs and music for a place to stay -- contacting a public library in advance, for instance, might be a way (especially in rural areas and small towns) to barter a program for a bed for the night and a hot meal or two. And there are still trains (Amtrak) and friendly folks who might drive you to the next town (again, DON'T hitchhike!). Shucks, in some small towns you could probably do the old bit of swapping a bit of music for a night in a cell with door open and a hot breakfast the next morning -- but a local church would be better! I would suggest checking in at regular intervals via a telephone or email (again, check the local public library). |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Once Famous Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:21 PM If he comes around here, he might not ever make it out of here. All it takes is one wrong turn. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Peace Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:27 PM I hear THAT Martin. Last thing I knew I was making a left near the Loop and here I am in Alberta. Listen to the man; he ain't kiddin'. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:37 PM PURCHASE a "water-bottle" and fill from taps.
The two dollarsUS is cheaper than 2000BP for cremation and transport home.
The USA is no longer 1965-1975 "Easy Rider" euphoria.
It is lean, it is mean, it is hungry for $100 fixes (guitars and piks)
Say NIX to your friend's son trip.
Sincerely,
keep your currency in your vest, in your pocket, in your boots....they may steal two but seldom get all three.
Scan an save Passports, Birth Certificates, credentials, published articles in a secure website than can be EASILY accessed from a police station - include multiple photos on the photo-site. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Peace Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:41 PM Make sure they ain't good boots--or they'll be gone, too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Once Famous Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:44 PM And he better be carrying a lousy guitar, like a Yamaha for example. And tell him not to leave boogers on those water fountains. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: LadyJean Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:46 PM He's better off carrying his water with him. I don't know what kind of water is coming out of taps in the gulf states these days, and there are a lot of crazies out there, and some of them own homes. Of course some of them will invite your son home and cook him a large meal, and Southern cuisine takes some beating. I'd suggest he find people to walk with. Now I'd just love to know what comes to a Briton's mind the first time he's offered my favorite breakfast, biscuits and gravy. (The best I ever had came from a cafe' in Ravenswood, a Chicago neighborhood.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:47 PM Just returned from the continent.
There is security in "Big Brother." I "feel" MUCH safer in the UK, France, NL than my home-town USA.
In European countries - I, perhaps, live under a delusional umbrella of: "So what if the "b-stards" take me out....at least there is a camera to record the event and deal justice to perpatrator." In the USA, two juevenial's testimony is enough to send a 40 y.o., with a flawless-record, to jail for 25 years to life.
Sincerely, |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: JohnInKansas Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:48 PM In some areas, small town libraries may have a good Internet connection, and might be willing to let you email a message home; but they tend to be full of books with not much room for holding a concert. They also tend to have short/irregular hours. Libraries with "meeting rooms" tend to be found only in fairly large metro areas. Some bicyclists have recently reported friendly treatment and use of an empty jail cell for "overnights" from police in the SW US, but this may vary somewhat elsewhere. Many communities now are complaining about local jails being seriously over capacity, so in areas where this is common you may not find an accomodation that way. It probably still would be a good idea to "stop in and say howdy" to the local police, at least in the towns of moderate size, just so someone knows your progress. In really small towns, if there is a local restaurant/diner you might have some luck playing for a meal and loose change, or they may be able to suggest another venue. It's really difficult to predict what opportunities may come up, so being "creative and flexible" is about the only good advice. In the small towns, if they have one, the Post Office may be the only thing with a living person visible in it; but whoever (if anyone) is there may be willing to talk. I believe that a lot of the indicated route is through pretty decent mountain country, so a sturdy walkin' stick can sometimes be a help. A hoe handle from any hardware store, with or without a "crutch tip" makes a pretty decent one that shouldn't be too expensive to leave standing against a tree somewhere if it gets in the way. While you can't hike on the interstates or major highways, if you can parallel one so that there's an occasional "truck stop" you can reach, it may be possible to find a trucker willing to take you along for a ways. It's extremely variable. Some simply don't, but a fair number seem to be willing to take a rider on occasion. Be advised that all interstate drivers are lunatics and "barroom lawyers" when they're not ranting about their religion, and the ride may be a bit scary with some (on the authority of my son, the interstate truck driver, among others). Avoid ever eating at a truck stop if there's any alternative. The myth about good food where all the truckers go is just a myth. The only reason even the truckers eat their swill is that's the only place you can park a truck. (Possibility of rare exceptions to be duly noted, of course.) Also, if visiting truck stops, be aware of the common vermin, called "lot lizards" by the truckers. They all have communicable nasty diseases. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Once Famous Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:49 PM I know the Ravenswood neighborhood. It's not far from the Old Town School of Folk Music and is on the North side. You got to get some good bacon with those biscuits and gravy. and then have an Italian beef sandwich for luunch and a cheddarburger or a hot dog with cheese fries for dinner. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Azizi Date: 30 Mar 06 - 11:59 PM "It probably still would be a good idea to "stop in and say howdy" to the local police, at least in the towns of moderate size, just so someone knows your progress" HA!!! See my 30 Mar 06 - 11:01 PM post. If there were more African Americans and other people of color posting on this discussion forum, somebody would have said what ever the modern form of "RIght on" is by now... But just because I feel like it, I'm gonna point out that no right thinking person of color would go on walkabout in this here US of A and if he or she did he {or she} would certainly not stop in and say howdy to the police... and if he {or she} did the police would probably NOT be friendly. And that's the truth as I know it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Peace Date: 31 Mar 06 - 12:00 AM Amen to THAT. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Azizi Date: 31 Mar 06 - 12:09 AM Thanks, Bruce. I needed that. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: MBSLynne Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:25 AM "Easy Rider Euphoria"????? They got SHOT for Gods' sakes! Personlly, I like Deckman's advice. In the 70s I spent 6 months hitching round Britain and Europe and it was the best time I've had in my whole life. I know everyone will say "This isn't the 70s" and I know things have changed a bit, but on the other hand, people at the time were horrified when we said we were going to hitch. White slave trade was often mentioned and all sorts of comments on kidnap, rape and murder. Ok it may have been a risk, but in the event, the vast majority of people went out of their way to help and to be friendly, hospitable etc. I know Europe isn't the US either. We never knocked on any doors though, and I'm not sure that is a good idea. Even I might be a bit suspicious of someone doing that Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,wordy Date: 31 Mar 06 - 04:35 AM Many thanks all. You've voiced some of my doubts. Yes he is white. The guitar is a fairly old three quarter sized Gibson. He intends to camp out.He hopes to make a book from the trip.He has been to the US before but travelled round by car and had a good time. But walking is SO different isn't it? Any more advice is welcome as he will be reading your thoughts. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Grab Date: 31 Mar 06 - 06:33 AM If he's English and expecting to be able to walk like he does over here, he's in for a serious surprise. I didn't realise quite how different the US and UK environments until I went over. And that goes double for pedestrians - there just *aren't* any. Graham. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: kendall Date: 31 Mar 06 - 07:37 AM Walking is an un natural act in America. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Liz the Squeak Date: 31 Mar 06 - 07:45 AM That's true... my father in law, whilst staying with his sister in law in New Amsterdam, decided to walk down to the shop for a newspaper - a walk of about 10-15 mins. He wasn't halfway there before a cop car pulled up and asked if he was OK or had had his car stolen. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: wordfella Date: 31 Mar 06 - 07:53 AM If the Chicago-to-NOLA journey takes him near Canton, IL, he'll have food, water, and a bed, along with some good bass fishing! |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Once Famous Date: 31 Mar 06 - 07:56 AM Why walk when you can ride? The food is better here for sure. He might not want to go back to boiled potatoes. welcome to America! "See the USA in your Chevrolet. America is the greatest land of all." .................Dinah Shore |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: MBSLynne Date: 31 Mar 06 - 08:39 AM "It took me four days to hitch-hike from Saginaw, I've come to look for America....." Simon & Garfunkle "Why walk when you can ride?" You'd be amazed how much more you see when you are walking than you do when you are in a car travelling too fast Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: JohnInKansas Date: 31 Mar 06 - 08:57 AM I will note that even 'way back ca. 1965, I was stopped by police during a stroll from the Los Angeles International Airport toward Hollywood. They asked what I was doing (taking a walk) and next asked where I'd come from (from the Airport). The next question was "how'd you get here? When I pointed back down the road the direction I'd come, one of them sort of snorted and said "A white man can't walk through there." When I assured them that I'd had no problem doing so, they had a brief conversation and then allowed me to proceed, with the advice that I "take a cab back." They left muttering about "stupid hicks" or something of that sort. I was following a posted bus route, stop-to-stop, at a "casual stroll" pace, so it took about 4 hours. I did not see any public transportation in the entire ~13.5 mile walk. The cab back, because I was a little tired from the walk and some sight-seeing at the end of it, was $26. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: artbrooks Date: 31 Mar 06 - 08:59 AM The Rails-to-Trails organization sponsors the conversion of unused railroad rights-of-way to hiking and cycling trails, and there are a lot of them, all over the country, and there is an effort being made to connect them up. As far as I know, there is no all-inclusive map of them, but a little time (a lot of time) at this site might elicit a good set of guidelines. The Adventure Cycling Association sells a good set of maps designed for long-distance cyclists, about which they say Our maps include information not available on typical road maps designed for motorists. For example, the locations of bike shops, sources for food and water, and listings of overnight accommodations (especially camping facilities and small motels) are primary features of our maps. They have a north-south route here that goes from eastern Iowa (not all that far from Chicago) to the New Orleans area. They set up their routes on roads without much traffic and with wide shoulders if possible. Most Americans are super-friendly and he would probably be overwealmed with offers of meals and accomodations. However, there are a few yahoos out there. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST Date: 31 Mar 06 - 09:05 AM The young fellow better start learning to play "Duelling Banjos" |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Richard Bridge Date: 31 Mar 06 - 10:13 AM I think it would probably be sensible to take a punt paddle (ie valueless guitar). The decent one will almost certainly get damaged or stolen or lost. My late wife's first husband's Levin Goliath was last seen floating down the Ganges. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Scoville Date: 31 Mar 06 - 10:20 AM It will be hot and humid, and buggy down south. We have encephalitis and West Nile here, too. Bring bug spray. We also have alligators (but I don't know of any spray repellants against those). Frankly, it sounds like a bad idea to me. If he insists on doing it and can make contacts with safe acquaintances ahead of time to find places to stay, he needs to do it. I don't like to be a spoil sport but I would have very serious worries about the safety of doing this unless one had pre-arranged stop points (and even then, I'd be nervous). I have to admit that my all-time worst nightmare--no sarcasm--would be to be walking alone with a guitar down a rural highway. You never know who will stop and if they're going to help you or rob you (or worse). I don't know through which states your friend's son will be walking, but a whole lot of the land between Chicago and LA is rural. A lot of people, bless their hearts, are not so used to foreigners, either, and people tend to panic when a stranger--especially one whose accent they can't understand--appears on their property. I also want to warn him that the situation in Louisiana and some of the surrounding areas right now is still pretty unstable. Houston's crime rate has shot up this year, and I don't expect it to get any better once the FEMA aid runs out and people become even more desperate. A friend of ours had an employee car-jacked and robbed in Baton Rouge, forced to drive to NO, beaten, and left for dead. He was in a coma for a week before he finally woke up enough to give a name and phone number where his wife could be reached, and he may be disabled for life. I'm not bad-mouthing Louisiana--it's a great state and most of the people there are A-OK but there's always a handful that will spoil it for the rest. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Scoville Date: 31 Mar 06 - 10:23 AM That's "LA"= Louisiana, as in a postal abbreviation, not "LA"= "Los Angeles". Sorry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: JudyB Date: 31 Mar 06 - 10:54 AM Just out of curiosity, has he done any practice hikes with backpack filled to a similar weight and bulk, the hiking boots he plans to wear (snakes might be a problem some places and a twisted ankle would put a real crimp in his plans), and guitar in hand (or however he's planning to carry it - I can't figure how he can get the guitar where his shoulders or hips can take the weight while wearing a full-size backpack)? I admit my perspective is a bit colored by old bones and a bit of arthritis - but if he's carrying even a light guitar in his hand for 8-10 hours, I'd be afraid that by evening he'd have a hard time moving his fingers enough to play for his supper. Even my baby Martin seems to gain a pound per block when I have to carry it any distance. And I think Gargoyle's suggestion of scanning important papers and articles explaining what he's doing and why and posting them on a secure web site is a great idea (why do you put good ideas in tiny type, Gargoyle?)! He could also have some press release information on a more public site - avoids carrying multiple copies to hand out. It does sound like a great adventure, though not one I'd want to try on my own. Keep us posted! JudyB |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,pattyClink Date: 31 Mar 06 - 11:55 AM John, for heaven's sake there are no mountains between Chicago and New Orleans. Some rolling country in Tennessee, sure. The paranoia on this thread is unbelievable. A polite fellow will find, as we all do, that 99.9% of people he encounters on the roads are not out to 'get him'. If there are stretches full of lowlifes, well, I imagine if he keeps talking to people along the way, he can easily get rerouted or score a short lift through such areas. And once you hit the south, half the law enforcement officials are black, so let's can the "heat of the night" tales, for God's sake. And most Americans are utterly fascinated by English accents. He'll be the 'talk of the town' in some small towns and left alone in suburban sprawl. Use public libraries, courthouses, and gas stations for bathroom facilities, and visit fire stations and antique stores to find people willing to talk. Keep a credit and debit card tucked in a sock so you don't get stranded without cash. Plan to camp out as much as possible in state parks, and in National Forest campgrounds, and there are also some Corps of Engineer parks and county parks few people know about, etc. Find the whole network and map it out. Ask at each one where your next stop should be. Some town parks also allow low-profile overnight camping upon request, and if farmers or suburbanites get to like you, they'll also allow camping on their lawn or fields. If the fella is shy, he'll have a long tough trip. If he is willing to chat up everyone he meets, angels will guide him on his way. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Jeri Date: 31 Mar 06 - 01:26 PM Do common sense things to protect yourself, but pattyClink is right about the paranoia. People are generally good. The worse you believe they are, the worse they get. You can believe other people's fears, you can believe the fiction on TV, or you can believe experience and the knowledge that most people are like us. I lost my wallet in High Shcool after I'd sold a horse for $200. Another teenager found it and returned it with the money. I left my wallet in a liquor store in New York City. A guy chased me a block to give it back, explaining that you can't trust anybody in NY. At a bus station in NYC, a woman asked if I needed help with my bags, and I said "yes, please." She helped me carry stuff to where I was going to wait for the bus, and told me not to say 'yes' to anybody who wanted to carry my bags because you can't trust anybody in NY. I've been lost driving, and stopped in inner city Hartford CT to ask a group of nice African American men on the corner for directions. The helped me and then told me I should be more careful because you can't trust people in that neighborhood. Did the same thing with the same admonishion in San Antonio, TX, only these guys were teenagers. I went somewhere with a friend and co-worker who was navigating. He apologized for directing me through a low income, mostly black neighborhood in southeast DC, and told me I should never go through there if I could help it. Not one person shot at the car. There ARE bad people in the world, bad things CAN happen, and you DO have to be careful - within reason. Sometimes, you can invite bad things by believing they're going to happen and being a good victim. People I've known have stolen things, borrowed money and not paid me back, conned me, said or done unkind things. I've never been hurt buy a stranger that I can recall. I think your friend's son is nuts for wanting to walk that far. I also think he could have one hell of an adventure. He should have a safety net of some sort: people to call, places to crash, money. Travellers' Checks are probably best. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,wordy Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:00 PM He recently crossed the Namibian desert on foot in aid of land mine clearance I understand |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:05 PM is he ex-army ? that might a bonus |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Peace Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:12 PM If the part of ex-army he's from is infantry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: GUEST,wordy Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:29 PM No, no military connections. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Peace Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:45 PM GUEST, wordy. If you are a member here, please message me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: open mike Date: 31 Mar 06 - 03:29 PM my post disappeared... i wrote about a cross country trek (by bicycle) that is in the planning stages. The course of this trip will follow the path of a peace march that took that same trail (Los Angeles to Wash. d.c. ) 20 years ago. These folks are looking for a driver/ support person. www.darrlypurpose.com long distance walks htat i have heard of are often group activities and there is a support vehicle that accompanies the group. i would recommend others to go along for safety and company. these walks are often for a certain purpose or benefit or statement....perhaps this fellow could find an organized walk to join. |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: Little Hawk Date: 31 Mar 06 - 03:40 PM Boy, this thread says a lot. Amazing how many Americans still think of the USA as "the greatest society on Earth". How could they think it? |
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Subject: RE: BS: serious advice needed From: open mike Date: 31 Mar 06 - 04:37 PM check www.peacepilgrim.com for info about a woman who walked with a mission.. does this fellow have any specific reason for walking besdies just to get there? making a statement? protesting something? also John Muir walked the appalacihian trail among other paths.. and who was that guy who waled alot for health reasons? Colin Fletcher?? maybe he was the guy who liked wild hickory nuts.. this fellow would have better luck stopping at churches..for water, bathroom etc. and bathroom services can tend to be important...some places condsider it a crime (as well as sanitation concerns) to do it publicly!! |