Oh, Behave!

dnaelting · Post by **dnaelting** » Nov 17 2002 2:59 pm

If you read my review on the Flatiron trail, you will see I encountered Idiot boy. If you haven't read the review I will sum up Idiot boy. He was about 12-14 years old, part of a small group (2-3 adults and 4 kids). As Idiot boy was going down the steep part of the trail, just below the top, he threw 2 large rocks (small boulders). The first rock destroyed a cactus. The second rock went down trail, causing panic and scramble. The adults in the group did NOTHING. Next, Idiot boy went 5 feet off trail, and took a leak. The adults in the group did NOTHING.

So, what is the proper way to correct someone like this? My first reaction was to treat him like a big rock (small boulder) and throw him in a cactus or down trail. I then thought, should I talk to the kid or the adults about Idiot boy. I know if it happens again, the kid will hear how to preserve a trail, and the adults will get an earfull about supervising kids.

What do you think.

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Nov 17 2002 5:40 pm

Carry Ritalin at all times. Offer the lad a piece of candy in which you have imbedded the wonder drug.

30 years ago I worked in a music store. When we had nasty children in the store, the owner would give them cheap plastic slide whistles in hopes that they would drive their parents mad when they got home.

Abe · Post by **Abe** » Nov 17 2002 8:08 pm

dnaelting wrote: The first rock destroyed a cactus. The second rock went down trail, causing panic and scramble. The adults in the group did NOTHING. Next, Idiot boy went 5 feet off trail, and took a leak. The adults in the group did NOTHING.

It is unfortunate and sad to run into this. I have been lucky and never ran into this kind of problem, but I would like to think I would talk to the parents/adults. They, after all, should be setting the example and setting their kids right. The only concern I ever have on the trail is folks letting their dogs run free.

26mi385 · Post by **26mi385** » Nov 17 2002 9:11 pm

I read my brother's post on this topic, and I witnessed "Idiot boy" first hand. My initial reaction was to immediately confront "Idiot boy" and explain to him the danger of throwing objects on a trail so full of people.

Not to mention that the flora and fauna can be damaged or killed.

Unfortunately, he was scampering down the trail at a higher rate of speed than my worn out knees would allow me to travel.

If the adults who should be supervising the children fail to act and take responsibility for correcting the misdeeds of the youth in their care then others need to act. It should not come as a surprise to the responsible adults when another person speaks up due to their inaction. :roll:

One or two irresponsible or deviant hikers can ruin an otherwise great hike and beautiful day.

Here's to the people who respect nature, others and themselves. These are the same people who will stop and pack out someone else's trash. THANK YOU!

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Nov 17 2002 10:40 pm

With the exception of Camelback and Squaw Peak I usually have my camera. Digitals these days usually have the ability to record a small movie clip. This has served me well on two occasions.

Three years ago Oct 2nd I was nipped head on by a speeding teenager on the Apache Trail. Since I was on route to go hike lower Fish Creek I had my camera. The officer wrote me up as being in the middle of the road. Luckily I had numerous photos telling the real story. To seal the deal I had the teenager on tape saying, "dude, I'm sorry this is totally my fault. I can't believe you didn't jump outta your car and come beat my *ss"

More recently a few weeks ago I recorded a low rider party of sorts at the Aspen/Marshall Trailhead. Nothing too rowdy but figured a little recorded info wouldn't hurt as long as it didn't put me in harms way to record it.

I think each situation needs to be analyzed on an individual basis. If the boy’s parents didn't care what he was doing there's a fair chance they didn't care to hear from you and it may have turned ugly. Right or wrong groups of people will literally fight to death to defend their own. If the parents where simply unaware of the boys actions I would have said something. Otherwise I'd probably avoid confrontation and simply call the Forest Service. Then again, some people can say things creatively. I know nothing about that, I think it has something to do with leaving out the sarcasm

...of course there's always a chance I might pick up a bigger rock and let it fly

azhiker96 · Post by **azhiker96** » Nov 17 2002 10:49 pm

I agree with Teva. One reason why the kid had not adult supervision could have been the older people with him are not adults. In this case, I would likely have said, "Hey, there's other people on the trail. It's not safe to throw rocks down it!" I would hope the adults would respond by chastising their urchin but I would be mentally prepared to defend myself against them if they took offense. I do like the suggestion of some good photos delivered to the rangers. They get paid to deal with that type of inconsiderate mouth-breather.

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Nov 17 2002 11:12 pm

OK here we go again; Did anyone in that group have a Mullet haircut???

RU Kidding · Post by **RU Kidding** » Nov 18 2002 6:17 am

I really LIKE kids like Idiot Boy! (IF they're properly cooked!)

scottmackey · Post by **scottmackey** » Nov 18 2002 8:36 am

Snick33 wrote:OK here we go again; Did anyone in that group have a Mullet haircut???

I've encountered many Idiot Boys during my outdoor experiences and from what I have seen, Idiot Boy's parents either have mullets and a rusted camaro back at the trail head or they're wearing Gucci sunglasses and have a Lexus back at the trailhead. Not that I'm stereotypical or anything about this.

MtnGeek · Post by **MtnGeek** » Nov 18 2002 2:54 pm

Then there are the idiots on the Grand Canyon. Sorry to say, but most of them are from Japan. They just run down the trails and have no concideration of the backpackers and they expect people get over for them.

One year I was comming out of the Kiabab trail and a guy comming down the trail hit my dad and almost nocked him off the cliff. The guy looked back and gave my dad a bad look like "watch where your going idiot." He almost killed my dad.

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Nov 18 2002 5:15 pm

I spend half my day addressing "idiot" behavior from otherwise non-idiot kids...I know that had I been along on the hike where idiot boy made his appearance, I couldn't of followed Joe's advice...I would have said something...most likely I'd have said something like "Hey, what are you doing?"...not looking for a response, I'd followed with "That's not a good idea"...and walked away...that way, my thirst to speak up would have been quenched, and an unneeded confrontation with the kid's supervisors would have been avoided...sometimes kids just need to be redirected...in this case, sounds like he needed to be educated...

evenstarx3 · Post by **evenstarx3** » Nov 18 2002 6:30 pm

Most of you probably don't realize it, but I can be somewhat lacking in tact and diplomacy at time :roll: so it's a good thing I wasn't there.

Snick33 · Post by **Snick33** » Nov 18 2002 8:15 pm

I've only known you to be swave and deboner, I'm surprised!

olesma · Post by **olesma** » Nov 18 2002 9:48 pm

I have found that tranquilizing darts are a very effective means of quelling the rampages of the random idiot boy. Just make sure to carry a spare for the adults as they tend to be upset when you shoot their kids. Sometimes people confuse me.

Paintninaz · Post by **Paintninaz** » Nov 19 2002 9:18 am

evenstarx3 wrote:Most of you probably don't realize it, but I can be somewhat lacking in tact and diplomacy at time :roll:

!

!

I'm amazed!... at my own disbelief!

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Nov 19 2002 12:44 pm

evenstarx3 wrote:Most of you probably don't realize it, but I can be somewhat lacking in tact and diplomacy at time :roll: so it's a good thing I wasn't there.

"somewhat"

:

kurthzone · Post by **kurthzone** » Nov 19 2002 12:55 pm

dnaelting wrote:If you read my review on the Flatiron trail, you will see I encountered Idiot boy. If you haven't read the review I will sum up Idiot boy. He was about 12-14 years old, part of a small group (2-3 adults and 4 kids).

He wasn't playing a banjo was he?

nealz · Post by **nealz** » Nov 19 2002 1:11 pm

kurthzone wrote: He wasn't playing a banjo was he?

Hey now, let's not harsh the banjo pickers here

. There's a funny Saturn spot running right now with some guys on a camping trip out in the toolies and they keep hearing 'Dueling Banjos' from somewhere deep in the woods, so they hightail it outta there.

Teva makes a good point in that tact is the best policy regarding trail manners. Jeemanitney, folks get shot on the freeway for alleged infractions these days. Better be safe than dead. Sometimes a witty, polite comment can do a world of good.

-Nealz

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Nov 19 2002 2:44 pm

I had to explain to my wife why the guys in that commercial were so afraid of the dueling banjos. She never seen Deliverance.

Pellegrino · Post by **Pellegrino** » Nov 19 2002 6:23 pm

We had the exact same thing happen at Flatiron only it was two idiot-boy/men with no adults. We yelled at them to knock it off and then lost track of them. I don't think it would be a bad idea to post a sign for those idiot-people at Flatiron ~ its such a popular place.

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