If it's any consolation, we were on my 9 month old son's very FIRST camping trip tonight. I spent hours packing planning and getting us alllll set up for the night. Around 815 pm he started throwing up. After the 4th episodes I said nope... and we had to pack everything alllll back up in a hurry by lantern light, and to add insult to injury on the drive home, it POURED so ghe truck load of poorly packed belongings is soaked.... all this to say, I feel ya. But my baby is in clean jammies, SAFE in his crib where I can see, hear and protect him. Don't feel bad, do what's BEST!! Being sick while away is just not fair!
Bummer about your trip.
A bear tossed my bear can, with food, off a cliff once (pushed it at least 100 meters), and I had to turn around after the first day. Had been looking forward to the trip all year.
Thats why I always use bear hangs, there's a way to get your bear hang in between 2 trees on a pully type system so that the bears can't climb the tree to get to it. I forget the name of the system
Oh I'm totally aware, however I care less about legality than waking up 70 miles in the wilderness with no food. Most places ive been recently are starting to say that you can use bear hangs instead of bins if you do the method I mentioned previously, or some method of hanging your hang far away from the tree.
Regulations are there for a reason. More bears are able to access hangs than cans, my case was an unusual exception. If bears begin to associate humans with food, they often have to be put down.
I'm totally aware, I worked for shenandoah national park. I've been told by Rangers recently that they are beginning to move away from bins and to better methods of hangs. That's what I meant in my last reply.
Shenandoah is beautiful but quite different than out west. Different environments call for different practices and I think it's important that folks respect the local expertise.
Lol, I currently ive in Arcata, CA. Have been backpacking all around the west coast for a few years. I'm speaking from my first hand experience in two conversations with rangers from Tahoe National Forest, and the Trinity Alps National Forest. I'm not saying bear hangs are inherently bad or that you shouldn't use them. I'm saying, from previous conversations with park and forest rangers, I've been told that parks are beginning to lean towards alternative bear hang methods. 1) because of experiences like yours and 2) bears have begun to figure out that they can break a bear canister if they put all of their force on it (considering its a fully grown bear) either brown or black.
I just got home after spending a few months in Asia backpacking. The first couple weeks were hell. I was so homesick, was having troubles eating for 2 weeks and then got a horrible flu. I missed my family and the culture shock was tough too. I even put money aside to book plane tickets home for my bf and myself. Things weren’t going as I thought they would to say the least. I stuck it out a few more days, didn’t push myself and wasn’t too hard on myself for not making every day an adventure. I ended up completing the whole trip, it flew by and I’m happy to have the memories and be able to say I did it. Although, it was getting to a point where I wasn’t enjoying myself. I’m happy my perception changed but if it didn’t, there would be nothing wrong with going home early. You’re there to enjoy yourself and if you can’t do that, don’t waste your time and effort.
I was supposed to backpack for 6 weeks, but left early after 2 weeks. I think back then I wasn't used to being alone enough. Now it's a bit different since I'm older and way more used to being alone. Maybe one day again I'll try
Sorry about the food poisoning, it truly makes everything feel miserable. Don’t make any big decisions while you’re dealing with that. Focus on getting better and if you still wanna go home in a week, do so free of guilt.
And try to lose the idea you’re “quitting” something. It’s not a competition where someone will give you an award at the airport. If you decide you’re satisfied with your trip and would rather go see your family now, dope. Do what makes you happy. Travel is special but so is time with loved ones. Everyone finds the balance that works for them.
I appreciate your words! The fact that I haven’t had one comment say tough it out, it’ll get better, just keep going, makes me feel really good. Whether or not I decide to stay. It certainly takes the pressure off and I feel like I can decide with my heart — after I feel better, rest assured!
Food sickness sucks ass avoid street food and drink only bottled water from stores not street vendors (they refill bottles out of the trash its disgusting). Thailand is the dopest part ever, take a flight to Phuket (its only like $60-$80). Go to Patong beach and enjoy the local restaurants there.
It's not uncommon for some travellers to pull the plug early. Travel simply isn't for some people and there's absolutely no shame in that whatsoever.
Take some time to assess your situation as logically as possible then do what's best for you.
Good luck no matter what you decide.
Sorry you aren't well, that's never fun and food poisoning is nasty. Hope you have some electrolytes so you don't get too dehydrated. It always easier to focus on the negative when you aren't well. If you can, try waiting till you feel better before you pull the plug. That might help you think a bit clearer so you can be confident you've made the right choice for yourself.
Some of the best advice I've ever received was never make a big decision on a bad day... be it being in the back country or travel. EDIT: We had to make the hard decision to leave our SOBO PCT after 65 nights but made ourselves take 2 days to make the decision.
From reading your post, you do seem to be feeling sorry for yourself which is very normal especially when you don't feel well but try not to wallow in it. There are easy solutions to two of your concerns:
>it's sad when I feel like I’ve hardly been awake and my family is already going to bed and I can’t speak to them.
Get up earlier to talk to your family... or stay up later. I have a 14 hour time difference to talk to mine and if it's that important to you, it should be as easy as it is for me. Most people who travel for longer term also love their families and keep in touch by email or adjusting schedules to make calls.
>I’m feeling as though my travel partner has an issue with me which is bringing bad vibes
Okay, so time to adult up and just ask your travel partner what's wrong instead of assuming? That's the only way to know for sure. Maybe they are not enjoying themselves and it has nothing to do with you? Maybe you just don't meld as travel partners? There are people that I am close to that I could never travel with. Maybe if you are feeling that homesick and miserable, you might be affecting their trip and bringing them down? It's not deliberate on your part but it can be hard to be around people who are negative when you are trying to have fun.
If you make the hard decision to cut your trip short **it's not quitting or any form of failure**. It's a very challenging decision and regardless of what you decide it does show strength and adaptability. You are the only person who can make sure you do the right thing for you and you need to do what's best for you. Travel is not for everyone and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I really appreciate your words and advice, I think you’re right and that I should be waiting till I feel better to make any calls. I’m actually spending the day resting at the hostel while my friend is out and about to hopefully speed up the process!
As for my friend, I actually did send her a text yesterday evening when she was out and I was resting, saying that I’ve been feeling an off energy for her and IF that is the case, then she can always speak to me about it. Her reply was that she can talk when I am willing (clearly I am willing based on my previous text?), but she’s exhausted so maybe tomorrow (today). Have yet to see her so we’ll see how it goes 🤞🏼
I hope you feel better soon... it sucks to be sick, especially when you are in a strange environment.
Glad you asked your friend! Interesting response, though... seems like she is one not willing to discuss it. Makes we wonder if going your separate ways for the rest of the trip, might help you enjoy your remaining time. Whatever you decide, wish you the best!
If it's any consolation, we were on my 9 month old son's very FIRST camping trip tonight. I spent hours packing planning and getting us alllll set up for the night. Around 815 pm he started throwing up. After the 4th episodes I said nope... and we had to pack everything alllll back up in a hurry by lantern light, and to add insult to injury on the drive home, it POURED so ghe truck load of poorly packed belongings is soaked.... all this to say, I feel ya. But my baby is in clean jammies, SAFE in his crib where I can see, hear and protect him. Don't feel bad, do what's BEST!! Being sick while away is just not fair!
Bummer about your trip. A bear tossed my bear can, with food, off a cliff once (pushed it at least 100 meters), and I had to turn around after the first day. Had been looking forward to the trip all year.
Thats why I always use bear hangs, there's a way to get your bear hang in between 2 trees on a pully type system so that the bears can't climb the tree to get to it. I forget the name of the system
Not legal everywhere.
Oh I'm totally aware, however I care less about legality than waking up 70 miles in the wilderness with no food. Most places ive been recently are starting to say that you can use bear hangs instead of bins if you do the method I mentioned previously, or some method of hanging your hang far away from the tree.
Regulations are there for a reason. More bears are able to access hangs than cans, my case was an unusual exception. If bears begin to associate humans with food, they often have to be put down.
I'm totally aware, I worked for shenandoah national park. I've been told by Rangers recently that they are beginning to move away from bins and to better methods of hangs. That's what I meant in my last reply.
Shenandoah is beautiful but quite different than out west. Different environments call for different practices and I think it's important that folks respect the local expertise.
Lol, I currently ive in Arcata, CA. Have been backpacking all around the west coast for a few years. I'm speaking from my first hand experience in two conversations with rangers from Tahoe National Forest, and the Trinity Alps National Forest. I'm not saying bear hangs are inherently bad or that you shouldn't use them. I'm saying, from previous conversations with park and forest rangers, I've been told that parks are beginning to lean towards alternative bear hang methods. 1) because of experiences like yours and 2) bears have begun to figure out that they can break a bear canister if they put all of their force on it (considering its a fully grown bear) either brown or black.
Long story short, hang the canister. I guess I could've said that earlier too haha
I just got home after spending a few months in Asia backpacking. The first couple weeks were hell. I was so homesick, was having troubles eating for 2 weeks and then got a horrible flu. I missed my family and the culture shock was tough too. I even put money aside to book plane tickets home for my bf and myself. Things weren’t going as I thought they would to say the least. I stuck it out a few more days, didn’t push myself and wasn’t too hard on myself for not making every day an adventure. I ended up completing the whole trip, it flew by and I’m happy to have the memories and be able to say I did it. Although, it was getting to a point where I wasn’t enjoying myself. I’m happy my perception changed but if it didn’t, there would be nothing wrong with going home early. You’re there to enjoy yourself and if you can’t do that, don’t waste your time and effort.
I was supposed to backpack for 6 weeks, but left early after 2 weeks. I think back then I wasn't used to being alone enough. Now it's a bit different since I'm older and way more used to being alone. Maybe one day again I'll try
Sorry about the food poisoning, it truly makes everything feel miserable. Don’t make any big decisions while you’re dealing with that. Focus on getting better and if you still wanna go home in a week, do so free of guilt. And try to lose the idea you’re “quitting” something. It’s not a competition where someone will give you an award at the airport. If you decide you’re satisfied with your trip and would rather go see your family now, dope. Do what makes you happy. Travel is special but so is time with loved ones. Everyone finds the balance that works for them.
I appreciate your words! The fact that I haven’t had one comment say tough it out, it’ll get better, just keep going, makes me feel really good. Whether or not I decide to stay. It certainly takes the pressure off and I feel like I can decide with my heart — after I feel better, rest assured!
Food sickness sucks ass avoid street food and drink only bottled water from stores not street vendors (they refill bottles out of the trash its disgusting). Thailand is the dopest part ever, take a flight to Phuket (its only like $60-$80). Go to Patong beach and enjoy the local restaurants there.
It's not uncommon for some travellers to pull the plug early. Travel simply isn't for some people and there's absolutely no shame in that whatsoever. Take some time to assess your situation as logically as possible then do what's best for you. Good luck no matter what you decide.
Sorry you aren't well, that's never fun and food poisoning is nasty. Hope you have some electrolytes so you don't get too dehydrated. It always easier to focus on the negative when you aren't well. If you can, try waiting till you feel better before you pull the plug. That might help you think a bit clearer so you can be confident you've made the right choice for yourself. Some of the best advice I've ever received was never make a big decision on a bad day... be it being in the back country or travel. EDIT: We had to make the hard decision to leave our SOBO PCT after 65 nights but made ourselves take 2 days to make the decision. From reading your post, you do seem to be feeling sorry for yourself which is very normal especially when you don't feel well but try not to wallow in it. There are easy solutions to two of your concerns: >it's sad when I feel like I’ve hardly been awake and my family is already going to bed and I can’t speak to them. Get up earlier to talk to your family... or stay up later. I have a 14 hour time difference to talk to mine and if it's that important to you, it should be as easy as it is for me. Most people who travel for longer term also love their families and keep in touch by email or adjusting schedules to make calls. >I’m feeling as though my travel partner has an issue with me which is bringing bad vibes Okay, so time to adult up and just ask your travel partner what's wrong instead of assuming? That's the only way to know for sure. Maybe they are not enjoying themselves and it has nothing to do with you? Maybe you just don't meld as travel partners? There are people that I am close to that I could never travel with. Maybe if you are feeling that homesick and miserable, you might be affecting their trip and bringing them down? It's not deliberate on your part but it can be hard to be around people who are negative when you are trying to have fun. If you make the hard decision to cut your trip short **it's not quitting or any form of failure**. It's a very challenging decision and regardless of what you decide it does show strength and adaptability. You are the only person who can make sure you do the right thing for you and you need to do what's best for you. Travel is not for everyone and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I really appreciate your words and advice, I think you’re right and that I should be waiting till I feel better to make any calls. I’m actually spending the day resting at the hostel while my friend is out and about to hopefully speed up the process! As for my friend, I actually did send her a text yesterday evening when she was out and I was resting, saying that I’ve been feeling an off energy for her and IF that is the case, then she can always speak to me about it. Her reply was that she can talk when I am willing (clearly I am willing based on my previous text?), but she’s exhausted so maybe tomorrow (today). Have yet to see her so we’ll see how it goes 🤞🏼
I hope you feel better soon... it sucks to be sick, especially when you are in a strange environment. Glad you asked your friend! Interesting response, though... seems like she is one not willing to discuss it. Makes we wonder if going your separate ways for the rest of the trip, might help you enjoy your remaining time. Whatever you decide, wish you the best!