Wise words from 1877
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Home › Forums › Campfire › On the Web › Wise words from 1877
From How to Camp Out by John Mead Gould
“Estimate the expenses of your trip, and take more money than your estimate. Carry also an abundance of small change.”
“Take nothing nice into camp, expecting to keep it so: it is almost impossible to keep things out of the dirt, dew, rain, dust, or sweat, and from being broken or bruised.”
“Wear what you please if it be comfortable and durable: do not mind what people say. When you are camping you have a right to be independent.”
“If you are going on a walking-party, one of the best things you can do is to “train” a week or more before starting, by taking long walks in the open air.”
“…leave your business in such shape that it will not call you back; and do not carry off keys, &c., which others must have; nor neglect to see the dentist about the tooth that aches when you most want it to keep quiet.”
And perhaps apropos when half the posts here are about new gear and/or gear no longer wanted :)
“Do not be in a hurry to spend money on new inventions. Every year there is put upon the market some patent knapsack, folding stove, cooking-utensil, or camp trunk and cot combined; and there are always for sale patent knives, forks, and spoons all in one, drinking-cups, folding portfolios, and marvels of tools. Let them all alone:”
And if you are a working stiff.. ”
Be independent, but not impudent. See all you can, and make the most of your time; “time is money;” and, when you grow older, you may find it even more difficult to command time than money.”
Lots of little nuggets in this short, easy to read, book.
Good stuff. To summarize:
“Bring half as much clothing and twice as much money as you think you’ll need.”
Excellent, Paul!
Simple truths always stand the test of time. Yes, I have found when in climates where I have on less clothing, the more money I need.
I spent two summers many years ago backpacking the High Sierra. Mostly wore Levi 501 jeans and a JC Penny Towncraft white t-shirt made from 6.2 ounce cotton. I lived to tell the story.
:)
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