EPIC

ck1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa

I've got something in mind here, but before I post on it...I wanted to get other's opinion on what exactly makes a day hike an "epic" hike? What would you say is required in a day hike for it to be considered EPIC?

Or, I could ask it this way....what hikes would be on a list of EPIC hikes?

West Fork (top to bottom)
Rim to Rim or Rim to River to Rim
???????
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plummer150 · Posted: 9/24/2003, 10:40 pm Post subject: re:

I would say an epic hike would be one that you tryed to carry a 1/4 keg with you on the hike. Now that would be hardcore hiking, and hard core drinkin! Beer

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matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

The Arizona Trail.

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I think Dadee said it quite eloquently. Just replace "death-march" with "epic hike"...

kurthzone · Posted: 9/25/2003, 8:12 am Post subject:

I think number three:

1. poetry about an epic: relating to or being an epic
Milton’s “Paradise Lost” is an epic poem.

2. like an epic: having some of the characteristics of an epic
an epic story of true love and adventure

3. very large or heroic: impressive by virtue of greatness of size, scope, or heroism
a scandal of epic proportions
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Hikngrl · Posted: 9/25/2003, 10:34 am Post subject:

I would have to second Tom's (Hikeringilbert) post. Daddee described it well and the addition of the fear of what's around the corner is definetly part of it! Nothing like a loud groan up ahead to make you wonder what awaits you!
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azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

I think a heightened sense of danger and adventure makes for an Epic hike. Some hikes may contain this naturally. Others get it due to transient conditions. For example, most of my backpacking trips into Reavis Ranch have been relatively tame but fun. The epic trip was the one where thunderstorms struck at dusk, continued to rage with winds and lightning crashing through the night, apples were ripe and delicious, a bear pillaged the sweet feed at the neighbor's camp at 1am ( horse people), all the dry canyons coming in were 3-4 feet deep and raging on the way out, the dirt road out was washed out in places, and I had to wait 2 hours to let a flood subside before I could complete the drive out. That was my first and best trip into Reavis and epic in my mind.

matt gilbert · Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 698 Location: Mesa

Wouldn't an "epic" hike have to start in the middle?

GTG · Posted: 9/26/2003, 3:03 pm Post subject:

CatValet · Posted: 9/26/2003, 4:09 pm Post subject:

GTG-Matt was only commenting on the Homeric tradition of begining the tale "in media res"--in the middle of things, as the Romans said. Both Homer and Virgil began their epics with the hero at the middle point, recounting the story from the start up to the moment. It would have started like this:

"Buffy, do you smell goat?" Skipper said as the young couple sat down for a pack break at the three mile turnaround on their West Fork Hike. "I believe I do" Buffy responded, and then she recoiled in terror as ten ragged and dangerous looking creatures spilled over the rocks behind them. Their leader, a wild eyed manic looking fellow with a wide brimmed hat fell at their feet and retched, "Raaalph, y'all" vomiting on their new Cole Haan boots. He was followed by a stark looking fellow with a knee brace and a stumbling gait who could only moan, "Sharon..."

The third ruffian bowed and apologized for the intrusion. He told them, "The canyon has cast us at your feet after a day of torment you cannot imagine. After failing to find a source for a Maxi-Venti Frappucino Amphetamino Intravenouso with three extra expresso shots on the way to the trailhead, we knew the fates were against us. If you could only provide us with a few Clif Bars and perchance a dollop or two of brandy against the cold, we will tell you of the many travails we have struggled against before we struggle onward towards the blessed ale which Hoolie and Randy have hopefully provided at the trailhead."

He can then go on to retrace the tale. It's an old literary technique not used much any more. Matt is obviously one with a liberal arts education like me...("Would you like to Biggie Size that?") -R Rolling Eyes

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Now THAT is an EPIC post Randy!!! rofl

Daddee · Posted: 9/26/2003, 4:39 pm Post subject:

GTG · Posted: 9/26/2003, 4:56 pm Post subject: oops

Sorry about that, I hadn't considered the fact stated above. Being goat and from the South I am not priveleged in such educated manners y'all.

GTG
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sherileeaz · Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 874

Daddee wrote: