FB posts - Jan 25, 2012
How To Yogi: A Primer
Or, The Fine Art of Obtaining Beer During a Chance Encounter at a Roadside or Campground.
Last year I inadvertently discovered an almost fool-proof way to successfully yogi beer while on the trail. I was the constant envy of my companions with a great success rate. As an example, I rolled into the campground after the Marble Mountains and before the road walk into Seiad Valley with Cheryl and Jerry whom I'd met some miles before. I was reminescing about Deep Creek and how within 5 minutes I'd had two Mike's Hard Lemonades and two beers given to me.
The were politely incredulous and mentioned how it would be great if I could produce some then, but other than us the campground was deserted. Within 5 minutes I walked back into camp with a Mike's for each of us, plus a ride into town to buy BBQ fixings for that night. True, I happened to see a dog at down road and followed it to an encampment and that was luck, the rest, however, was skill.
Here's how it works. Like everything you have to be sincere and not come across as a lowlife scam artist; I actually discovered this technique with the best of intentions. Take three singles, hopefully crumpled and dirty and have them clutched in your hand and obvious as you approach the truck at the road crossing or other target of opportunity. After a friendly greeting, usually followed with a digression about your hike, ask if there is anyway you could buy a soda. Note: be sure you ask for a soda, not a beer.
Here's the thing: 4 times out of 5 they won't have a soda, but will have beer and this will be offered to you. I never had the money accepted, but you have to demonstrate good faith in having it out and be prepared to part with it, yes, even for a soda. Be grateful! Say thank you! I couldn't believe how much beer I wound up with on my hike last year and how happy people were to provide it
