Venting online might be cheaper than therapy in some cases, but if it's taken 3 years to post this, maybe cheaping out isn't the right answer to your problems? See a professional. Spare us this thread.
There is an element of writing skill and suspense in your story, just don’t abuse it
Oh come on you guys.....I wanna know what happens next!!
I think you should give Gerry a break.
I agree. Let him finish his story at least and then jump all over him if you want to.
It's natural to be sceptical (I started looking at Alpine statistics last night), but if it's legit, then we're being rude. But if it's just a story, well then...
Keep it coming, Gerry. Never mind all the sideline hecklers. Let's hear the story.
lol, all I can do is laugh at the story and at the people criticizing his style. I love the touch about Jill haha
I just got creeped out, this is too weird. I might have to call crime-stoppers on this one.
Fact or fiction I'd like to hear more of the story. Otherwise I'll be forced to do my work.
For the love of god man!! Finish the Story!!!!
Damn...it's surprising to see just how disrespectful some of you are. Jump all over him and criticize his style because he didn't finish it all in one go.
Real or not I would like to read it...hopefully some of you asshats don't change his mind about posting it.
Is Jill really a girl or is he changing a him to a her and her to a him?? Is there a Jill out there?? Did he really change names?
C'mon Gerry... I’m sitting here on the edge of my seat. I don't care if it's fiction or not, it's a good read!
Yea come one Gerry, #$%@ing write some more
Are you really writing this on the fly? Not to be a Jerk, but at this rate this story may go on for weeks or more, taking courses and detours and climaxing as your audience pushes you to re-evaluate the next chapter.
Just kidding Gerry, take all the time you want... all the time, as much time as... oh just write the next instalment... pretty please
Oh well.....Charles Dickens' greatest novels were written in instalments, and the public lapped it up:
Most of Dickens's major novels were first written in monthly or weekly instalments in journals such as Master Humphrey's Clock and Household Words, later reprinted in book form. These instalments made the stories cheap, accessible and the series of regular cliff-hangers made each new episode widely anticipated. American fans even waited at the docks in New York, shouting out to the crew of an incoming ship, "Is Little Nell dead?" Part of Dickens's great talent was to incorporate this episodic writing style but still end up with a coherent novel at the end.
So...will Robert and John come to blows? Will the narrator win the love of the beautiful Jill, or will the black-hearted Peter sabotage this impending romance of doom? And why has Bully, the faithful canine, run off into the wild unknown? Could his animal instincts be sensing the undercurrent of foreboding that his human counterparts are about to face?
Tune in next week.....
Is this one of those Blair Witch Projects?
Time to round up the mob of angry villagers, get pitchforks, light the torches, and enter Stage Left in 5...4...3...2...
Just caught the last instalment - - lovin' it.
I like the edgy paranoia.
Quit whining. If you don't like the guys approach then don't read it. That simple
Story sounds intense... but what would you expect, taking a bunch of rookies on a bushwhack?
... taking 9 strangers and placing them in a dangerous, isolated, stressful environment, well... that’s a recipe for disaster (look how well survivor does on TV!).
The story is written by a person who doesn't participate much, but when he does, his participation has been known to be controversial.
Who knows how this story will unfold? I half-expect some sort of joke punch line at the end, and half-expect no closure and some loose ends.
Extending the story over weeks makes some of us suspicious. No one enjoys having their compassion or interest toyed with.
Well, he has already hooked me, is this driving anyone else crazy?
Oh relax....go make some more popcorn...
You haven't been here long - we've been played before. If the Top10 still listed all-time longest threads, you'd find some previous ongoing stories by him.
I think you nailed it. This story was originally posted in the Trip Report section, thus implying that it was a true. People don't like to read something portrayed to be true, which is in fact a work of fiction. Kinda' like that fella who was first plugged, and then panned by Oprah a couple of years ago.
Gerry has some pretty tough skin. I doubt much said on here will rattle him in anyway.
Lots of hoopla here. Is it because of the story itself?
Maybe it would be easier to take if you just assumed it was a lie, and enjoyed the story. We get lied to relentlessly day in day out under the guise of "marketing", and then we give them money for it! This seems a little more harmless to me...just my opinion.
It's funny to see how whiny some people are. I would hate to see you in a stressful situation. You would probably fall apart. Even if it's fake who cares?
True or not, your writing is quite riveting.
do make an effort to post more soon (:
At first I thought it was for real but now it's a great yarn.
Although I'm not a fan of the writing style, (too much fluff), I find the responses very entertaining. Makes for good fun even if it isn't raining. Besides, I think the reason he was "shaken and emotionally spent" had nothing to do with the journey, nor the perceived fact the Jill and Becky thought he was hot. I think the real reason is that, although John seemed to be the macho leader type, Gerry was uneased by John.
This is the single greatest thing I've reading a long time.
Take a chill pill. No one is making you read anything. Personally, I'm enjoying this as much as i enjoyed his take on the secret evil compound.
Any one here knows when the next instalment is supposed to be? Fake or whatever it makes for a good read but it seems more like a social experiment with 4 pages of commentary on a half page post.
Has anybody ever met this gchicalo?....Do you think I could take him?
Reminds me of one of those serials they used to publish chapter by chapter back near the turn of last century. I think 'The Count of Monte Cristo' took over a year to finish. This is great. I bet by chapter 7 they contemplate eating bully!!!
I just caught this thread and read the first 5 instalments back to back. Even though I know I have been had, I can't seem to pull the hook out of my mouth and need to find out how it all ends.
All jokes aside, I'm enjoying reading it
So what character does everyone identify with? If it was me 10 years ago, it would have been Robert. 5 years ago it would have been John - Too much gung, too much ho.
None....bunch of idiots so far. Very poor decision making and no one has the balls to step up to that asshat self proclaimed "leader".
Great read so far G. Group/Team dynamics... always very interesting, especially under various stresses. Looking forward to reading more when I get back.
I hope this isn't a once per week thing. Now that I'm hooked i just want the next chapter to roll out. Come one Chicalo!!! Chapter 6.....
Keep it coming...I for one, am really enjoying the story.
Just read part 6. I'm hoping they eat Bully, and that you'll post some pics. Surely a trip this monumental would have been recorded digitally.
Mmmmmmm....bully bugers!!!!! We all know its coming! They're not going back to the car and if they can't bring him over on his own....well it just makes sense doesn't it. Also I bet Frank isn't really back in the car, He's waiting for them to slaughter bully then will slowly and methodically hunt each and every one of them down..... Only the narrator survives carrying Robert out of the bush on his back. That's how i call this one.
This leader you call John should have had someone stick a hiking pole up his ass when he began rifling through Roberts pack, but the real problem began before any of you left the city. Why wasn’t a get-together planned before heading out on such a difficult trip? If one had been planned all members would have realized that this Robert character was not in shape for such a demanding trip and that a dog is nothing but a PAIN IN THE ASS while in the back country. I know this was 3 years ago but next time please take the time to get to know who you’re going with. I've done a ton of bushwhacking in the Rockies and have always made sure that all party members have the stamina to endure such a gruelling activity. Please continue.
I'm on the edge of my seat here!!! Where's the next episode?
It is apparent to me that most of the rude replies I see to your story are disturbing and lack any humanitarian qualities that I would consider anything but self centered inconsiderate and selfish individuals who I'd avoid on any excursion in the back country!
I'm going to have to print this out for bedtime reading. I can't focus on a computer monitor for something so long.
The dog'll be fine, although, I personally wouldn’t have crossed the boulder field, even if you don’t make your objective, what’s the big deal, I’m sure you've all seen a similar view before.
If there’s someone to worry about its the people, not the dog.
There goes Sally and John. OOOOO they should have known better.
And what will happen with Becky and our fearless chronicler. Better watch yer back, bub.
Meanwhile Bully is on the loose and looking for payback... Damn, I thought for sure Chapter 8 would be about the 'Boulderfield Sex Dungeon'. Frank had snuck ahead to prepare things... Bully blocking escape to the rear... And why hadn't anyone noticed the keg of lube and arsenal of sex toys stashed away in Robert's pack!
Man, I’m eating this stuff up! Riveting!
I love it!! Showcase late night material. I usually have a severe case of A.D.D when it comes to reading script but this stuff is brilliant.
I'm concerned about Bully, but better an eagle than a vulture....that would be a bad sign.
Don't stop now! Keep writing!
I wonder how many people are sitting at their desks reading this during their "extended" lunch breaks...
Daaaaaah!!!! FINISH THE DAMN STORY ALREADY.
The pauses are worse than TV commercials during a good movie. You always stop at the same spot where they would stop for commercial.
Bravo! And more!
Well let’s see? This so far has been a story of every possible thing that could go wrong and not what to do. I'll bet ten dollars that next comes concussion, broken bones, physical fighting, hypothermia, lost, no food, split ups; oh that already happened, more accidents, dehydration, and of course, big bad bear attacks or ferocious shrew, insect bite infections, loss of hair, loss of spirit, loss of soul; oops another that has already happened, and hopefully not loss of life but definitely looking that way. If it was me I would have said lets have some beers and sex on the side. Does anybody want to raise my ten bucks?
I think they are going to have to eat John to survive.
No, the Sex is out right now. Not sure if anyone has packed any liquor so far, not sure if any of them could really handle a bunch all at once. In a true live scenario the vomiting and letting ones bowls go, is a true reflection in witnessing one or more traumatic deaths in a chaotic helpless situation.
I think a couple chapters down the road Sally will reappear, badly shaken but alive, after being long presumed dead. This always happens when rushing rivers and waterfalls get involved. Didn't anyone see/read The Incredible Journey?
Hmm yea tough decisions, even tougher when someone’s life is on the line. I would have got john out of the cold and continued down the river as fast as possible
This story gets more intense with each instalment... keep it coming!
I can't wait until the end!!! These instalments are killing me.
Thank you for putting your story to "paper". I have enjoyed it so far. Keep it coming....
This is a cool story; it must be good because I hate reading.
This is the most painful wait I’ve ever experienced
We'll all understand the wait if this story is being written in real-time but otherwise I think I speak for the masses when I ask "...and then what happened!?" Sorry to be pushy but you've got us all very interested and wondering.
You have good writing skills and you know how to keep the audience on the brink. Anyone loosing sleep lately?
This would make a good made for TV movie. No joke...totally serious.
Just when I was losing interest and forgetting about this thread he goes and adds more to the story, and the cliff-hanger is the worst one of all... gaaaahhh!!!
The long awaited continuation doesn’t disappoint! Pretty intense.
Wow, I read from 1-13 biting my nails the whole way. It was then I realized this is one of those segment stories! How long does it usually take for a new instalment? I definitely want to know what happens, fictional or not.
You made a mistake of saying you took a video, now we know if you don't post the video you are making the whole thing up.
Even if it's just a story, KEEP GOING. I love it anyways!
No... because the camera gets dropped in the creek during a nasty fall due to a sudden attack from the smelly animal in an earlier episode. Or... in his horror of realising what he caused, John snatches the camera from Gerry, and discards any evidence. Could think up a few more reasons, but bottom line I doubt we'll get to see the video. Besides, it's hardly proof; video could be taken anywhere, come to think of it even on our North Shore mountains!
Don't care, I’m just enjoying the read for what it is.
I doubt he’s making it up, do a search for previous posts by this guy and you'll see they’re mostly bushwhacking trips. Although I’m pretty sure there is no trip report or event for this one.
Lighten up with the criticism. It's a story told in parts. Is it real or accurate? Who cares...it's a fine piece of writing. I have read novels less interesting and less literate. Keep up the good work Gerry.
I agree, it's a good story regardless of whether or not it is true and despite the fact that it is written in parts.
Gerry has put time and effort into writing this, and its there, take it or leave it. No need to post your disapproval. True or not, it's as or is more entertaining than much of the other stuff that's posted here.
I can hardly wait to read what happens next, as others have said Gerry, keep up the good work!
Great read, Gerry. Keep it coming!
Would you mind skipping ahead and letting us know what happened to Bully?!
Gerry, keep up the good work, you write suspensefully!
And then what would I do at work... work? I don't think so. Make it 100 chapters Gerry!
...if u don't want the "rights" to this story...I could write an even better novel out of it...just throwing the idea out there...
...I read it through...true or not...it was a great read...keep it coming ASAP please! i want to know how it ends...
ps...Is it true? Does anyone know for sure?
Of course it’s true, it seems like no one wants to believe it
I vote for its true, I don't think Gchicalo wants to go through all that effort to put his story out, an outlet to soften the burden he no doubt carries. I for one would like this to continue. Good read.
My thoughts...it seemed to "good" to be made up...too detailed...
So incredibly intense. If this is true, I must reserve my judgement of you until I see how you come out of this, but man oh man.
...hurry up and write more please!!!!!!
I was re-reading some of the story earlier and the thing that really strikes me is the early mention of the area being bug free. I can only imagine this insanely tense time exploding even further if you were all being harassed by the onslaught of bugs that usually accompany these bushwhacks.
Leave us hanging again eh?
Somehow, I get the feeling that what happens next is going to be rather intense...
Now that we reached the mid-point of the story - 4th night, and we know its 8 days - it could be time to hear the story from Becky's point of view. Or hell, why not cut to Bully.
If this was a web book project, I could see this story successfully developed from each character's point of view.
This would make an exceptionally interesting multimedia project - I say this because I can name very few web books that were successful for an older audience (e.g. not kids), for lack of a compelling story.
With videos, photographs, and voiceovers and of course Gerry's good writing skills, I see this as a most interesting project.
Personally I’m getting tired of it, but want to know what happens.
I think an animal needs to be added because the last few chapters have been just about the walking- need something new, still a good story so far though.
Like a lot of readers, I am one waiting for the next shoe to drop...so to speak.
You can almost have a movie clip made of this story.
We want more! We want more!!!
if this is a true event, that it would be disrespectful to the person(s) and their families, that have seemingly perished on this trip to write a public story in this manner. Maybe there is another unexpected outcome and people pay the price another way. To write a story, online in fragments like it has been, shows very little thought to the story, the participants and events themselves. I should not criticize in public like this, but I am sure everyone has been played enough by now.
Perhaps we've all been taken for a ride, albeit a semi entertaining one.
It’s been almost a month since the last update. Maybe gchicalo got lost on another bushwhacking adventure?
...we understand...and I know what u are going through to a lesser degree...I have had a few "minor" accidents so to speak...
But being that as it may, I still need to know how it ends...even if u have to send me a brief email on who and what happens...I cannot stand a tale untold...
I agree and understand as well. Story untold leaves many hanging, it deserves a just ending keeping in mind to protect the identities of people involved.
After you are done, I am sure it will give a solid reminder to everyone not to take the outdoors for granted, and to be kind and considerate to fellow members in a group. Everyone must stand together....
I agree we need an ending the story. I always finish a book, even if it is a crappy one. Not saying your story crappy or anything.
I struggled with responding to this comment as both my trust and interest in this "story" are waning. The comment above is a non-issue in my opinion. You felt the story needed to be told, and thus began your illustrious, albeit controversial, writing career. The other participants are free to disagree and write their version of events, just as several survivors of the ill-fated Everest climb of May 10, 1996 did when they disagreed with Krakauers' recollection of events. (Beck Weathers, Anatoli Boukreev ....) Invasion of Privacy? No, you have changed the names. Book-worthy event? We should know in, say, 6 months to a year...maybe longer. As for moral issues....Krakauers book hopefully discouraged some ill-prepared, inexperienced climbers from getting in over their heads, and may have promoted critical thinking when one must evaluate the skill set of those they travel with. It might be morally reprehensible NOT to tell the story. My hope is that this story will prevent similar ones from being told. If nothing else, at least you’re moving up the "Top Ten" with reads and responses. Well Done, Gerry!
Was right into the story, then this story just seems too fishy to me. And to top it all off this last post with the legal crap-it’s just too much for me. This has turned into a weird experiment on us the readers. This is just like my ex girlfriend too much drama and extra baggage. Just finish the freakin' thing. I bet the author has an unfinished basement that he started in 1992 as well.
Tell your comrades to put their pride aside, no one blames them, they are forgiven for their actions, look at the circumstances, anything is forgivable there. I think it’s almost a responsibility of the participants to finish the story and report what happened in this tragedy to the public.
There are valuable lessons here in terms of doing the hike, and relating to the partners in the group. This story could save someone from harm or a life. Let it come to a conclusion, inexperienced hikers and whackers can benefit from the tragic lessons documented here.
...you are a genius! Nice twist.
....be prepared for the bullshit you are about to receive.
I think many people believe what has been posted here. It would be a fairly elaborate hoax. And to what end? Having a few friends asking questions on a hike, or gaining celebrity status, seriously like how could someone live with that lie?
Could you provide us with an online newspaper link about this event?
Actually I had the same thought - that "Survivor" might be Gerry... add to the twist of the story. Note that the story has been turned based upon what's been said here... I refer to an earlier post made, about it being a good time to allow someone else tell their version of the story, and hey presto - suddenly Gerry is worried about what other survivors might think... and to add to it, we have a "Survivor" !!!! hhhrrrmmm... Was there any secrecy sworn here? Moses made a very good point about other epics being written about, certainly more "Book worthy" and well written than what's been posted here. I was enjoying the story for what it was worth to begin with. Now, I see it as another never-ending thread, like the "Secret Evil Compound" that also keeps being dug up.
Surely someone can use IP address logging and tracing. It wouldn't definitively prove separate identities, but it could potentially prove they are the same person (or at least live together).
I'm indifferent. One way or the other, it's still interesting reading.
Please continue with the story soon
I've tried digging up newspaper articles. No luck.
You would have to think, an event this catastrophic would have spurned a rather intensive search effort, and would’ve been big news if multiple people died...
At any rate, fiction or no, i judge not. These new developments have certainly cranked up the intensity of the tale! Tell on, Gerry and now Becky... tell on.
I call for a big ol' pad lock on this thread. Enough is enough. Normally I like to get kissed when I’m getting screwed.
A new post is up from Becky! It’s just under the stuff Gerry’s been writing... it's getting pretty intense!
My bets are its john
This is ****ed.
Seriously peeps, who cares? Are you not entertained? Do you lose anything if the story isn't true?
It has become an embarrassment and a mockery of the message board entirely. This mockery of CT and waste of space needs to be nuked, along with most of Gchicalo's threads. He must have been an abused child, as he always seeks attention here on CT. All his threads have to be sensational and scream that he needs attention. Maybe he just needs a hug. I for one am quite sick of his usual crap. Time to go get a life dude! We all see through this made up garbage.
One writer, all fiction: over the top as it is, it keeps pulling me back. But I need closure...
Seriously, you guys need to chill out. You don't have to read the thread if you don't like it. To say he was abused as a child though?? What if he was?
The only people that need to get a life are the ones that are ragging on the guy for posting a story, real or not.
Keep it up; I am too committed to stop reading now!
Have you checked out that dictionary error for "gullible" yet?
I just stumbled into this thread and have read about half of gchicalo's adventurous story. While there are things that I didn't expect, I still find it a pretty darn good read. Then, I took a break and went over some of the comments (the first 2 and last 4 pages). You know, if gchicalo was out to deceive us, he did it with style. And, with due respect, the sad fact was the comments that I read here were the ones that made this message board shitty. Let's face it, if it was indeed a made up story, what do we have to loose? Or better yet, what damage did it do? I mean, the message board administrator was willing to post parts of the story for gchicalo. Does that mean he had a part in this lie? How bad can it really be? How about this, what if it was indeed real, would you admit what a bunch of a-holes you people are?
Survivor, please continue with your recall of events. Yours and Gerry's posting offer lessons...i.e. preparedness, evaluation of self, ....
Seriously though, real or not a lot of effort has gone into it so why nit pick? If you all don't like it you certainly do not need to read it.
There is no effort, bunch of jello Bullshit. It’s not exactly quality writing, more like a cheap porn without the porn. A (serious) story is never told like that, its disgusting really, how people gobble it up. Even in the end, if it all proves true, I would not regret my words. This presentation is bunk, boring, idiotic, disrespectful, a mockery.
It’s become an experiment.
Don't listen to them...I want to see more of it...
With due respect, you've been disgusted with gchicalo's effortless, bunk, boring, idiotic, disrespectful, mockery and experiment for a long time now. We appreciate your good intention of warning us about this insult of his. But really, you sound like a toilet paper dangling off his ass. You know, he is ridiculous but you're the one with the shit. If there is anyone deceiving anybody it is you deceiving yourself by sticking here all these time. Really man, if you think your rants are putting dents into gchicalo's ego or whatever, you're probably right but you're damaging yourself too. I been inactive for quite a spell and just discovered this thread, I don't know you or this gchicalo character but what I see is he got style and you're a prick who didn't know when to stop. I'm sure other newbies or lurkers had the same observation. You've made your point already... stop making it look like it meant the whole world to you.
I went with the game. I followed, gave him plenty of time. I had doubts, but thought, it was going to turn out be a great wilderness epic story. Hey we are all curious, I check in sometimes, but you know what? It’s the same disappointment every time, and yeah, I am changing how I feel about it, and my posts state that, if you read them all. One feels cheated; to maybe have a look to see how things went, only to find out, that there is another void. Very much like daytime soaps. He's got style alright. Imagine the smirk on his face when he reads this. hahahhaa. He is going to be on the floor laughing. You know there will be some major shuffling to this story next.
Not sure if you clued in, but that whole story took months to appear in fragments, chapter at a time, with weeks intervals. Gerry could write and edit that whole story in 1 to 3 evenings easily. Call me what you want, it’s ok. I say how I feel. I'll be checking back, but no great finish is going to change the presentation we have all bickered over.
Everybody take a deep breath. It's free entertainment (as opposed to, say, a Robert Ludlum novel that you paid good money for and still can't believe that this guy ever became successful AND that you didn't remember just how bad his writing was the last time you flushed good money away to buy one of his books).
As with most long-running threads that become annoying, you always have the option of ignoring it.
Yes, I was aware that I am one of the luckier ones to have read it in the compiled version, and am also aware of the disappointments a lot of you guys went through because of the irregular piece by piece posting. I'm just sad to see a lot of the long time members getting beaten in his game (if it is really just a game). But rest assure, your civil response to my post have earned some of my respect.
I hope we get to read the end of this "awesome (in many ways)" story.
If you don't want to read his story then don't. If you don't want to believe it then don't but why are you all so upset about it? It obviously caught a lot of attention judging by the number of hits and responces.
As a community, we're just looking for closure .... We've already experienced a thread without end ... and just desperately need closure...
I found this site via a friend of mine that came across such an interesting "story". I was at her house, small gathering, and she started talking about it with such intensity, that I found myself asking to read it. She said you won't be able to put it down...
Amongst our friends, at this small gathering, i started reading, and I couldn't put it down. I HAD to read more, and more and more, until the pages ran out..
The story "Bushwacking etc." has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next "bit" to trickle out.
It became less of a story and more of an experiment. The fact it is still discussed is somewhat of a victory for Gerry to be sure, but a bitter one as well.