For First-timers-What questions not to ask

[IaDave]

I was talking to a co-worker who just got back from his first time. It reminded me of my first time and a couple of dumb questions I asked.

What do the stacked rocks mean?- outfitter said " So guys like you can ask us"
What is the weather going to be like?- " Who knows". I still find myself asking this one.

I'm sure you guys can add to the list but these 2 stand out to me.

[Bob_Loblaw]

I've been up several times, and I still have no idea what the stacked rocks mean (if anything). I do, however, know better than to ask about the weather or the fishing. The weather will be whatever it will be, and the fishing is always great!

Originally Posted by Bob_Loblaw

I've been up several times, and I still have no idea what the stacked rocks mean (if anything). I do, however, know better than to ask about the weather or the fishing. The weather will be whatever it will be, and the fishing is always great!

NO - the fishing was fantastic LAST week

[wallydave]

What Eh! means!?

[Ten Horse Johnson]

The stacked rocks are called inukshuks. They are a tradition of the native Inuit peoples of the far north. They were used as markers of the land and had symbolism too. I don't think it's stupid to ask about them if you are not familiar. I went a few years without knowing what they were.

The chief pilot at our outfitter always has snappy answers to all sorts of questions... you know it's not the first time he's used those answers.

A common one:
Q- "Are you the pilot?"
A-"No, but they're gonna let me try it today."

[v-bay gord]

[QUOTE=Ten Horse Johnson;1457115]The stacked rocks are called inukshuks. They are a tradition of the native Inuit peoples of the far north. They were used as markers of the land and had symbolism too. I don't think it's stupid to ask about them if you are not familiar. I went a few years without knowing what they were.

The chief pilot at our outfitter always has snappy answers to all sorts of questions... you know it's not the first time he's used those answers.
QUOTE]

Technically true, but the ones in NW Ontario actually mark "stash locations" for open bottles of liquor that you all Americans can't take back across the border. The following year these wiley fishermen stop at their rock pile to pick up their stash. Strange but TRUE !

[oilguy]

Originally Posted by wallydave

What Eh! means!?

I will tell you what eh means..... if you can tell me why most Americans use huh to finish their sentences on rhetorical questions. Hmmm....did I give away the answer?? Lol. When I guided Americans for Deer and Bear, I had the "Eh" joke from them every week......they usually dropped it once I pointed out THEIR use of "Huh" in every other sentence.

As far as gravy goes, I was taken by surprise while traveling in the US. I stopped at a restaurant in Montana and the waitress asked me what kind of gravy I wanted - white or brown.

Just a word of advice to anyone traveling to a distant destination. Use a couple of seconds to filter your question before it's too late. If it's still worth asking, then by all means fire away. Dumb questions deserve dumb answers right?

[wallydave]

My boat/cabin buddy for my last two trips gave me a coffee mug that mentions some of the same things you bring up oilguy!
Eh can be used in any part of the sentence. It is, as you mention, better than say huh or um!
It is also a phase to be used with pride when speaking to Americans!
Our group will drop the occasional "eh" into a conversation in the States, it is like a code, it translates to mean;"man I wish we were back in Ontario!!"
Part of traveling is getting to know some of the slang and customs eh!?

Originally Posted by oilguy

I will tell you what eh means..... if you can tell me why most Americans use huh to finish their sentences on rhetorical questions. Hmmm....did I give away the answer?? Lol. When I guided Americans for Deer and Bear, I had the "Eh" joke from them every week......they usually dropped it once I pointed out THEIR use of "Huh" in every other sentence.

As far as gravy goes, I was taken by surprise while traveling in the US. I stopped at a restaurant in Montana and the waitress asked me what kind of gravy I wanted - white or brown.

Just a word of advice to anyone traveling to a distant destination. Use a couple of seconds to filter your question before it's too late. If it's still worth asking, then by all means fire away. Dumb questions deserve dumb answers right?

[Lovetofish]

I like the question they ask....do you want gravy with your fries? First time my son heard this he busted out laughing. Ever since he's orders fries just to hear it again.

Originally Posted by Lovetofish

I like the question they ask....do you want gravy with your fries? First time my son heard this he busted out laughing. Ever since he's orders fries just to hear it again.

I don't get it. Don't Americans have gravy on their fries? I have heard you put Ranch dressing on them and I am too polite to say WHAT!!! heehee but no gravy?