u/mouthofgoldy

Looking for some recommendations for places to wander/hike around St. John’s, Paradise, CBS or within maybe 30–60 mins of town.

I’m usually going solo with my dog and I’m less interested in busy walking paths and more looking for places where I can actually get some solitude woods, coastline, ponds, old trails, interesting stuff to explore, etc.

Basically somewhere I can throw a camera in my bag, wander around for a couple hours with my dog, take some photos and feel like I’ve gone on a little adventure without having people passing us every five minutes lol. Maybe smoke a joint too.

Doesn’t need to be a huge or difficult hike either. I’m very happy with something where I can walk for an hour or two, explore a bit and turn around whenever I feel like it.

I’m interested in the East Coast Trail too, although since I’ll often be alone with my dog I’d rather avoid sections that are unnecessarily sketchy/cliffy or difficult to navigate.
I know the usual Quidi Vidi / Signal Hill / Bowring / Octagon Pond type places , I’m especially interested in quieter trails, lesser-known access points, wooded areas, coastal walks, old roads/trails, etc.

I’m 26, I’m a younger but not the youngest die hard fan there is. I’m just here thinking about the music of today.
Kinda makes me sad.

Let’s forget about evolution of the band & sound for a second.

If Jon was an artist in his 20s today in 2026 -

his shouty-larger than life raspy vocal probably would be seen & looked at as unattractive. In fact most audiences today, the Voice, X factor, American idol crowd, AGT crowd & just general pop culture would probably think he is not a great singer, would probably pick apart his isolated live vocals (even back then) & think he wasn’t a conventionally “great” singer. They would criticize his pitch, say there’s too much vibrato in his voice, tell him he “throws “ his voice around too much.

I think about a lot of great singers from that time like this, out of their context.

They were the biggest & best bar band on the planet. I think that’s a quote from Jon but I mean it as a compliment. There really isn’t a new* act today within top 40 that has that spirit.

I send this written before somewhere

But isn’t it crazy that Richie’s solo albums, performances etc all sound like Bon Jovi just as much or more than Jon does without Richie.

Literally he was the soul & the swagger & the cool machine in Bon Jovi.

Jon is my hero, there is no one with the charisma & charm & I guess what you’d call sex appeal at the time whatever - he was a business shark, just great. Like totally don’t get me wrong it is jons band, I get that. Rightfully so

But man it keeps just becoming more evident how big a part Richie played!

He really wasn’t just a hired gun. It’s his soul, his inflection, his heart in the playing & singing, his timbre in his voice, that is the Bon Jovi sound we love IMO.

I live in a very small place in Canada.

I’m an artist/songwriter with some regional success coming back from a very long hiatus & starting from rock bottom & I want to get back into performing with a band.

I feel like my options are limited, everyone who’s qualified & a “pro” around here are already in a million projects & naturally going where the money is, whether that’s paid rehearsal & “player for hire basis” or just groups that are making consistent money. & then it’s like trying to find the right people that match my vibe, & share same interest level on things - it’s rough

Or I could find players that aren’t the most experienced or even as experienced as me, but yet are more available & who I might gel with as people better,

How do you way pros & cons?

Another thing - I was a recording country solo artist but I have a real passion to relaunch as a modern rock project whether that’s as a solo artist under my own name, or as a band name that’s a play on my name? ( Jon Bongiovi performing /starting the band “Bon Jovi”) is an influence

In that scenario would it make more sense to go with hired route? Or should I try more of the shared effort band scenario?

I also have a best friend who is a great musician, & like family, comes from the same musical background as I do, yet we’ve had unfortunate competition & jealousy with each other & sometimes that rears its head, then it’s also like mixing pleasure with business or shitting where you eat i don’t know

Curious if anyone has been hollowing Richie’s outrageous posts on X. Thoughts?

Also I’m curious are there any songs we speculate might be about Richie? On the albums from this house era on?

I’m seeking advice.

In the past, I’ve owned a Hot Rod Deluxe with analog pedals, then moved to the Helix, Quad Cortex, and tried the HX Stomp, going really minimal.

I recently sold the FM9, which I was convinced was uninspiring and too cold or “digital.” Despite the killer amp sounds on Fractal products, I felt like I was missing the simple joys of playing guitar.

Now, I’m considering getting the Tone King Imperial preamp pedal and a simple board of analog pedals, including a line selector to connect a Boss GE-7 and delay for solos.

However, when I price it out, the Fractal AM4 is essentially the same price or less. I’m wondering if I should reconsider my approach to modelling.

I also have an opportunity to buy a Hot Rod Deluxe with an external cab for $800, which could enhance my home playing experience.

Any advice would help