Gandalf: The first 1000 or so years...

[Valandil]

Gandalf came to the shores of Middle Earth at about the time of the other Istari - around the year 1000 of the Third Age, but we know that he came last of the five Istari.

From the UT account "The Istari" - it seems that he traveled about mostly in the north-western parts of Middle Earth. But even this is a pretty broad range. He states that in the south he is called "Incanus" - but UT indicates he spent very little time in the south (presumably south of Gondor's bounds in the time of LOTR - but areas Gondor may have controlled when he visited). He stated that to the East he did not go - yet the north-western parts where he traveled may have been as far away as the Sea of Rhun (also the eastern limits of Gondor's earlier expansion). By the way - there are two very different, and very interesting - theories about the name "Incanus". But that could be for another thread.

Gandalf traveled among both Elves and Men. He also seemed to pay attention to Dwarves, Halflings, Ents, Eagles - and folks like Tom Bombadil and Beorn.

After his arrival in about 1000 or a little thereafter - the first account of his activities is not until 2063 - when he goes to investigate things at Dol Guldur, Sauron retreats into the East before him, and the Watchful Peace begins.

What did he involve himself in for those first 1000 years. The UT account of the Istari also indicates that they were not so very active for their first 1000 years on Middle Earth. At least, here's what it says about Gandalf on this:

Originally Posted by UT - The Istari

The date of Gandalf's arrival is uncertain. He came from beyond the Sea, apparently about the same time as the first signs were noted of the re-arising of "the Shadow:" the reappearance and spread of evil things. But he is seldom mentioned in any annals or records during the second millenium of the Third Age. Probably he wandered long (in various guises), engaged not in deeds or events but in exploring the hearts of Elves and Men who had been and still might be expected to be opposed to Sauron...

Was that thousand years just a convenient amount of time? Or did something trigger Gandalf - and maybe the other Istari - into a less passive, more active mode?