Date: 2008-01-04
To: Safety on the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

These are just my thoughts and ideas about how to be safe on the Trail. Some of you may totally disagree - and that's fine because then you probably know something that works better for you. First, regardless of all the "politically corect" talk, women are more likely to be attacked on the Trail. I am not saying that women are any less able to defend themselves, just that they are more susceptible candidates. Simply put, you don't often hear about men being sexually assaulted, do you? I'm a small guy and pyhsically less able to defend myself than some women.Hiking with a partner is a good idea. But sometimes even husband and wives will not hike together during the day due to different hiking paces, start times, etc.Carry a hiking pole(s). They help against animals (which is pretty rare) and they can intimidate (and hurt) a attacker. Again, another "politically incorrect" comment: when hiking alone try not to wear clothing that might encourage an attacker. I'm sorry, that comment seems inappropriate and demeaning. I don't mean it that way. Nobody is suggesting not wearing shorts or a t-shirt. Heck, what are you supposed to wear during the summer months, right? Just some common sense. It shouldn't have to be that way and it is totally unfair. But it might make sense.As many have said in the past, never tell a stranger you are hiking by yourself - never.Regardless of what some purists may say, carry a cell phone and charger/extra batteries. You may not have reception, but then again, you might.Get in the habit of signing your trail name in every shelter register you pass. If the worst should happen, searchers will check those journals to see how far you have gone. And make sure your support team/family know your trail name and your approximate schedule. In towns, call home and check in.When you are looking for a place to spend the night (especially if it is a shelter) look in your guidebook and see how close it is to the nearest road. My rule is this - if I am closer than a mile from a road, I don't tent or shelter there. I worry at night about some idiots parking their vehicle nearby and acting stupid after a couple of six packs.Speaking of shelters - size up any folks who may be there when you arrive. You can usually recognize (or already know) thru-hikers. Weekend or section hikers often have better (and heavier) gear than you. Anyone else I'd be leary about. Be cautious about crossing backcountry roads. Do a quick check both ways and then cross quickly. This probably seems silly/stupid but you don't want someone seeing you cross and then follow behind you.I think hiking with a (good size) dog is not a bad idea. But you aren't going to go out and buy a dog just for your hike. Yes, for some reason, Meredith Emerson's dog does not seem to have helped her (the jury is still out). I still think it might help if you are trying choose whether to take him/her.A gun - that's up to you. It's your decision and I think you need to consider the following: guns are heavy; it needs to be accessible, yet concealed; you can't (legally) carry them in certain sections; are you prepared to shoot another human being (if you are not, be prepared for that gun to be taken away from you); if you do shoot someone, your thru-hike is over - you will be questionned, spend time in court, possibly be sued, and possibly go to jail. Of course, if it saves your life - that's priority number one.I guess that's enough. I'm sorry for offending anyone. I've tried to echo past situations and experiences. Decide things for yourself.