[pct-l] safety on the pct

[Donna Saufley]

I’ve taken pepper spray when mountain biking, but not hiking.  Since I ride
my bike primarily on fire roads, some of which are open to motorized vehicle
traffic, there is access for anyone who can drive.  While bad people can
exist anywhere, I’m of the opinion that the majority of criminals are lazy,
and don’t gravitate to strenuous and challenging outdoor activities. I feel
safer in the backcountry than practically anywhere, and prefer to move away
from trailhead environments quickly.  In difficult environments that require
skills, knowledge, and preparation, I sense that the percentage of bad guys
drops precipitously.  Any law enforcement types out there able to confirm or
correct that?

 

The info about Can’t Quit’s bowie knife sends chills down my spine.  I
always fear that a weapon like that could be turned against me, which is too
horrible to consider.  I’m taking a martial arts class (for fun, mental
discipline, and exercise) and even though I have learned to block, punch,
and kick, pretty much every man in the class can overpower me and every one
of the other women, regardless of their level of expertise.  Knowing that is
pretty sobering.

 

I feel most secure with my trekking poles as a potential defensive weapon,
and also keep a fist-sized rock pile close at hand at night to ward off
possible marauding bears.  If it ever came down to a fight, the pole and
rocks could stave someone or something off and inflict some harm potentially
giving me a chance to escape, but I don’t fear them being used against me
the same way I do a knife or a gun.

 

L-Rod

 

   _____  

From: Hiker97 at aol.com [mailto:Hiker97 at aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 10:48 PM
To: jabregman at bellsouth.net
Cc: dsaufley at sprynet.com; pct-l at backcountry.net; carolwbruno at yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [pct-l] safety on the pct

 

I would take pepper spray.  I always carry it for protection from animals
and humans.  The chances of using it for these things are very slim, but it
is nice to know I have something that is fairly light and effective.

 

Pepper spray works on most humans.  Some who have certain metal disorders or
certain drugs in their system, you will just make them angry.  But that is a
VERY small part of the human population.  I like pepper spray.

 

Say, I remember the first time I camped out with Can'tQuit.  She was setting
up camp several yards from me and pulled out a BIG full size, heavy Bowie
knife just before we went turn in for the night.  I now tease her about this
big heavy knife she had for protection.  Too funny.  Of course, camping with
a Trail Pirate, may be this made sense.  I would not mess with her even if I
was a grizzly.

 

Cheers, Switchback the Trail Pirate





   _____  

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