[pct-l] Hiker Privacy and Safety

[Donna Saufley]

I coudn't agree more about the hiker community, and how overwhelmingly safe
and trustworthy I've found hikers to be.  It's nearly miraculous that so
many good people have gathered within this family of friends.
Unfortunately, the trail crosses roads and hikers go to town. Any area that
people can drive to will have an entirely different element, and while many
good people share kindnesses out there, we only have to read the paper or
watch Court TV to know that this is not always the case.  The trust that is
shared within the hiker community just doesn't (or IMHO shouldn't) uniformly
apply to society, alas. 

I know for a fact that some hikers suck things up that they may not like so
as not to offend their host. They've told me so and that they didn't want to
hurt my feelings or seem ungrateful.  It would be difficult for some to say
no, don't do that.  Then, too, some that could be in danger may be unaware.
Also, keep in mind that the real concern is not about a video posted or a
book or journal written long after the season ends, but those who are
innocently posting journals or emails detailing hiker whereabouts in real
time. In hiker world, that's tantamount to giving out somebody's address to
a completely unknown group of strangers and telling them when they'll be
there. 

I've been asked more than a few times to keep someone's anonymity or
whereabouts quiet in my 12 years of hosting.  That's what changed my outlook
on this. Most commonly, hikers are trying to dodge someone whose company
they are avoiding. It's hard to lose someone who is dogging you on the
trail. Other hikers who asked me not to post about them were quite adamant,
and had sound reasons for wanting their whereabouts posted on the internet.
One explained to me it was because she was on the AT when a young woman was
murdered because a stalker followed her online journal postings detailing
her whereabouts and plans. She literally implored me to not only respect her
wish for privacy, but to be conscious of this for others too.  It's said if
we ignore history, we are doomed to repeat it.

The sad reality is that hikers are being stalked today on the PCT by some
nut that they met at a trail head.  This guy is out looking for these
hikers. Let's just say, hypothetically, that this guy finds his way onto
this or another PCT forum. Or there's someone already lurking, scanning,
hunting on hiker forums.  Let's be real -- the trail attracts its share of
5150s. 

I know, that once again, I am taking a controversial position, sounding
preachy, and well, yes I am preaching.  I trying to share what I've
witnessed and I'm ringing a bell of warning.  I am posting about it, as
unpleasant as it is to deal with, because I want to raise awareness and
consciousness. I will go against the tide once again because I'm on my own
little mission to help hikers and help keep them safe out there.  I also
respect differences of opinion, and the thunderbolts of dissention. 

That's why I'm Lightening Rod ;o)



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Andrea Dinsmore
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 12:46 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Hiker Privacy and Safety

Being a trail angel up at the tail north end of the PCT........I have never
had a hiker in 6 years convey to me or my husband that they require
anonymity. Everyone signs the register. Everyone poses for photos both
individual and group. They all know they will end up in our annual video.
Most hikers want their travels to be posted so family and others CAN track
the progress. They are very proud of their accomplishments. There's no more
privacy out on the trail than there is at a public football game. Everyone
has cameras and everyone talks to each other.  If a hiker needs to be
invisible while they are hiking they need to not talk with anyone, hide
their face  and don't sign any register with your real or trail name.
It's your responsibility to remain anonymous......not ours. The trail is
definitely a very public and highly advertised place. Hike the trail and
have a good time. You're safer out with all the hiker trash than you are in
your home town. Hiker trash with care for you if you are hurt or sick. Hiker
trash with protect you again anything. They become your family by the time
you finish the hike. Quit being paranoid and enjoy the hike.  You are not
out there by yourself.

PCT MOM
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