[pct-l] pole noise and trail sign

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

This brings up a topic I'd like to second, pole noise.

I prefer to not carry or use hiking poles because I don't like carrying 
anything in my hands while hiking. Just me. The only exception is when I'm 
snowshoeing, skiing, or climbing on snow.

This last summer, while hiking with my son who was yo-yoing the Muir, I 
happened to hear the "clicking" of other hikers' poles as they hiked. Since 
we were south-bound, most of the "herd" was approaching us. We'd take breaks 
at various times during our day, sitting by the trail in the wondrous quiet 
that is the Wilderness, and off in the distance we'd start hearing the 
"clicking" of approaching hikers.

Never heard it before. No wonder the animals hear you coming!

The other thing is all the indendations along the edges of the trail. New 
signs of humans on-trail!



Ned Tibbits, CEO
Pacific Crest Custom Builders, Inc
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.pacificcrestcustombuilders.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "GARY HEBERT" <hikerfedex at gmail.com>
To: <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] trekking poles - NOISY = scares away wildlife


> Another thought about poles....
>
> On the Long Trail & AT I saw far more wildlife hiking solo in early 
> morning
> and dusk hours.
>
> Solo hiking friends on the AT have also suggested that hiking with no 
> poles
> during the quiet hours along with hiking solo (no talking, less stumbling
> about by many footsteps) helped them see more wildlife than many others 
> they
> talked with along the way.
>
> I've tried this on early starts during the quiet hours. Can't say for 
> sure,
> but it makes sense: not clanking poles on rocks, leaves, etc and actually
> trying to hike quietly, perhaps even a little slower makes for a peaceful
> morning and potentially increases the likelihood of sneaking up on 
> wildlife
> (which could be a problem if it's a griz!).
>
> Can't say I'd hike without them for this, but in the quiet hours maybe
> hiking a little slower is a peaceful start to the day!
>
> FedEx
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