[pct-l] Williamson attempting to regain unsupported PCT

[bluetrail at aol.com]

As another woman chained to a desk for 156 more days, I have to say I think Diane is right.   I often do little solo day hikes after work on the theory that an hour in the woods is better than no hour in the woods.  When I tell people this, many look at me as if I'm crazy.  Mind you this is a little day hike, not a thru hike.  I've been to first aid classes where I've been told that it's very dangerous for a woman to hike alone.  Through the Florida Trail Association, I know many women who will not hike alone--even for 30 minutes. 

My usual response is that I've been accosted by more scary people at the Waterford Lakes Mall than I have in the woods.

That being said, there is one local trail that I will not hike alone because of very suspicious activity (possible drug deal?) I've seen in the area.  Other than that, I go where I want, when I want.   Have I ever met strange people while hiking alone?  Well, there's Tree Trimmer, a guy who lived in the Little Big Econ State Forest for years:  he's fine when sober.  He's obnoxious when drunk, but not threatening.   Maybe part of it is trusting my own judgment/sixth sense about whether or not a situation or person is a threat and keeping my eyes and ears open.

Unfortunately, to me the issue is still a culturally ingrained bias.  I doubt many men are ever been told not to hike alone.  

Joan




-----Original Message-----
From: Diane Soini <dianesoini at gmail.com>
To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Tue, Aug 27, 2013 2:25 pm
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Williamson attempting to regain unsupported PCT


I think people misunderstand the solo woman thing. It doesn't take  
much effort to overcome societal pressures to hike as a solo man. It  
takes a little more to do it as a solo woman. Many women have  
internalized those pressures. Anish offers an antidote for this  
enculturation. And for those of us who have not internalized these  
pressures, you have to deal with the ignorant commentary of others  
you meet along the way regularly. I did, at least. I'd like to think  
that my presence in the face of their beliefs (as well as Yogi's and  
Anish's) at least makes people question their assumptions and awakens  
a longing for adventure hidden inside other women out there.

On the general subject of speed or other records, I think they are  
actually kinda stupid. As someone who has to sit in an office most of  
her life, who can't just take months off to hike long trail and  
expect to come back to my chair, my health insurance and my slow- 
growing retirement fund, all the time I can possibly muster to spend  
out there at any pace is what matters.
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