[pct-l] Weapons on the trail?

[kublakhanpics@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dennis B)]

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I know this will raise eyebrows but try to understand:  I wouldn't expect a=
 hiker who knows he's allergic to bees to decide NOT to bring his adrenalin=
 needle and instead leave it up to 'fate' whether or not bees would attack =
him.  Man and woman must take control of their fate.  Although rare, bear a=
ttacks do happen, especially on solo thru hikers.  I don't want to leave my=
 fate out of my hands and would like to know from others what types of defe=
nses they've thought about.  My latest thought is to carry a 20" curved mac=
hete sticking out of my bag.  I've heard people saying they were thinking a=
bout bringing a 45 magnum.  I've been a vegetarian all my life, have never =
killed an animal and the idea of hunting enrages me.  I just don't want to =
be stupid.  Every animal in the woods has their particular defenses, why sh=
ouldn't we?  Of course, let's use our best weapon, our brains, and not get =
into dicey situations in the first place.  but sometimes it's simply beyond=
 our control.  If we really are using our brains we would recognize this an=
d do something about it

Anyone have some idea for weapons?  Machetes might work when attacked by a =
bear if you keep your panic down, (dont turn your back and certainly dont r=
un) and strike carefully, forcefully at the head and neck.

Any other thoughts?  Bear spray doesn't seem to work.

any advice is welcome.  I'm not looking for an argument, just some good ide=
as and ways to ACTIVELY protect myself.

Thanks
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