[at-l] Warning To All Hikers

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

The leader of the Harriman Hikers Group (Harriman State Park, NY) sent this 
to her list of hikers.  She found it at the entrance of NRP.  Does it have 
application for the AT?
?

 ?WARNING!! ALL GUESTS OF NELSON ROCKS PRESERVE MUST READ THIS!
? ? ?
 Nature is unpredictable and unsafe. Mountains are dangerous. Many
books have been written about these dangers, and there's no way we can list
them all here. Read the books. Nelson Rocks Preserve is covered in steep
terrain with loose, slippery and unstable footing. The weather can make
matters worse. Sheer drops are everywhere. You may fall, be injured or die.
There are hidden holes. You could break your leg. There are wild animals,
which may be vicious, poisonous or carriers of dread diseases. These include
poisonous snakes and insects. Plants can be poisonous as well. We don't do
anything to protect you from any of this. We do not inspect, supervise or
maintain the grounds, rocks, cliffs or other features, natural or otherwise.
Real dangers are present even on trails. Trails are not sidewalks. They can
be, and are, steep, slippery and dangerous. Trail features made or enhanced
by humans, such as steps, walls and railings (if any) can break, collapse,
or otherwise fail catastrophically at any time. We don't promise to inspect,
supervise or maintain them in any way. They may be negligently constructed
or repaired. They are unsafe, period. Live with it or stay away. Stay on the
trails whenever possible. The terrain, in addition to being dangerous, is
surprisingly complex. You may get lost. Carry food, water and first aid
supplies at all times. Rocks and other objects can fall from the cliffs.
They can tumble down slopes. This can happen naturally, or be caused by
people above you, such as climbers. Rocks of all sizes, including huge
boulders, can shift, move or fall with no warning. Use of helmets is advised
for anyone approaching the rock formations. They can be purchased or rented
at Seneca Rocks. They won't save you if you get hit by something big or on
another part of your body. A whole rock formation might collapse on you and
squash you like a bug. Don't think it can't happen. Weather can be
dangerous, regardless of the forecast. Be prepared with extra clothing,
including rain gear. Hypothermia, heat stroke, lightning, ice and snow, etc.,
can kill you. Rain can turn easy terrain into a deathtrap. If you scramble
in high places (scrambling is moving over terrain steep enough to use your
hands) without proper experience, training and equipment, or allow children
to do so, you are making a terrible mistake. Even if you know what you're
doing, lots of things can go wrong and you may be injured or die. It happens
all the time. The Preserve does not provide rangers or security personnel.
The other people in the preserve, including other visitors, our employees,
agents, and guests, and anyone else who might sneak in, may be stupid,
reckless, or otherwise dangerous. They may be mentally ill, criminally
insane, drunk, using illegal drugs and/or armed with deadly weapons and
ready to use them. We aren't necessarily going to do anything about it. We
refuse to take responsibility. If you climb, you may die or be seriously
injured. This is true whether you are experienced or not, trained or not,
equipped or not, though training and equipment may help. It's a fact,
climbing is extremely dangerous. If you don't like it, stay at home. You
really shouldn't be doing it anyway. We do not provide supervision or
instruction. We are not responsible for, and do not inspect or maintain,
climbing anchors (including bolts, pitons, slings, trees, etc.) As far as we
know, any of them can and will fail and send you plunging to your death.
There are countless tons of loose rock ready to be dislodged and fall on you
or someone else. There are any number of extremely and unusually dangerous
conditions existing on and around the rocks, and elsewhere on the property.
We may or may not know about any specific hazard, but even if we do, don't
expect us to try to warn you. You're on your own. Rescue services are not
provided by the Preserve, and may not be available quickly or at all. Local
rescue squads may not be equipped for or trained in mountain rescue. If you
are lucky enough to have somebody try to rescue you or treat your injuries,
they may be incompetent or worse. This includes doctors and hospitals. We
assume no responsibility. Also, if you decide to participate in a rescue of
some other unfortunate, that's your choice. Don't do it unless you are
willing to assume all risks. By entering the Preserve, you are agreeing that
we owe you no duty of care or any other duty. We promise you nothing. We do
not and will not even try to keep the premises safe for any purpose. The
premises are not safe for any purpose. This is no joke. We won't even try to
warn you about any dangerous or hazardous condition, whether we know about
it or not. If we do decide to warn you about something, that doesn't mean we
will try to warn you about anything else. If we do make an effort to fix an
unsafe condition, we may not try to correct any others, and we may make
matters worse! We and our employees or agents may do things that are unwise
and dangerous. Sorry, we're not responsible. We may give you bad advice.
Don't listen to us. In short, ENTER AND USE THE PRESERVE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
And have fun! NRP Management

? ? ? ?2002 Nelson Rocks Preserve