Re: [at-l] Danger

["Cora Drake" <cora_drake@hotmail.com>]

You'd better get used to the question.  It's what I was asked most.

Men hikers told me they were asked essentially the same question -- were 
they carrying a weapon.  (They weren't.)

I hiked for about 150 days and camped alone about 6 nights.

Just read an article in my local paper about 4 William and Mary coeds who 
biked 4,400 miles across the country this summer -- together, but otherwise 
unaccompanied.

I'd guess the Trail community is 1/4 to 1/3 women these days, and all ages.  
Of the women I've encountered, about half seem to have begun their hikes 
solo -- but we form into "pods" out there:  bunches of about 4 people who 
keep running into each other for up to a week at a stretch.  Then someone 
moves ahead; someone goes into town; someone takes a rest day; someone gets 
off the trail for a wedding or graduation -- and different groups form.

One of my favorites last year was two of us women nearing 60 and a 
19-year-old girl.  Another was a group of 4 -- all the others guys -- whose 
ages totaled over 200.

Nothing's totally safe but you're way safer out on the trail than you are 
going to the corner mall.

>From: John O <johno@mail.monmouth.com>
>To: Allyson Natalie Straka <alnstrak@indiana.edu>, at-l@backcountry.net
>Subject: [at-l] Danger
>Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 19:01:39 -0600
>
>At 04:46 PM 8/12/99 -0500, you wrote:
> >Here is a quick question for you guys.  Do you think its too dangerous 
>for
> >a woman to hike the trail by herself?  My parents are starting to get on
> >my case about hiking it next year by myself.  I would appreciate any
> >opinions you all may have.  Thanks!
> >
> >Allyson
> >
>Allyson
>I don't think its just a woman thing at all.  This year before I started my
>hike I have offers of every kind of weapon, tales of multiple deaths from
>some pervert, tales of being attacked by a bear, snake or some other
>horrible blood thirsty crazed animal.  Your entering a safe environment
>probably safer than where you now live.  Using common sense you'll avoid
>almost all the pitfalls along the way.  It might be a good idea to contact
>some of the women pm and get some specific info.  Your family is concerned
>because they love you and this is a good thing.   Just before you leave
>their fears increase at least that is what I found to happen.
>Its all part of planning for your hike.
>John O
>http://www.monmouth.com/~johno/index.html
>* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================