Caitlin and I went car camping at Pedernales SP for a little mother/daughter get away. It was fun and very slumber party like. We watched movies, munched on junk food, and read scary books. We walked around in the dark for a little while and watched the sky.
The only down side to the trip was Caitlin's refusal to hike on Sunday but we were pressed for time anyway. I'm going back packing this weekend but haven't decided where yet. My sister thinks I should pack heat if I am going solo because of the female hiker that got murdered in GA. I'm on the fence about it though...I don't feel a pressing need to pack a weapon on me.
Being attacked while hiking is very rare and I've gotten good solo advice on some of the message boards I frequent from female back packers who solo all the time. Anyway, Lynn this is mainly for you so you can stop worrying about me going camping by myself. You know I'm the kind of female that would fight a nasty battle if I was forced into a life or death situation. But I know I'm not invincible, so might consider carrying bear spray. If it can ward off a grizzly, I'm sure it could ward off a two legged predator. I have a pretty good weapon already though when it comes down to it, my mind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
12 comments:
Btw, some of the female back packers and hikers on the message boards do pack heat and know how to use it. I'm astounded at the kinds of weaponry they choose. Some of these chicks even have pics of themselves holding big guns and looking pretty menacing.
Yay for camping!
Rather than a gun, why not just some pepper spray or something along those lines? Keep it in a pocket, unbeknownst to any unsuspecting asshole.
I'd carry a concealed knife. Little training required to be absoultely deadly with it
Sean I've been wanting to add a knife to my survival kit for a while now. I need one that is reasonably lightweight and doesn't fold so it is sturdier. I haven't seriously shopped yet for one but plan to soon.
Be especially careful at the trailhead. That's where a potential weasel can see that you're solo and follow you down the trail. Also carry a whistle....its sound will travel farther than your voice.
Will you be trying your homemade stove on this trip?
Have fun.
JD
Thanks JD. I do have a rather good emergency whistle in my survival kit.
And I haven't made my home made stove yet...I need to get with the program!
Oh and now I just had a Oz Sean voice in my head say "that's not a knife, now that's a knife". HA!
Have you read "Angels In The Wilderness" yet? A great survival story by a very smart female hiker.
JD
I just don't think one can be too careful. What happened to Meredith is unspeakable, and that man a monster. He was a regular around there, and that might have been what caused her to trust being in his presence. I can't seem to wrap my brain around "why" someone would want to kill and mutilate another human being. I will never feel at ease about you camping or hiking by yourself. I feel it always best to have a partner with you. Makes it more fun anyway! Just being your protective sister!
Have you read "Angels In The Wilderness" yet? A great survival story by a very smart female hiker.
No I haven't yet but will be sure to read it soon. I'm on a huge reading jag right now and need more stuff to read. Feel free to make more recommendations.
I will never feel at ease about you camping or hiking by yourself. I feel it always best to have a partner with you.
Well I wish I had a partner too for most trips, but I do like the idea of being solo every once in a while. Maybe in February I'll have someone to go with. I'm waiting on a person to get their work schedule figured out. She works in a hospital I think, and possibly will have sporadic scheduling issues.
It's so hard to find a female partner, which is what I'm looking for currently. If I have to start hiking with a male partner I will, but it's not my preference at this point.
A knife is also a good utility tool. Other than that read The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker and trust your intuition.
Take care and if I could convince Alison to travel to the States you might have two hiking partners
Hey Sean it would be so great if you could convince her. We'd all have a great time. :)
Post a Comment