Most of our hikes have been during the week, not on weekends. We
have encountered very few other hikers and those that we have met
have seemed friendly. We are a husband and wife, so cannot speak
about single hikes. The most imposing creatures we have met so far
are very large bovines.
Grumpy Grinch

--- In LbNCA@yahoogroups.com, "jceg5540" wrote:
>
> Here is a question for those of you who hike/letterbox in the East
> Bay parks, especially women. Do you consider it safe to hike
alone?
> Any problems with people being accosted? By humans that is. I
would
> appreciate feedback as I am considering doing some solo
letterboxing
> in those areas. I would never think twice about it here but since
> the two kids were found murdered at the beach in Jenner I have
been a
> little more leery. Am I being paranoid?
>
> Mimulus

I am a fairly cautious person and wouldn't recommend it, not just because of who else
might be on the trail, but because of environmental factors as well (falling, getting hurt
etc.)...If you do decide to go hiking on your own though, tell a friend or two exactly where
and when you plan to hike. If you have a cell phone, and it will have service, that would be
a good thing to have.

The chances that something might happen to you are very low...but if you don't have to
take the chance, I wouldn't.

--- In LbNCA@yahoogroups.com, "jceg5540" wrote:
>
> Here is a question for those of you who hike/letterbox in the East
> Bay parks, especially women. Do you consider it safe to hike alone?
> Any problems with people being accosted? By humans that is. I would
> appreciate feedback as I am considering doing some solo letterboxing
> in those areas. I would never think twice about it here but since
> the two kids were found murdered at the beach in Jenner I have been a
> little more leery. Am I being paranoid?
>
> Mimulus

I am a woman and I hike alone quite a bit on my layovers all over the
United States. I always tell my crew where I am going and I leave a
note in my hotel room with my destination and when I plan to return.

I have never had a problem in the San Francisco area. I am usually
doing my hiking in the middle of the day and during the week not
weekends. (an added plus, the trails are less crowded and you can be
discreet!)

When I planted the Nancy Drew series in Antioch, I was alone. On that
day I also did Contra Costa #4 and Castle Rock by myself. What I am
most worried about is hurting myself when I am alone on the trail. I
am quite the clutz and it would be just like me to be a mile out on
the trail and sprain my ankle or break something!! I always have my
cell phone with me, but sometimes I am in areas where it doesn't
work.

You just should be aware of your abilities and your surroundings at
all times. If you feel uncomfortable at the trailhead...don't do the
hike, come back on another day or with a friend. And don't stay out
after dark when you are alone. I am much more cautious when I am by
myself.


-Amanda from Seattle

I hike with my two kids (1 & 4) from time to time and have never
encountered a sketchy person ar situation yet, but I always make
sure to leave contact information etc. I have only done trails here
in the east bay w/o my husband along as I grew up here and feel very
familiar with the areas. I don't think you are being to paranoid,
just be careful and aware... Cathi


--- In LbNCA@yahoogroups.com, "jceg5540" wrote:
>
> Here is a question for those of you who hike/letterbox in the East
> Bay parks, especially women. Do you consider it safe to hike
alone?
> Any problems with people being accosted? By humans that is. I
would
> appreciate feedback as I am considering doing some solo
letterboxing
> in those areas. I would never think twice about it here but since
> the two kids were found murdered at the beach in Jenner I have
been a
> little more leery. Am I being paranoid?
>
> Mimulus