Thanks for the tip on the apparent hideout of this strange person
here in CT. It seems once or twice a year since I've been on this
list, letterboxers report similar incidents.

I do almost all of my hiking alone. Pepper spray comes in all kinds
of containers that hook on to a belt loop or pack or slip into a
pocket. The devices have triggers that are intuitive to use even when
panicked. It's very inexpensive and readily available (on-line at
least) and is deliverable to most states (not NY). I generally carry
two with me...one small one, the size of an asthma inhaler, in my
pocket and a larger canister attached to my pack with velcro that is
a quick reach away.

I also have my cell phone hot keyed to 911 and readily available to
call in an emergency. My phone also has a feature that allows it to
be located via GPS when on line with 911.

In addition, the graphite tip on most trekking poles is sharp and
could be useful in case of an emergency. Overkill? Maybe, but better
to take these simple precautions if going solo.

In my opinion, anyone who hikes alone without some effort to protect
themselves is taking too much of a risk, particularly in urban areas.
This has been said over and over on this list, but I think it's
important to trust your gut and if something looks or feels wrong,or
you find yourself getting into what I would call a "no-win" situation
whether it be an encounter with a strange person or threatening
animal, or terrain or conditions beyond your capabilities, no
letterbox is worth putting yourself in jeopardy.

Linda a/k/a Alafair


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Brian, Ryan & Lori"
wrote:
> On Sunday, Brian and I were looking for Chaney's Ranch box
> and little rockin horse in the woods. As we came across the
> trail we were supposed to take, a guy was sitting on the trail,
> by himself, yelling. We gave hims a wide berth and continued on
> our way. We found Chaney's Ranch box and were continuing on to
> find the Little Rockin Horse. The clues mentioned a bunker that
> may be of interest, close to where the box is hidden. As we
> approached the bunker, I started to go over to check it out.
> Brian stopped me and whispered in my ear "Someone is living in
there"
> At that moment, the same guy that we encountered earlier, literally
> came crawling out of the bushes and starting talking nonsense to
> us. It was an unnerving incident, to say the least. We did feel
> threatened by this man and had to kind of just walk (very quickly)
> away from him.
>
> I immediately thought of Laurette and Pam, who I know often hike
alone
> and would be vulnerable in a situation of this sort.
>
> Please be careful, people.
>
> Lori - TeamGreenDragon

PREVENTIVE defense is much better than self-defense....right Slow
Camel? She taught me everything I know on avoiding being a victim.

~ Aili


--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Alafair" wrote:
> Thanks for the tip on the apparent hideout of this strange person
> here in CT. It seems once or twice a year since I've been on this
> list, letterboxers report similar incidents.
>
> I do almost all of my hiking alone. Pepper spray comes in all kinds
> of containers that hook on to a belt loop or pack or slip into a
> pocket. The devices have triggers that are intuitive to use even
when
> panicked. It's very inexpensive and readily available (on-line at
> least) and is deliverable to most states (not NY). I generally carry
> two with me...one small one, the size of an asthma inhaler, in my
> pocket and a larger canister attached to my pack with velcro that is
> a quick reach away.
>
> I also have my cell phone hot keyed to 911 and readily available to
> call in an emergency. My phone also has a feature that allows it to
> be located via GPS when on line with 911.
>
> In addition, the graphite tip on most trekking poles is sharp and
> could be useful in case of an emergency. Overkill? Maybe, but better
> to take these simple precautions if going solo.
>
> In my opinion, anyone who hikes alone without some effort to protect
> themselves is taking too much of a risk, particularly in urban
areas.
> This has been said over and over on this list, but I think it's
> important to trust your gut and if something looks or feels wrong,or
> you find yourself getting into what I would call a "no-win"
situation
> whether it be an encounter with a strange person or threatening
> animal, or terrain or conditions beyond your capabilities, no
> letterbox is worth putting yourself in jeopardy.
>
> Linda a/k/a Alafair
>

I was staying out of it because I hike alone sometimes too (when
Heidi's working), but you mentioned 911, which is my profession...so
now I must comment.

Cell phone 911 is great provided you know EXACTLY where you are.
Services like cingular offer GPS enhancements but its not that easy,
because the responders need the GPS features to find you! Most of
them do NOT have GPS abilities....so what the dispatcher has is
coordinates and no way to use them. It is still a new feature and
who knows what will develop, but don't think that GOS means we're
nescessarily going to find you.

The best thing to do, as always, is to have a plan and stick to it.
Leave the plan with someone and tell them what time you plane to
return. If you're not back by a certain time, then they call in the
cavalry!

-Steve


> I also have my cell phone hot keyed to 911 and readily available
to
> call in an emergency. My phone also has a feature that allows it
to
> be located via GPS when on line with 911.