alone.
If you carry Pepper Spray, just keep in mind that Pepper Spray does not work
on all people. There are also different levels of the spray based on
capsaicin content. Some people seem immune from it, especially more common
in those with mental disabilities and those on drugs. I was a Police Officer
for 8.5 years in some of the rougher areas of Cincinnati and I have found
out first hand that it doesn't always work as planned. I also know of
officers that sprayed themselves because they didn't pay attention to the
wind direction, thankfully, they had close back up or it could have been
really ugly.
Also keep in mind that if you choose to use any type of weapon (walking
stick, taser, knife, gun, etc.) Be sure you know how to use it effectively
and safely and are committed to really using it before you make the attempt
with it. Otherwise, if you just use it as a threat, without being able to
'back up' the threat, or you don't make the first hit really effective, it
is much more likely that the attacker will take the weapon and use the
weapon on you. Especially if there are multiple attackers.
Cell phones are also excellent tools to have (& I always carry one), but
face it, response time of officers who have probably never been on the
trails would be slow at best, so just don't expect them to ride up like a
knight in shining armor :-) That being said, it would be to your benefit to
call 911 if you get in an uncomfortable situation, because the calls are all
recorded. Important things to tell them first are your specific location (of
course) and probably even what trails the officers would need to take at
intersections to get to you, also a specific description of the person that
has you worried. If God forbid, something should go badly, the police need
to know who to look for! Keep in mind holding a cell phone takes the use of
one of your hands unless you have a hands free headset.
Another option to have in your 'bag of tricks' is self defense training.
Several martial arts schools teach "women's self defense" courses. I
recommend Aikido, since strength is not a factor, however, practice is. I
would also recommend lots of practice of a few specific moves that you like.
What you need is the 'muscle memory' to do the move quickly without
thinking. Aikido has some very cool moves that you can learn, but I don't
know how receptive your particular area's dojo would be about teaching you
just a few moves. Most of the women's courses combine some Aikido moves with
punches and kicks.
Your best weapon is your own gut feelings and common sense. If you get a bad
feeling about someone or a situation... TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! You are
probably picking up on very subtle cues that your conscious mind doesn't
register. A large number of victims of violent crimes say that "they just
had a bad feeling" about the situation when there was still time to change
the outcome, but they chose to do nothing.
And lastly, if you should ever get into a serious situation, your mental
state of mind is very important. Taking deep breaths will keep you more calm
and keep telling your self that you WILL SURVIVE. If you give up, you are
done.
OK, stepping off my soap box. Can you tell self defense and preservation is
deeply ingrained in me? It just tears me up when people are hurt due to a
lack of knowledge about some simple self defense tips.
Stay safe out there!
Scoutdogs (Who regularly hikes with only a 4 legged companion or two... and
a black belt ... and sometimes Glock:-)
> From: "Alafair"
> Subject: Re: To People who Hike Alone (PAM)
>
> 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