Using an unfamiliar computer and i think i just accidentally sent a
reply to the list that was nothing but the digest quoted, and my
professional work sigfile appended. Please accept my sheepish
apologies!

My intent was to respond about letterboxing alone, and to concur with
those who advocate caution, preparedness, and commonsensical
decision-making rather than a blanket "never go alone" policy.

Nearly all the boxes i've found i've found alone, and I love the
solitary exploration and discovery of those types of hikes. I have
also foregone searching alone for boxes in places that seemed too
remote, unfamiliar, poorly-mapped, or otherwise dangerous--for
example, one box i was seeking was in a park where someone had defaced
the posted trail maps beyond readability, another was in a forest
marked with signs warning against mountain lions and coyotes. Neither
boxhunt was important enough for me to heedlessly press on despite the
risks.

I'm sorry to hear that the woman in question had such a terrifying and
dangerous experience, and I hope she learns from it and makes better
decisions about her next box-search, rather than simply giving up the
hobby as a result!

Ladybee