This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to the
trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
river was practically dry.
Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the whistle
I've been meaning to get.
I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
places like this by myself.
I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
people into a bad situation.
Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
Bonnie
in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
P12 F26
P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were excellent,
and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
14 messages in this thread |
Started on 2002-07-06
MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: Bonnie Sennott (bsennott@crocker.com) |
Date: 2002-07-06 17:45:25 UTC-04:00
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: (ekofoto@aol.com) |
Date: 2002-07-06 17:59:57 UTC-04:00
A naked man (or woman for that matter) who causes you no harm or in any way
threatens you may simply be a narurist enjoying the same beauty you are...
Just a thought!!!
threatens you may simply be a narurist enjoying the same beauty you are...
Just a thought!!!
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: monotropa (bsennott@crocker.com) |
Date: 2002-07-06 22:09:55 UTC
First, if he was "just a naturist" why did he stand there staring and
make no reply when I called for help? Wouldn't a simple, "Sorry
to bother you--I'm just an innocent naturist!" or some other friendly
reply have been in order?
Second, I don't think nudity is allowed in Massachusetts state parks
and reservations, though perhaps I am wrong about that.
Third, I have run into skinny dippers hanging out in the buff at
waterfalls in other remote spots. They don't stare you down, for one
thing, or stand in the middle of hiking trails flaunting their nudity.
They hang out on rocks near the water, minding their own business.
And, as I said in my original post, there was very little water to
"dip" into, as the river is nearly dry.
And lastly, wouldn't the presence of other cars at the trailhead have
alerted this man that there were other hikers about, who most likely
would not expect nor appreciate seeing him naked?
If someone wants to frolic about naked in nature, let him or her do it
on his or her own private property and not on public hiking trails.
Bonnie
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., ekofoto@a... wrote:
> A naked man (or woman for that matter) who causes you no harm or in
any way
> threatens you may simply be a narurist enjoying the same beauty you
are...
> Just a thought!!!
make no reply when I called for help? Wouldn't a simple, "Sorry
to bother you--I'm just an innocent naturist!" or some other friendly
reply have been in order?
Second, I don't think nudity is allowed in Massachusetts state parks
and reservations, though perhaps I am wrong about that.
Third, I have run into skinny dippers hanging out in the buff at
waterfalls in other remote spots. They don't stare you down, for one
thing, or stand in the middle of hiking trails flaunting their nudity.
They hang out on rocks near the water, minding their own business.
And, as I said in my original post, there was very little water to
"dip" into, as the river is nearly dry.
And lastly, wouldn't the presence of other cars at the trailhead have
alerted this man that there were other hikers about, who most likely
would not expect nor appreciate seeing him naked?
If someone wants to frolic about naked in nature, let him or her do it
on his or her own private property and not on public hiking trails.
Bonnie
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., ekofoto@a... wrote:
> A naked man (or woman for that matter) who causes you no harm or in
any way
> threatens you may simply be a narurist enjoying the same beauty you
are...
> Just a thought!!!
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: (ekofoto@aol.com) |
Date: 2002-07-06 18:19:35 UTC-04:00
I'm sorry you had a bad experience, Bonnie... I for one would hope that it's
an isolated incedent for you and that you continue to enjoy letterboxing...
:) Kokopelli Paul
an isolated incedent for you and that you continue to enjoy letterboxing...
:) Kokopelli Paul
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: Gwen & Don Jackson (foxsecurity@earthlink.net) |
Date: 2002-07-06 15:33:02 UTC-07:00
Bonnie, I've not had this type of experience ,but I'm a firm believer in our
2 nd amendment . Don
----- Original Message -----
From: Bonnie Sennott
To:
Cc:
Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2002 2:45 PM
Subject: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
> This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
> pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to
the
> trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
> very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
> the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
> reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
> I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
> looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
> naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
> pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
> could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
> the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
> river was practically dry.
>
> Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
> there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
> the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
> so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the
whistle
> I've been meaning to get.
>
> I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
> the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
> message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
> don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
> love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
> places like this by myself.
>
> I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
> people into a bad situation.
>
> Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
> Bonnie
> in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> P12 F26
>
> P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
> describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
> brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were
excellent,
> and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
2 nd amendment . Don
----- Original Message -----
From: Bonnie Sennott
To:
Cc:
Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2002 2:45 PM
Subject: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
> This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
> pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to
the
> trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
> very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
> the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
> reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
> I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
> looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
> naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
> pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
> could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
> the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
> river was practically dry.
>
> Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
> there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
> the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
> so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the
whistle
> I've been meaning to get.
>
> I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
> the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
> message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
> don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
> love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
> places like this by myself.
>
> I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
> people into a bad situation.
>
> Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
> Bonnie
> in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> P12 F26
>
> P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
> describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
> brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were
excellent,
> and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
> List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
RE: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: (idltym@netscape.net) |
Date: 2002-07-06 19:03:45 UTC-04:00
Hi Bonnie,
I have not had this type of experience either, but believe the best thing to do is turn on your heel and get out of there. This person obviously wanted attention since he didn't leave when he saw you. Who knows what his motives were, maybe innocent, maybe not. I am a firm believer in not hiking alone. I have missed many opportunities to letterbox due to this, but I have been safe. Be alert out there.
And buy that whistle!
Kit
Bonnie Sennott wrote:
>This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
>pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to the
>trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
>very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
>the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
>reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
>I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
>looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
>naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
>pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
>could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
>the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
>river was practically dry.
>
>Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
>there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
>the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
>so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the whistle
>I've been meaning to get.
>
>I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
>the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
>message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
>don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
>love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
>places like this by myself.
>
>I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
>people into a bad situation.
>
>Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
>Bonnie
>in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
>P12 F26
>
>P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
>describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
>brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were excellent,
>and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
>
>
>
>To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
__________________________________________________________________
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I have not had this type of experience either, but believe the best thing to do is turn on your heel and get out of there. This person obviously wanted attention since he didn't leave when he saw you. Who knows what his motives were, maybe innocent, maybe not. I am a firm believer in not hiking alone. I have missed many opportunities to letterbox due to this, but I have been safe. Be alert out there.
And buy that whistle!
Kit
Bonnie Sennott
>This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
>pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to the
>trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
>very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
>the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
>reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
>I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
>looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
>naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
>pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
>could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
>the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
>river was practically dry.
>
>Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
>there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
>the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
>so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the whistle
>I've been meaning to get.
>
>I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
>the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
>message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
>don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
>love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
>places like this by myself.
>
>I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
>people into a bad situation.
>
>Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
>Bonnie
>in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
>P12 F26
>
>P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
>describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
>brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were excellent,
>and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
>
>
>
>To unsubscribe: mailto:letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>List info, archives, etc: http://www.letterboxing.org/list.html
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
__________________________________________________________________
Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: Susan/Erik Davis (davisarc@DavisVermont.com) |
Date: 2002-07-06 23:53:22 UTC-04:00
Thank you Bonnie,
for stepping up and sharing what must have been a heartstopping, hackle
goosebump, pit churning experience. Your personal radar appears to
be working quite well! So many things in life turn on a micro-edge
and the gods smiled upon you today. The whistle sounds like a good
idea since you will likely be in areas where someone could hear it.
I suggest that because your radar just got a massive tune-up that your
safety on the trails is probably greater than before this incident.
Being aware of things around you is a tricky thing when our senses just
want to relax and tune into beautiful natural settings.
We are only victims if we allow events to negatively change us.
My thoughts are with you this evening,
Susan
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: monotropa (bsennott@crocker.com) |
Date: 2002-07-07 12:37:29 UTC
Hi Susan, and thanks for your words! Yes, I do think I was lucky that
my "personal radar" was working well yesterday. I was busy reading
the clue for the second Bear's Den box, following the trail, and
considering if the tree up ahead might be the fallen one I was looking
for. But then something told me to turn around and look back, and
then I saw the guy. What if I hadn't had that "feeling" that I
wasn't alone?
What gives me the creeps is that only moments before I had been
sitting off trail at the stone wall, happily stamping in to Bear's Den
#1. It's quite likely that guy was watching me the whole time and
therefore knows about the letterbox. Which has my name in it,
unfortunately.
The thought has also crossed my mind that such a person--who wants to
stalk lone hikers in remote areas--could even be a subscriber to this
email list.
This reservation is only a couple of minutes from Route 2, a major
highway going from western Mass to Boston. So an attacker could be
quite far away very quickly.
Maybe I'm getting too paranoid here! But there are parks and forests
that are well traveled and visited--and then there are the remote
ones, like this one in New Salem. I think we should all be careful
about where we go when letterboxing alone. Maybe it's best to stick to
larger parks that have rangers.
Bonnie
P12 F26
my "personal radar" was working well yesterday. I was busy reading
the clue for the second Bear's Den box, following the trail, and
considering if the tree up ahead might be the fallen one I was looking
for. But then something told me to turn around and look back, and
then I saw the guy. What if I hadn't had that "feeling" that I
wasn't alone?
What gives me the creeps is that only moments before I had been
sitting off trail at the stone wall, happily stamping in to Bear's Den
#1. It's quite likely that guy was watching me the whole time and
therefore knows about the letterbox. Which has my name in it,
unfortunately.
The thought has also crossed my mind that such a person--who wants to
stalk lone hikers in remote areas--could even be a subscriber to this
email list.
This reservation is only a couple of minutes from Route 2, a major
highway going from western Mass to Boston. So an attacker could be
quite far away very quickly.
Maybe I'm getting too paranoid here! But there are parks and forests
that are well traveled and visited--and then there are the remote
ones, like this one in New Salem. I think we should all be careful
about where we go when letterboxing alone. Maybe it's best to stick to
larger parks that have rangers.
Bonnie
P12 F26
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: clemizzi (clemizzi@sprynet.com) |
Date: 2002-07-07 13:16:05 UTC
Bonnie:
I feel for your unease....Be prepared...Get that whistle....Carry a
walking stick...carry your cell phone....DO NOT PUT YOUR FULL NAME or
address in any notebook...This is a wonderful hobby and one that
should be able to be done "solo" but all hikes have some danger
whether it is from creeps or from creepers (roots in the trail). Like
everything in life, the danger must be balanced with the reward....or
we would sit in front of the TV all day and night....(and that is a
danger as well....humming all those ridiculous theme songs:-)))))
Good luck..
Clement & his 4 year old grandson (Jonathan)
I feel for your unease....Be prepared...Get that whistle....Carry a
walking stick...carry your cell phone....DO NOT PUT YOUR FULL NAME or
address in any notebook...This is a wonderful hobby and one that
should be able to be done "solo" but all hikes have some danger
whether it is from creeps or from creepers (roots in the trail). Like
everything in life, the danger must be balanced with the reward....or
we would sit in front of the TV all day and night....(and that is a
danger as well....humming all those ridiculous theme songs:-)))))
Good luck..
Clement & his 4 year old grandson (Jonathan)
Re: MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: btrplc2b (Btrplc2b@aol.com) |
Date: 2002-07-07 15:02:35 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@y..., Bonnie Sennott wrote:
> Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
> Bonnie
> in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> P12 F26
Dear Bonnie,
I'm sorry you had such a scary experience, but it sounds like your
instincts were sharp and you handled it well. I think I would have
been tempted to wait at the trailhead in my locked car to see if the
guy returned to a car so I could get his license # and report him.
Is there a Park authority you can report the incident to? Eventhough
it doesn't make your fear go away, it's helpful in case others have
reported similar experiences.
I do most of my hiking/letterboxing alone, or with several small
kids, which at times feels even more vulnerable than alone. I
believe we're no safer from the whackos of the world at our desks at
work 100 stories in the air or alone on a trail. It's important to
trust your instincts and walk, or run, away from anything that
doesn't feel just right. Although that's never a guarantee, I prefer
to go it alone when the alternative is not going.
I've driven away from shops when entering would mean walking down an
isolated street or through a dark lot, just as I've driven away from
trailheads when it doesn't feel right.
Just be careful and have lots more fun letterboxing!
Kathy (Ladybug)
Virginia
> Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
> Bonnie
> in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> P12 F26
Dear Bonnie,
I'm sorry you had such a scary experience, but it sounds like your
instincts were sharp and you handled it well. I think I would have
been tempted to wait at the trailhead in my locked car to see if the
guy returned to a car so I could get his license # and report him.
Is there a Park authority you can report the incident to? Eventhough
it doesn't make your fear go away, it's helpful in case others have
reported similar experiences.
I do most of my hiking/letterboxing alone, or with several small
kids, which at times feels even more vulnerable than alone. I
believe we're no safer from the whackos of the world at our desks at
work 100 stories in the air or alone on a trail. It's important to
trust your instincts and walk, or run, away from anything that
doesn't feel just right. Although that's never a guarantee, I prefer
to go it alone when the alternative is not going.
I've driven away from shops when entering would mean walking down an
isolated street or through a dark lot, just as I've driven away from
trailheads when it doesn't feel right.
Just be careful and have lots more fun letterboxing!
Kathy (Ladybug)
Virginia
Re: MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: isagobi (isagobi@gate.net) |
Date: 2002-07-07 22:16:28 UTC
I have gone letterboxing alone and always feel a little unsettled.
Howver, I now carry pepperspray in my hand just in case it is
needed. It can be very rewarding to be in nature alone, as long as
you stay alert for all animals, especially, the human kind!!!
-- In letterbox-usa@y..., "btrplc2b" wrote:
> --- In letterbox-usa@y..., Bonnie Sennott wrote:
> > Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
> >
> > Bonnie
> > in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> > P12 F26
>
> Dear Bonnie,
>
> I'm sorry you had such a scary experience, but it sounds like your
> instincts were sharp and you handled it well. I think I would have
> been tempted to wait at the trailhead in my locked car to see if
the
> guy returned to a car so I could get his license # and report him.
> Is there a Park authority you can report the incident to?
Eventhough
> it doesn't make your fear go away, it's helpful in case others have
> reported similar experiences.
>
> I do most of my hiking/letterboxing alone, or with several small
> kids, which at times feels even more vulnerable than alone. I
> believe we're no safer from the whackos of the world at our desks
at
> work 100 stories in the air or alone on a trail. It's important to
> trust your instincts and walk, or run, away from anything that
> doesn't feel just right. Although that's never a guarantee, I
prefer
> to go it alone when the alternative is not going.
>
> I've driven away from shops when entering would mean walking down
an
> isolated street or through a dark lot, just as I've driven away
from
> trailheads when it doesn't feel right.
>
> Just be careful and have lots more fun letterboxing!
>
> Kathy (Ladybug)
> Virginia
Howver, I now carry pepperspray in my hand just in case it is
needed. It can be very rewarding to be in nature alone, as long as
you stay alert for all animals, especially, the human kind!!!
-- In letterbox-usa@y..., "btrplc2b"
> --- In letterbox-usa@y..., Bonnie Sennott
> > Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
> >
> > Bonnie
> > in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
> > P12 F26
>
> Dear Bonnie,
>
> I'm sorry you had such a scary experience, but it sounds like your
> instincts were sharp and you handled it well. I think I would have
> been tempted to wait at the trailhead in my locked car to see if
the
> guy returned to a car so I could get his license # and report him.
> Is there a Park authority you can report the incident to?
Eventhough
> it doesn't make your fear go away, it's helpful in case others have
> reported similar experiences.
>
> I do most of my hiking/letterboxing alone, or with several small
> kids, which at times feels even more vulnerable than alone. I
> believe we're no safer from the whackos of the world at our desks
at
> work 100 stories in the air or alone on a trail. It's important to
> trust your instincts and walk, or run, away from anything that
> doesn't feel just right. Although that's never a guarantee, I
prefer
> to go it alone when the alternative is not going.
>
> I've driven away from shops when entering would mean walking down
an
> isolated street or through a dark lot, just as I've driven away
from
> trailheads when it doesn't feel right.
>
> Just be careful and have lots more fun letterboxing!
>
> Kathy (Ladybug)
> Virginia
Re: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: Judi (Judi@SpaceFamily.net) |
Date: 2002-07-07 22:14:07 UTC-04:00
While not trying to make light of your situation (I would have
been pretty scared too). The fact that he was naked left him rather defenseless
in certain areas, and a well aimed rock or kick would have done some damage if
necessary!
Judi
----- Original Message -----From: idltym@netscape.netSent: Saturday, July 06, 2002 7:03 PMSubject: RE: [LbNA] MA--Bad Letterboxing ExperienceHi Bonnie,
I have not had this type of experience either, but believe the best thing to do is turn on your heel and get out of there. This person obviously wanted attention since he didn't leave when he saw you. Who knows what his motives were, maybe innocent, maybe not. I am a firm believer in not hiking alone. I have missed many opportunities to letterbox due to this, but I have been safe. Be alert out there.
And buy that whistle!
Kit
Bonnie Sennott <bsennott@crocker.com> wrote:
>This afternoon I found the Bear's Den #1 box in New Salem, Mass. It was a
>pleasant setting, very peaceful, and after I stamped in and returned to the
>trail to search for Bear's Den box #2, I suddenly felt I was not alone--a
>very creepy feeling. I turned around and saw a naked man further back on
>the trail. Now, I know I was not the only person at this
>reservation--there were two bicycles and two cars parked at the trailhead.
>I stopped in my tracks to see what he would do and he just stood there,
>looking my way but not advancing. So I started yelling "Help! There's a
>naked man at the river!" A fewsecond later I saw him, now carrying blue
>pants, sprinting uphill into the woods (where, I suddenly realized, he
>could have a nice view down onto the trail and watch anyone hiking along
>the river). I doubt very much that he was merely skinny dipping, since the
>river was practically dry.
>
>Since nobody returned my calls for help, I decided I'd better get out of
>there. I have never felt so completely alone and vulnerable. How I wished
>the trail wasn't so rocky, hilly, and full of tree roots--you can only go
>so fast on that kind of terrain! I also wished I had purchased the whistle
>I've been meaning to get.
>
>I've been letterboxing since its very beginnings, often alone, and this is
>the first bad experience I have had. I know Jay Drew recently posted a
>message urging hikers/letterboxers not to go out alone. At the moment, I
>don't know what to think. I have a very strong Thoreauish streak in me--I
>love to get away and hike alone. I hate to think I can't go to beautiful
>places like this by myself.
>
>I also hate the thought that some of the boxes I have hidden might lead
>people into a bad situation.
>
>Has anyone else had this kind of experience? What did you do?
>
>Bonnie
>in cricket-and-firefly Massachusetts
>P12 F26
>
>P.S. Bob and Ginger--FYI, the Trustees of the Reservation sign, which you
>describe as "only a couple of fragments" has been replaced. There's a
>brand-new sign and it's very easy to spot. Your directions were excellent,
>and the stamp is absolutely beautiful.
>
>
>
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>
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Re: MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: wandaandpete (wandaandpete@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2002-07-09 20:33:31 UTC
As usual, I'm a little late here with my response - since I'm almost
always out walking instead of sitting in front of a computer screen!-
but I did want to say that probably the best advice I've ever gotten
regarding all my solo hiking and adventuring (over 20,000 miles of
solo long-distance backpacking in the 1980's, and some 50,000 miles
of solo hiking overall!), was to stand my ground and not show fear.
I know that probably sounds easier said than done, and you might find
yourself shaking afterwards, but it has worked for me in situations
ranging from being stalked in the Pacific Cascades by a man who
thought he was a grizzly bear, to almost being attacked in the Mojave
Desert by a man who claimed to be Satan Himself! Coming across the
occasional naked man on the Appalachian Trail has been rather mild by
comparison - just ask him to put his clothes on and move along -
unless, of course, it happens to be the annual specially designated
"clothing optional" AT hiking day that I have heard tales of in
recent years ( probably best to simply avoid the trail on that day!)
Anyway, instead of panicking or running, which may evoke a "chase"
response, a firm stand usually seems to work best against all but
the most vicious, aggressive, or psychotic of the bunch, and with
those types - like my MOTHER! - you wouldn't have a chance anyway!
Now, not to make light of anything, but THAT is the sort of insanity
that one should REALLY wish to never have to come up against!!!
Best wishes and keep on hiking!
Wanda
always out walking instead of sitting in front of a computer screen!-
but I did want to say that probably the best advice I've ever gotten
regarding all my solo hiking and adventuring (over 20,000 miles of
solo long-distance backpacking in the 1980's, and some 50,000 miles
of solo hiking overall!), was to stand my ground and not show fear.
I know that probably sounds easier said than done, and you might find
yourself shaking afterwards, but it has worked for me in situations
ranging from being stalked in the Pacific Cascades by a man who
thought he was a grizzly bear, to almost being attacked in the Mojave
Desert by a man who claimed to be Satan Himself! Coming across the
occasional naked man on the Appalachian Trail has been rather mild by
comparison - just ask him to put his clothes on and move along -
unless, of course, it happens to be the annual specially designated
"clothing optional" AT hiking day that I have heard tales of in
recent years ( probably best to simply avoid the trail on that day!)
Anyway, instead of panicking or running, which may evoke a "chase"
response, a firm stand usually seems to work best against all but
the most vicious, aggressive, or psychotic of the bunch, and with
those types - like my MOTHER! - you wouldn't have a chance anyway!
Now, not to make light of anything, but THAT is the sort of insanity
that one should REALLY wish to never have to come up against!!!
Best wishes and keep on hiking!
Wanda
Re: MA--Bad Letterboxing Experience
From: wandaandpete (wandaandpete@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2002-07-11 14:55:32 UTC
All we're saying is that there are some TRULY TOXIC situations out
there that probably could NOT be "stood up to", so please be ware
of "flying monkeys", "wicked witches", and other possible pitfalls
as you make your way along the Yellow Brick Road!
By the way, in addition to the journey to OZ, we recently enjoyed our
cruise along the East Bay Bike Path, and are glad to see that there
are now at least 3 areas in little old RI that have a DOZEN or more
boxes - Burlingame, Carolina(Richmond), and now the East Bay- Hurray!
Cheers and Happy Boxing to all!
Wanda and Pete
there that probably could NOT be "stood up to", so please be ware
of "flying monkeys", "wicked witches", and other possible pitfalls
as you make your way along the Yellow Brick Road!
By the way, in addition to the journey to OZ, we recently enjoyed our
cruise along the East Bay Bike Path, and are glad to see that there
are now at least 3 areas in little old RI that have a DOZEN or more
boxes - Burlingame, Carolina(Richmond), and now the East Bay- Hurray!
Cheers and Happy Boxing to all!
Wanda and Pete