i am curious to know if anyone has ever been harassed or attacked on the trail?
i plan to do a lot of solo backpacking and wonder what are the chances of running into an a**hole on the trail. once while fishing in dover TN. just outside Ft Campbell with 2 army buddies some local boys, about seven of them showed up. they started helping themselves to our beer and going thru our tackle boxes. then a truck pulls up and a huge drunk redneck gets out and body slams by buddy into some rocks, then smacked my other buddy. they did not like soldiers. i thought best to get our stuff and leave. i got all our stuff into my buddies car and helped them get to the car to. then the big guy started with me. i wrestled him briefly then ran for my fishing pole and then to my car, but the big redneck got in between me and my car. we eyeballed eachother then i thought to do what he would not expect from a 5"7" 125lb guy, i charged him, got a running start and gave him a precision front kick to the groin. he stopped, did not move, sounded like he was trying to catch his breath. i would not be surprised if he has erectile disfuction now, i really nailed him and being a green belt in taekwon doe and having strong legs from running 20 miles a week was not to his advantage. we got back to the barracks with only a few bruises and all of our beer and our gear.
there must be places were harrassment happens more often than others, i was just wondering were to be extra cautious.

If you were packing the story would be different. 1 shot, center mass, dial 911 for the coroner.

There needs to be a no category, or else 100% of the respondents will have been harassed or attacked on the trail.

i just emailed attroll to see if he could change or delete the poll. i have been runing in and out trying to keep up with shoveling snow before it gets to deep.
i forgot the option of "i have never been harassed". i can edit a post but not a poll.

Thanks AT Troll.

I solo almost exclusively and have never been harrassed, except maybe from gear heads. It could be because I'm a big guy, 240 lbs, 5'11". I've come acrooss plenty of rude people, but never been harrassed.

ditto greg - I have not been harassed by _people_ on the trail but then I am 6'2" and built like a hog

_dogs_ on the other hand ... well its one of the reasons I use trekking poles

You forgot the "I have been mudered" option... ;)

You really think anyone is going to answer "_I_ have been raped"??? Sorry, but that selection is seriously flawed, just as some of the other problems pointed out already.

Poll's not a bad idea, just go back to the drawing board.

:-?

Most everyone I have met on the trail were helpful and friendly. Most would reply when you greeted them, and a few would stop and chat for a bit. I only ran across one guy who walked right past without acknowledging me when I said "Hi", which I thought was rude but whatever. I'm a big guy too, but I would expect anyone would be okay hiking solo judging from the people I met. The law of averages is that eventually you will run across someone having a bad day or who is just an a**hole, and then the best thing to do would be just to ignore them and walk away.

I think hikers for the most part are eager to help one another, and on my 10 day hike I had one guy filter water for me (my partner was ahead somewhere and had my filter), one guy got a map out and started talking to us about the upcoming section we were about to hike showing us features on his map, and several offered us various things from hot tea, to food, to stove fuel.

I gave the guy who filtered water for me a Payday candy bar, and at the end of my hike I gave a couple sharing the shelter with us some firestarter sticks I had carried the whole trip and didn't use (it was raining cats and dogs - I'm sure they got used in the following days if they had a fire at all).

It needs an option for ASSAULTED BY MICE :bse

It needs an option for ASSAULTED BY MICE :bse
Where I went this spring it was accosted by millipedes!

No harassment so far except for unpleasant dogs owned by inconsiderate people. Which is too bad because I like dogs.

As close as I've come to getting harassed is verbally by other hikers. Not directly, but there is a lot of self righteousness on the trail with what the proper way to hike is. I generally wouldn't tell people the distance I was hiking during the day. At a shelter, they'd down anyone that was hiking more than 12 or 15 miles a day, figuring that everyone around them thought the same. Brian Robinson and Silver Girl were catching a lot of flack in the trail registers this summer, because they chose to hike 25 a day rather than the 15 that the loudmouths thought right.

This really was one of the more depressing aspects of the hiking the AT. It seemed that people were giving lip service to the idea of HYOH, without really believing in it. My completely unscientific estimate was that somewhere around 20% of the thru or long section hikers I ran into fell into this category. Interestingly enough, I never met a self righteous weekender. Of course, people putting in big miles can down those who chose to hike fewer miles. I didn't meet any of them, mostly because I only ran with two bigger mile hikers this summer, and they were really relaxed about everything.

This really was one of the more depressing aspects of the hiking the AT. It seemed that people were giving lip service to the idea of HYOH, without really believing in it. My completely unscientific estimate was that somewhere around 20% of the thru or long section hikers I ran into fell into this category. Interestingly enough, I never met a self righteous weekender. Of course, people putting in big miles can down those who chose to hike fewer miles. I didn't meet any of them, mostly because I only ran with two bigger mile hikers this summer, and they were really relaxed about everything.

Some folks on the AT who hiked 10 miles a day would complain that anyone hiking faster or farther than them must be missing out on an awful lot. Similarly, some folks who hiked 15 miles a day were certain that anyone hiking 20 miles a day couldn't possibly be enjoying themselves.

This kind of dialogue was very common in 2000, and I imagine it persists today. I found that you could enjoy yourself regardless of how many miles you hiked, although, for a good stretch, I didn't feel I'd put in a full day if I hiked less than 20 miles.

In regard to what Chris wrote, and as a rookie in hiking and hiking forums, I'll have to say that has been the most surprising thing that I've noticed. I have read that quite a few like to talk about doing big miles and that those who don't are somehow not worthy of respect; conversely, others like to talk about doing low miles and that those who don't somehow are speeding through and not properly enjoying the trail.

I had always assumed that the goal was simply to enjoy hiking regardless of how fast or how slowly one might hike. Personally, when I finally get out of this damned office to start my Springer-Hot Springs section this May, some days I might walk 5 miles, some I might do 20, but regardless of how many, I'm going to do it my way and enjoy every step of the way. Maybe if I'm asked how many miles I did, I'll say "exactly how many I wanted, no more and no less."

At least that's my take on it. And I'm probably preaching to the choir, but I wanted to say it anyway.

In regard to what Chris wrote, and as a rookie in hiking and hiking forums, I'll have to say that has been the most surprising thing that I've noticed. I have read that quite a few like to talk about doing big miles and that those who don't are somehow not worthy of respect; conversely, others like to talk about doing low miles and that those who don't somehow are speeding through and not properly enjoying the trail.

I had always assumed that the goal was simply to enjoy hiking regardless of how fast or how slowly one might hike. Personally, when I finally get out of this damned office to start my Springer-Hot Springs section this May, some days I might walk 5 miles, some I might do 20, but regardless of how many, I'm going to do it my way and enjoy every step of the way. Maybe if I'm asked how many miles I did, I'll say "exactly how many I wanted, no more and no less."

At least that's my take on it. And I'm probably preaching to the choir, but I wanted to say it anyway.

I think that this is a good attitude to have. With the mileage question, I usually just say where I camped the night before.

I had always assumed that the goal was simply to enjoy hiking regardless of how fast or how slowly one might hike. Personally, when I finally get out of this damned office to start my Springer-Hot Springs section this May, some days I might walk 5 miles, some I might do 20, but regardless of how many, I'm going to do it my way and enjoy every step of the way. Maybe if I'm asked how many miles I did, I'll say "exactly how many I wanted, no more and no less."


Amen Brother.

Mileage on the trail is like religion. It's a touchy subject, and it's best to just keep your mileage/religion to yourself rather than announce it. I have to say I was pretty annoyed with the high-mileage braggards more than the "let's slow down and enjoy the trail" though. But I can see how anyone critizing you is annoying.

Gravity

I have read that quite a few like to talk about doing big miles and that those who don't are somehow not worthy of respect; conversely, others like to talk about doing low miles and that those who don't somehow are speeding through and not properly enjoying the trail.



One of the folks I admired most was a fellow I met in 2000 with a trailname of Slow Geo (pronounced Slow Joe). He was from Boston, MA. When I first me him down south, he was slow, heavy, and snored like a chainsaw. I last saw him at the Partnership Shelter.

Well, he kept trudging along, lost perhaps 75 pounds, and decided to skip a bunch of miles to get up to New England. I think I met him again in Maine.

I was impressed because he was determined to enjoy himself, and was clearly doing so. He wasn't worried about passing every blaze, how fast or far he went, or anything like that. He just wanted to get to Maine - one way or another. He was a sweetheart of a guy.

Days Mileage.

I think some folks are getting overly sensitive on this. I meant when you show up at a shelter, it's kind of polite to have a little 'small talk' and who you are, how far you hiked, where you hiking to, etc are the kind of things that hikers talk about. I don't think people mean it as so much as a contest or insult... and us slow hikers use the excuse that if you hike faster than us that you are missing everything as a way to kind of 'save face' for the fact that we can't hike as fast/far as you. It really don't amount to much, its just something to talk about when nothing out of the ordinary happened on the trail that day.

Youngblood

I saw this news earlier today about a guy attached while hiking in Colorado. Personally I've never had any problems.

http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2004/11/10/news/regional/6008c66335617eca87256f470060c205.txt

I saw this news earlier today about a guy attached while hiking in Colorado. Personally I've never had any problems.

http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2004/11/10/news/regional/6008c66335617eca87256f470060c205.txt

That area aint exactly in the woods. Its more like a city park.

Gravity

Never had a serious enough problem on the A.T. to call it harassment. Closest thing I've witnessed were two consecutive nights some full-of-themselves ultralighters without tents or tarps who showed up at a full shelter and expected those inside to leave so they could use their space. But I tent anyway so it didn't affect me personally.

Night #1: The ultralighters were successful in evicting the naive first-come shelter inhabitants.

Night #2: A different group of shelter inhabitants stood their ground, and the ultralighters learned a cruel lesson: ALWAYS CARRY SOME KIND OF PORTABLE SHELTER.

This year on my thru hike on the AT, my hiking partner and myself had just finished a 24-mile day and ended up at Jennie Knob Shelter. The water source was really bad. Stacy decided to walked a 1/2 mile down to where the water was better. On the way, she ran into this guy who was carrying a pistol. (He was not a hunter and no firearms are allowed in this area) He asked her if she was alone. She told him she was with someone back at the shelter. I was in the shelter in the corner when he walked up. The guy did a quick look into the shelter and did not see me. He had noticed Stacy's underwear hanging on a line and walked up to it and just stood there looking at it. After about a minute, he then turned around and started to head back down toward Stacy. He then saw me and knew that I saw him checking out her underwear. This guy had one very wild, mean look on his face, no shirt and army pants. He asked me if Stacy was with me. A few minutes later Stacy figuring she would be safer with me came back. This guy would stand there and be looking her up and down and staring at her breasts. At 1st he was talking about the area, but then he started telling us that people have been murdered in this shelter. (Which he was wrong) The longer he stayed the worst it got. He would look at me and snarl. He would clinch his teeth and just stare at me. I'm a self-defense instructor who has worked with law enforcement teaching police officers how to disarm a suspect. However, in the real world and out there that day, I knew that if I went for the pistol there was just a good of a chance that both Stacy and myself would be shot. However, on the other hand I had to make a decision that I might end up having to take his life. Then for reasons unknown to us, he took off. A few minutes later, more hikers came in. I did report it the Forest rangers who informed me that this guy fit a profile of a guy they were looking for. He also told me I was lucky. Something I already knew..

I don't know that this is particularly pertinent, but personal protect on the trail does come up from time to time (as it should). We hear different viewpoints ranging to 'you should be able to avoid problems' to 'carry a firearm'. Well, I recall a community near me that passed a law about twenty years ago that generated a lot of attention at the time... here is a link to it:
http://www.kennesaw.ga.us/CodeOfOrdinances.aspx . I don't recall hearing much about it after the initial shock wore off.

Youngblood

I don't know that this is particularly pertinent, but personal protect on the trail does come up from time to time (as it should). We hear different viewpoints ranging to 'you should be able to avoid problems' to 'carry a firearm'. Well, I recall a community near me that passed a law about twenty years ago that generated a lot of attention at the time... here is a link to it:
http://www.kennesaw.ga.us/CodeOfOrdinances.aspx . I don't recall hearing much about it after the initial shock wore off.

Youngblood

I have In-Laws who live there. They don't own firearms. No big deal.

Kennesaw has become a big suburb in the last 20 years, with subdivisions packed in like sardines. In fact, the Kennesaw Municipal Planner (if they even have one) must have been an engineer in a sardine canning factory in his previous career.

Any remaining forest cover in that area (in the entire Metro Atlanta area for that matter - except Doraville :D) isn't long for this world.

Considering the development patterns and the population density of the area, any reasonable politician would repeal the law. In other words, I'm sure its here to stay.

This year on my thru hike on the AT, my hiking partner and myself had just finished a 24-mile day and ended up at Jennie Knob Shelter...

Wow Glee! What state & National Forest was that in?

Jenny Knob shelter is about 12 miles north of the Bland,Va. road crossing. Jefferson National forest.

well I recall a feller named trixy in 2000 who was verbally attacking me after I threaten to beat him up for scaring alot of women who were hiking the trail I do try to be nice every now again kentucky:D

That area aint exactly in the woods. Its more like a city park.
http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/ext/dpt/comm_res/openspac/mawmp.htm
http://mappoint.msn.com/(o05ltcftda5gqw45weldto45)/map.aspx?L=USA&C=39.65113%2c-105.19373&A=41.56667&P=|56BD2|&TI=Morrison%2c+Colorado%2c+United+States

Personally, I don't give a tinker's damn how far you (the you is subjective, not personal) hiked today yesterday or tomorrow. It's all I can do to keep up with how far I hiked today. Who cares about yesterday, it's history; and who knows about tomorrow, it ain't here yet.

Also, being physically imposing and snoring like...like..well, like a hacksaw with the volume knob on mega 10, I don't even get harassed by bears, just the occasional Lion King, and he don't really count! ;)

Hacksaw

I've been harrassed, but only by people's "well-trained" dogs

I am beginning to appreciate LW's label for you more and more...:rolleyes:

The only time I was verbally harassed in 7 years of section hiking was at a shelter between Fontana Dam and Wesser, forgot which one. An old man a younger guy, the old man didn't like my pack, the younger, very nervous. I didn't see their packs and they had some water in ziplock baggies ( a clue, even for a dummy like me). Quite verbally aggressive, I think they wanted us to leave the shelter area, which we did. Informed other hikers we met of there presence. I don't think they were hikers, I think they were just a couple of a**holes running from something or somebody. From my experience, most hikers are the friendly sorts, glad to be one of them.

You are much more likely to harassed on this web site than on the trail. All the crazies are here. That's why it is so safe on the trail.

Panzer

In twelve years of section hiking, I've never come face to face with a dangerous or harassing situation. Unfortunately, my car has not been so lucky. At the James River crossing in Virginia, someone stuck a knife in all four tires and jumped up and down on the hood, caving it in. Could have been worse. It could have happened the night I slept in it, waiting for a shuttle.

The only problem I had on my thru-hike was with dogs. I was bitten in Erwin. I tried to run the little mutt down but couldn't catch him. I reported it at the local police station and they said they had a number of complaints about that dog but didn't know who it belonged to. About 10 times people were out with there dogs on the trail and the dogs had wandered ahead of there owners and the dogs took the offensive I usually grabed a rock. The dog owners were always outraged but I told them that if there dog tried to bite me I would defend myself and probably injur or kill there dog to protect myself. Just before the Priest shelter in Virginia I came upon about 4 large dogs who came at me growling and showing there teeth. I starting throwing rocks at one and yelling at them and they took off. While hiking though the Shenandoah park a family was out for a walk with a german shepard on a leash. As I walked past the dog lunged at me and tried to bite me. They said they were very sorry. Scared the hell out of me. I never used a hiking stick or pole but before I would get to a road to walk into town I always would pick up a stick just in case. The guys I hiked with said I would be a great to use to train attack dogs for the police. A thru-hiker named Howard hiked with a small loud dog named Max. I always avoided the shelter if he was around. The little dog would bark and snap at every one. Another hikers dog was a very friendly dog whick took a piss on my sleeping bag. Don't get me wrong I love dogs and met some nice ones on the trail but over 50 percent of my dog encounter were not friendly. While walking into Rangeley a large dog came out of its yard and crossed the street and came at me. The owner was in the yard and said he doesn't bite. I picked up a large rock and yelled at the guy that he better come get his dog and that if he tries to bite me he going to get a rock. The guy yelled at me as he called his dog. THESE are just some of my dog encounters while thru-hiking. A large dog can seriously injur you in just a few senconds and end your hike.

I think we've already determined that dogs are to be considered wild animals while on the trail. Treat them as you would any wild animal with the potential to cause you harm. I've been harassed by dogs on the trail too....but I think this thread is about harassment from humans.

I've no first hand knowledge, but there are places that are notoriously 'anti-hiker' aren't there? I know I've read about some on this site, just can't remember any specifics. Something about fishing hooks strung across the trail, strange pickup trucks ariving in the night...hmm.:(

I am 5'11", 135lbs, gay, tattooed, pierced, and hike in a skirt and have never been harassed, beaten up, threatened, picked on, or in any other way made to feel uncomfortable on the trail.

I have, however, met some great people on the trail, been offered free meals and places to stay from people who live along the trail, hitched rides from good ole boys in pick up trucks with gun racks in the rear view mirror, and had a little old lady stop her car when she saw me on the side of the road and give me a sandwich (she said I looked like I needed to eat). I would have to say that the people I have encountered on and around the AT have been some of the friendliest, most courteous, most tolerant, nicest, and all around best people I have ever run into. And I haven't even quite finished the Southern half of the trail yet.

Now turn me loose in a "liberal", "cosmopolitan", "tolerant" city like Seattle and I wind up getting harassed all the time, eh, go figure?

"Why is it, while driving on the interstate, everyone going slower than you is an a**hole, and everyone going faster than you is a maniac"
George Carlin

Sounds like this applies to some hikers.

I've never had a problem on the trail, but I have been warry of a few.
If you don't "feel" right keep moving.
pete

I was attacked by wild dogs in Tennessee, deep in the woods, minding my own business. I turned a corner in the Trail, and suddenly these dogs were rushing straight at me, barking and snarling. I had no hiking stick, but luckily there was a large branch lying on the ground next to me, I reached down, picked it up and swung it at the attackers just as they were virtually upon me. An ungodly roar emanated from my throat (I had no idea I could make that kind of sound). With that, the dogs retreated up the Trail, tails between their legs.

But later, encamped in the woods, I spotted one of the dogs (a coon hound, I think) peering at my tent thru the underbrush at nightfall. To say that it was unsettling is a bit of an understatement.

Two farm dogs off on a spree? I have no idea. But it made me think more seriously about carrying a hiking staff.

I was attacked by a dog the other day running. I balled up a fist and tagged him right on the nose while the owner yelled from his porch. Should of had them on a leash or in a fence.

I am 5'11", 135lbs, gay, tattooed, pierced, and hike in a skirt and have never been harassed, beaten up, threatened, picked on, or in any other way made to feel uncomfortable on the trail. . . . Now turn me loose in a "liberal", "cosmopolitan", "tolerant" city like Seattle and I wind up getting harassed all the time, eh, go figure?

One of the best posts here, sums it up very well. The AT is a place the rest of the world could learn a lot from.

That if you intentionally let your dog run loose off your property, you are an $$$hole. Period, no argument.

Anyone know anything about the one poster that said they were raped?

The only time I have ever been harrassed on the trail was when I took my wife:D

I'm not sure if the name of the book is Walking Home but I think it is??? Anyway, the woman who wrote it said she was attacked just off a main road on the AT. She had just crossed a main road and there were a few boys in a pickup that were parked on the side of the road and they began to harrass her. Eventually, she heard them behind her once she got up the trail. If I'm remembering correctly, she had to run off the trail with her pack and hid in a pine thicket.

Of course, when my mom read this book she freaked!!!
OJ

Even though I've never been harrassed on the trail, I've been harrassed plenty elsewhere. When this happens I just scream, "I have AIDS, and I will spit on you!!!". I don't have aids, and even if I did, my spit would do squat, but it usually slows up the dimwits long enough for me to run away.

Surely it can't be a coincedence, but I have been hiking for almost 20 years now and I have never had a single bad incident. It took twenty years just to see a bear on the trail (this year). I have never had any encounters with bad/mean dogs, mean/cruel people, guns, knives, whips, chains, nothing. I can't explain it, but I always stay alert anyway.

35 years of hiking. Most of it solo. Nobody has bothered me yet. Probably because I look so mean!!!

never had a problem on the AT. have met a lot of really good people there.

the national forest place where i go locally has a lot of horseback riders on weekends. i ride too, and most horse people are really good folks... but one time a few months back, i was overtaken by three drunk riders... not just "drinking having a good time" drunks, but "mean, foul mouthed, had way too much to drink i was worried they wouldn't make it home" drunks... anyway, after yelling unpleasantries, one of them deliberately tried to run me down... fortunately, he was coming up from the back of the line, and yelled while charging, and i had time to turn and face him... he pulled off at the last second, and his mount (a mule, actually) probably wouldn't have actually run over me (the animals weren't mean, just the riders). but i was scared just the same... he laughed and rode on by. i stepped further off the road and let them all go by, then disappeared into the woods for a snack and read for a half hour or so, letting them get way ahead of me...

have had a couple campers give me the creeps in public campgrounds before too, which is one of the reasons i mostly stealth camp out in the middle of nowhere...

There was a violent gang rape that occurred on the Appalachian trail to 4 female hikers back in 1978. If you read the 2005 July/August issue of AT Journeys, one of 4 hikers wrote an article about it, and the thru hike she completed since then. Rapes are very rare on the AT, but they have occured, (though you will rarely find any mention of them.)

nellplucy

I've been harrassed/attacked several times, only by DOGS (with owners who said they are usually well behaved).

I'm not sure if the name of the book is Walking Home but I think it is??? Anyway, the woman who wrote it said she was attacked just off a main road on the AT. She had just crossed a main road and there were a few boys in a pickup that were parked on the side of the road and they began to harrass her. Eventually, she heard them behind her once she got up the trail. If I'm remembering correctly, she had to run off the trail with her pack and hid in a pine thicket.
OJ
The book is "Walking Home" by Kelly Winters (2001); ISBN 1-55583-658-5

She outran them. She had intented to hide in the trees, when she came over the next ridge, but when she reached the top, there wasn't a tree in sight. It happened at the bottom of the north side of Roan Mountain, where the trail crosses a road in the gap. (pp. 126-128)

Most of my experience with people on and along the trail has been wonderful. However, I met a few fellows in my earlier years that thought a woman hiking alone was fair game for some pretty physical sexual harassment (can't remember where I buried the bodies :D).

Lately I've encountered a new form of harassment. I have a serious injury and have to hike using two metal off-set canes for safety's sake. A handful of people - some of them experienced hikers - have made statements to the effect that I have no business hiking. The only legitimate point I've heard was someone being concerned I might have to be rescued and therefore put someone else at risk for harm after seeing the canes. I wouldn't be out there if I had any doubts about my ability to get from point A to point B without a rescue. The canes are to keep my from falling due to balance and one-side weaknes issues.

One of the folks I admired most was a fellow I met in 2000 with a trailname of Slow Geo (pronounced Slow Joe). He was from Boston, MA. When I first me him down south, he was slow, heavy, and snored like a chainsaw. I last saw him at the Partnership Shelter.

Well, he kept trudging along, lost perhaps 75 pounds, and decided to skip a bunch of miles to get up to New England. I think I met him again in Maine.

I was impressed because he was determined to enjoy himself, and was clearly doing so. He wasn't worried about passing every blaze, how fast or far he went, or anything like that. He just wanted to get to Maine - one way or another. He was a sweetheart of a guy. I MET SOMEONE LIKE THAT THIS SUMMER ALSO HIS TRAIL NAME WAS UHAUL HE WAS AWSOME I WAS HIS TRAIL ANGEL THAT MORNING HAD COOKED A BIG BREAKFAST THAT MORNING WAS CAMPING UP ON THE SKYLINE AND HE SAT ALL DAY AND TALKED AND WAS THE MOST FUN AND INTERESTING PERSON WISH I WAS DOING THE HIKE THIS YR INSTEAD OF NEXT HE WOULD HAVE MADE A GREAT HIKING PARTNER HE SHOULD JUST BE GETTING TO MA NOW

Most of my experience with people on and along the trail has been wonderful. However, I met a few fellows in my earlier years that thought a woman hiking alone was fair game for some pretty physical sexual harassment (can't remember where I buried the bodies :D).

Lately I've encountered a new form of harassment. I have a serious injury and have to hike using two metal off-set canes for safety's sake. A handful of people - some of them experienced hikers - have made statements to the effect that I have no business hiking. The only legitimate point I've heard was someone being concerned I might have to be rescued and therefore put someone else at risk for harm after seeing the canes. I wouldn't be out there if I had any doubts about my ability to get from point A to point B without a rescue. The canes are to keep my from falling due to balance and one-side weaknes issues.
god, that is sad...

your decision to hike with a 'handicap' is just that... yours... ignorance amazes me sometimes... i don't see where you with your canes are any more of a risk to would-be rescuers than an over-eager, under-conditioned and inexperienced hiker carrying too heavy a load for too long on too-weak legs, spraining an ankle as the price for his ignorance... i think that given your experience, you are less of a risk...

i suppose that one-legged fellow doing the AT recently, i'm sorry to have forgotten his name, had no business on the AT either... and that guy who cut off his own arm after being stuck for several days shouldn't climb again... or that young girl who lost an arm to a shark attack shouldn't be surfing... maybe that photo of her on a young womens' magazine, stump and all, is too offensive... and that young man who lost an eye and pieces of his body to an IED explosion in Iraq shouldn't be allowed to go back, even though he wants to... or that one veteran who lost a leg and stayed on active duty AS A PARATROOPER... (he's reputed to have thrown his prosthetic limb at someone in the barracks who complained after a roadmarch about how sore his feet were). what about wheelchair hikers? blind hikers? the blind guy who made it up everest? the list goes on...

these people are my heros... my daughters are in awe of the surfer girl and her courage... that photo was incredible...

i'm sorry some out there don't understand...

but you keep hiking... and i hope i run into you someday...

... and that guy who cut off his own arm after being stuck for several days shouldn't climb again...


Well, he probably shouldn't (and if he learned his lesson won't) climb again without letting anyone know where he's going or when he's supposed to be back.

As for harassment, I got a hinky feeling about two hikers in 2000 as we were closing towards Franklin. I wasn't actually threatened in any way, but was weirded out enough to night hike away from that shelter and go to town.

And of course Baltimore Jack verbally and emotionally abuses me often.

I was verbally assaulted by at the 2003 Gathering early on Sunday morning by someone who shall remain nameless.

But ON the trail? Never really had a problem. Or maybe I did but didn't notice. I can be kind of clueless like that.

A friend and i were hiking in the White Mountains on an overnighter to stay in an old cabin. We had a hard time finding our way in the dark and rain and misleading trail signs, so on our way out the following day we added some accurate mileage, the name of the cabin and a large arrow to one misleading sign we had followed earlier.
During the tediously detailed pocket-knife carving my friend was making a woman, who was hiking with an infant on her back, said to us "Thats not very NICE" in a rather mean tone of voice.
You try to do something helpful and ignorant tourists still give you S

I had an incident in a state park about 12 years ago - it was a relatively flat trail that I used to power walk on (with my headphones on of course) - I didn't hear this guy and he grabbed from behind. Very bad scene. But one really good grap and twist and he's probably still singing soprano. I reported it but he was long gone by the time the cops got there.

Needless to say I don't walk with headphones on any more and I have really learned to trust my instincts when it comes to people and not base my first impression on outward
appearances.

I've read a ton of trail journals now and haven't seen a lot of physical harrassment mentioned - more along the lines of people lipping off.

The book is "Walking Home" by Kelly Winters (2001); ISBN 1-55583-658-5

She outran them. She had intented to hide in the trees, when she came over the next ridge, but when she reached the top, there wasn't a tree in sight. It happened at the bottom of the north side of Roan Mountain, where the trail crosses a road in the gap. (pp. 126-128)
Funny...

I remember reading that account by Amazing Grace (who sometimes posts here) but I did not remember where it was.

The only time I ever got scared on the trail was after being let out on 19E by Miss Janet last October in the late afternoon. I was headed north, and at the time I was wearing a hiking kilt.

About the time I was reaching the top of the first ridge, at the end of the old fields, I heard a 4 wheeler coming up the trail. I had the irresitable willies make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I found a small copse of trees on the far side of the ridge, out in a field and laid down among the trees, below the level of the weeds and brush.

A couple minutes later, the 4 wheeler got to the top of the ridge and rode back and forth about 3 times. Finally, the driver, a teenager or twentysomething drove over to the north side of the ridge and turned his machine off. He spent perhaps 15 mintues there, just looking around. Then he finally started the 4 wheeler back up and drove past me again and on to the hill to the south where the sound of his vehicle faded away.

I went on and hiked past the church and the settlement further down the trail. While I was working my way through the settlement, the same fellow on the 4 wheeler was making passes along the roads there. I hid out every time I saw his loud machine.

Finally, that evening, I camped somewhere past the second falls, about 14 miles out of Kincora.

I don't think I have ever had that kind of fear on the trail at any other time. Sometimes I do when walking alone in a big city. Whenever I do, I try to find a place with lots of other people. It might be silly of me, but I think that trusting instincts is better than ignoring them

I am a peace loving person, but dont let that fool you. If I am in any way attacked on the AT, not only will I beat the B-Jesus out of them, I am a first responder and I'll put them back together.

Nate:sun

I have never been any of the above. I've been verbally harassed while hitch hiking, and had people stop 50 yards down the road only to drive off when I ran up, huffing and puffing.
I've had people eyeballing my gear with lust in their eyes.
I've had to jump out of a pickup truck and grab my pack before the guy drove off with it (don't know if it was intentional - the guy was half in the bag).

On the trail???????

Maybe some posturing by local yahoos intent on monopolizing the shelter I intended to use. (I merely hiked on and tented out - if there's going to be any violence on the trail, the only way I'll be involved is if they chase me down and tackle me).

The "trail family" is generally very good at making sure, via sheer numbers, that violence on the trail as a rare exception in the life of the average hiker. (Of course, some guys ask for it, then complain when they get it) OK, where's that rolling eye, disgusted icon????? :rolleyes: (No, not that one)!:cool:

Well, Flyfisher, some folks just don't understand the joys of kilt wearing!

Commando under loose fitting shorts is the second best way. :p

Most of my experience with people on and along the trail has been wonderful. However, I met a few fellows in my earlier years that thought a woman hiking alone was fair game for some pretty physical sexual harassment (can't remember where I buried the bodies :D).

Lately I've encountered a new form of harassment. I have a serious injury and have to hike using two metal off-set canes for safety's sake. A handful of people - some of them experienced hikers - have made statements to the effect that I have no business hiking. The only legitimate point I've heard was someone being concerned I might have to be rescued and therefore put someone else at risk for harm after seeing the canes. I wouldn't be out there if I had any doubts about my ability to get from point A to point B without a rescue. The canes are to keep my from falling due to balance and one-side weaknes issues.

Hike on. Hike on.

i was physically and brutally attacked.......by a rooster.

in jersey i was outta water and oh so thirsty. when i reached a road i decided to walk a ways down it to see if i could find a house or something where i could fill up. well, i came to this vacant farm that looked really shady, as i sauntered up to the house to try the spigot (everything was a little too quiet for my liking) this rooster comes out of nowhere and starts squaking and flapping and screeching and pecking at my ankles. that s.o.b. ran me clear off the farm, trying to get me the whole time, but not before i gave him a couple of licks with my lekis....he was clearly the victor of that encounter though.

I tend to trust my instincts, be I on a street here in DC or out on a trail. Due to the rise in gangs in my area, I do carry a knife concealed in my belt-buckle (it's actually part of the buckle, and you'd never know it was there unless someone showed you, one of the more interesting purchases from West Virginia flee markets), in case of some real danger.
I have been followed home on numerous occasions, walking, and in my car around the DC area. If its not too late, I pop into the local pub around the corner, if its late and I'm walking, I get into my car when I get to my parking lot (luckily not numbered spots) and drive around until I loose them or I'm reasonably certain they've left the area. I have no idea why they follow me, I'm not very pretty, but I guess they think I look like easy pray.
On hikes I do wear my belt, but as yet have never even gotten the willies, much less thought about having to use the knife for any other reason but to cut some rope. However, better safe than sorry.
And I NEVER hike (or jog or walk) with headphones on.

My biggest fear is cubs and strained ankles - do we all travel with angels?

If you meet me, ask about the diddla. He hangs out in the Fontana area.

Anybody else that bothered me was a hiker, usually the kind thats sort of attaches themself to you and follows you for 100s of miles.

Plus drunken hikers in town.

I hope none of you gets attacked ever. Last week, there were 2 campers killed in the Ocala National Forest. The FL Trail goes thru there. I think they were attacked near the Juniper Springs Run. Scary! I've never been harrassed on the AT but I got nervous last march when I was day hiking down from Bigg Butt to Devil's Fork Gap. This fellow was coming toward me when I approached the shelter. He was well dressed, Western looking leather hat and nice shoes and he was calling my name (Maybe he was saying hey, but it sounded like Jay). He told me he was waiting for me at the shelter. He was hitching a ride to Hot Springs and he saw my car and decided to hike up and meet me at the shelter. He begged a ride and even offered to pay for it. I told him I wasn't going that way. He just struck me that something was wrong. He looked at the snow on my shoes and then told me he was going ahead and hike to Hot Springs over the Balds. Maybe I judged him wrongly, but, I scooted out of there and never saw him again. I was worried he would follow me. I've met lots of people on the AT but I got a bad feeling about him. I hope it wasn't one of you. If it was, please forgive me.

I've never been attacked or harrassed, but one night while tent camping with several others at the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter near Wesser, I thought I might be. A group of men came into the area shouting loudly about 3 AM, walking around the tents and shelter area, stomping around in the woods, and basically acting threatening. After about ten minutes of this, they finally left as quickly as they had come, leaving my group and the other group camped there wide awake and pretty frightened. I figure they were drunk, and since that area is not too far from the road, it was an easy place to stumble into.
I've also had "the feeling" several times in the past, where nothing in particular alarms you, yet your body has the sudden urge to flee the area as quickly as possible. I figure something that instinctive must be right , so I almost always listen to it.

10 years ago in may i started out from springer to begin a late thru hike to the big special k .amtrack to gainsvill,taxi to the park,.....walked to top and down to 42.camped first night. made dinner.hung food,...all going well.was reading the guide with a light stick........when......all of the sudden......the dog off in the distance that had been barking all eve..............suddenly broke free and was comming up the mountain.heart raceing,..i quick burried the light stick under the leaves.then the dog ,who i estimate started 1 or 2 miles away ....was about 100 yards away and charging in the pitch black when he stopped with a shriek and started yelping for his life.now about half an hour passed with me having a near heart attack and the dog slowly dieing. i guess he broke a leg and went into shok. now the dog was only yelping quietly and was about dead and so i walked over to where i thaught he was[im night blind]and it was to dark to go down the rocks to where the dog was so i clapped my hands and he would bark once and finnaly i couldnt make him bark cause he was dead.i cryed for the dog and days later in town i told the store owner if anybody lost a large dog on that night they should call me and i would try to tell them the place.next day i looked and it was so steep i didnt go down and i couldnt see the dog.

Perhaps I should have thought before replying since the item wasn't taken forcibly but rather sneakily by some other hikers. Then theft would be a better choice of words.

No body ever bothers me in the woods. Come to think of it No one will even sit by me in public if they have a choice! The funny thing is I have not hit anybody since grade school!!! Stay alert and look tough. Fake a cell phone call if you have to. Speak up and talk to that scary looking man. If he's really a hiker (and has all the usual hiking junk on his back) then he is probably ok. When I talk to my daughter about hiking trips she immediatly screams "what if you meet a serial killer???" I say then I'll give him cereal. Most nuts have to stay in the city, they can't stand solitude and silence.

Carry a large knife and a mean look. keep both visible at all times and no one will bother you... anywhere

Does having someone agressively ask you for food count as verbal harassment?

How about someone trying to convert you to their religous beliefs?

Does having a group throw a party at the shelter while you are trying to sleep count (I'm talking ported stereos that are set up in the shelter?

In which category does being bit by a dog fall?

Or having muddy footprints all over your gear?

etc.

Does having someone agressively ask you for food count as verbal harassment?

You mean like when Napolean Dynamite gets his tater tots stolen from him?

Where I went this spring it was accosted by millipedes!
how about daddy long legs????

I was abducted by aliens.....they beat me up because I couldn't speak spanish....:rolleyes:

I was harassed by a mother turkey on a trail in MN; chased for about a quarter mile before the bird forgot what it was doing. I say that it's my fault though for almost stepping on her babies.
Other people seem just fine though.

I hope none of you gets attacked ever. Last week, there were 2 campers killed in the Ocala National Forest. The FL Trail goes thru there. I think they were attacked near the Juniper Springs Run. Scary! I've never been harrassed on the AT but I got nervous last march when I was day hiking down from Bigg Butt to Devil's Fork Gap. This fellow was coming toward me when I approached the shelter. He was well dressed, Western looking leather hat and nice shoes and he was calling my name (Maybe he was saying hey, but it sounded like Jay). He told me he was waiting for me at the shelter. He was hitching a ride to Hot Springs and he saw my car and decided to hike up and meet me at the shelter. He begged a ride and even offered to pay for it. I told him I wasn't going that way. He just struck me that something was wrong. He looked at the snow on my shoes and then told me he was going ahead and hike to Hot Springs over the Balds. Maybe I judged him wrongly, but, I scooted out of there and never saw him again. I was worried he would follow me. I've met lots of people on the AT but I got a bad feeling about him. I hope it wasn't one of you. If it was, please forgive me.

I've been planning on doing that Ocala stretch, but it's far to hot, and too many mosquitos in the spring and summer. maybe this fall.

Firearms are legal in the Forest, and they actually have a pretty good gun range, right off of hwy 40.

In 2005 we were verbally attacked and threatened at Kincora by a particularly mean repeat thruhiker. He felt we had in some way slandered him in our online journal because we mentioned something about smoking and him, and his grandmother read it, and misinterpreted it to mean that he was smoking (which he wasn't - just chewing) and the grandmother was pissed because his grandfather died of lung cancer.

He really was quite physically threatening, lunging at me, and called my wife heartless and mean. It was pretty ridiculous. And very inappropriate especially at Kincora. He dogged us for the next month and 1/2 until he finally left for trail days. It really was a pisser because we had to hike farther or shorter to avoid staying anywhere near him, and even had to ditch a good friend at one point to avoid him. Kincora had been such a special place in our minds in 2001. Now we have this ugly stain of memory whenever we think about it and Bob. It's still the most amazing place, but our recollection will always have this twinge to it...

Apparently he let out another diatribe at traildays similar to what he unleased on my wife. Obviously has some serious issues with the female gender.

Gravity and Danger

In 2005 we were verbally attacked and threatened at Kincora by a particularly mean repeat thruhiker. He felt we had in some way slandered him in our online journal because we mentioned something about smoking and him, and his grandmother read it, and misinterpreted it to mean that he was smoking (which he wasn't - just chewing) and the grandmother was pissed because his grandfather died of lung cancer.

He really was quite physically threatening, lunging at me, and called my wife heartless and mean. It was pretty ridiculous. And very inappropriate especially at Kincora. He dogged us for the next month and 1/2 until he finally left for trail days. It really was a pisser because we had to hike farther or shorter to avoid staying anywhere near him, and even had to ditch a good friend at one point to avoid him. Kincora had been such a special place in our minds in 2001. Now we have this ugly stain of memory whenever we think about it and Bob. It's still the most amazing place, but our recollection will always have this twinge to it...

Apparently he let out another diatribe at traildays similar to what he unleased on my wife. Obviously has some serious issues with the female gender.

Gravity and Danger

That's amazing... In a respectful way, I'm sitting here thinking that if you had told me that in 1975 (when I first hit the AT) I wouldn't know what in the Sam Hill you were talking about. No online journals, (for that matter no journals!), no trailnames, no cellphones, no obnoxious gearheads (that I can remember), just various individuals outside enjoying the outdoors. Not saying there weren't people problems, of course there will always be that.

But without the instant communication gagetry we have today, there was sort of a thicker "insulation" between people and if you wanted to have conflict you had to get it and resolve it face-to-face. There is a natural resistance to doing that, for example some folks that argue fiercely on this board would probably be quite friendly if they were sitting on a log talking face-to-face. (For you physics types it might be analogous to damping factor or moment of inertia)

Sometimes I think the enhanced communications we have today could actually be a net negative effect to interpersonal relations, because it often fuels intense arguments that would never have happened otherwise.:-?

Well enough of that, let's go hiking!:sun

I do have to say that the online journal also brought us GREAT pleasure. There was a family in Conn that had been following us, and asked us to stay with them. I can't describe how wonderful that was! We really needed a break, and they gave us a chance to slack pack a day. It was amazing. Plus the fact that my mom "virtually" hiked with us. And all my coworkers here followed me and we talked about it when I got back. We are super happy that we kept the journal. Just unhappy that there are a small number of jerks out there...

Gravity and Danger

Good point, I hope the pros do indeed outweigh the cons.

"Sometimes I think the enhanced communications we have today could actually be a net negative effect to interpersonal relations"

a cold hearless machine.....naw...ya think.:rolleyes:

That's why one hikes the trail...no electronics to ruin the experience.

I've been tree'd by an alligator... Does that count?

-Erro

myself, i was attacked by a un-leashed dog named Shelby at a shelter in 2000, i also had to jam my pole tip into the head of a "dont worry, he's friendly.. snarling, charging dog"

my dog was attacked by an un-leashed dog in the first Mile of the trail in 2005...

a few years ago,
a drunken male thru-hiker physically attacked a female and was arrested at a hostel ... i think it was at 4pines hostel? I cant remember the attackers name... fubu? fubar? fub-something.... but i remember he was blowing it off as the fault of being bi-polar, the gal left the trail and ended her hike because of it.

oh yea, when i hit the dog in the head with my pole, I was then told how it was "my fault" because i scared his unleashed doggie by walking with hiking poles... I told him "oh well, deal with it" shrugged my shoulders and walked on.

Ah, 'gators. These none-Floridians don't know what there missing. Mine kept me up in a pine for an hour, til I decided in was him or me. I jumpped down and he ran for the hills ( the pond ). If I wouldnt known it was gonna be that easy, I woulda done it before my back started to ache and hands started to go numb.

myself, i was attacked by a un-leashed dog named Shelby at a shelter in 2000, i also had to jam my pole tip into the head of a "dont worry, he's friendly.. snarling, charging dog"

my dog was attacked by an un-leashed dog in the first Mile of the trail in 2005...

a few years ago,
a drunken male thru-hiker physically attacked a female and was arrested at a hostel ... i think it was at 4pines hostel? I cant remember the attackers name... fubu? fubar? fub-something.... but i remember he was blowing it off as the fault of being bi-polar, the gal left the trail and ended her hike because of it.

2003. FUBAR. The women's trailname was Popsicle.

FUBAR went to jail.

I'm thinking she just skipped ahead and came back to finish the skipped part later. I could be wrong.

Here is a picture of Moose and Popsicle at the Kathadin summit that same year.

http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=33942&back=1

so where's all the options for "i HAVE physically/verbally/mentally harassed" someone on the trail?? guess we have to come up with a separate poll for that... :D

I have been bothered by religious fanatics trying to convert me to their religion on the Trail. And got creeped out really bad by a Boy Scout troop leader I ran into when I was on my first AT backpack when I was a teenager. But by and large the folk on the AT are a great bunch.

the FUBAR story is a sad one for sure but I find it pretty ironic that the only times ive heard the 'word' F.U.B.A.R. used is as an acronym, at least in my neck of the woods, meaning - F'ed Up Beyond All Reality - the name fits I guess

I have been bothered by religious fanatics trying to convert me to their religion on the Trail. And got creeped out really bad by a Boy Scout troop leader I ran into when I was on my first AT backpack when I was a teenager. But by and large the folk on the AT are a great bunch.I've been haunted by this ranger a couple of times but he retired in 2005,He was a legend in his own mind.If some female hiker on the trail tried to molest me I might give in,I wouldn't want her to commit a crime
:D

is herass hyphenated, two words or one?;)

seriously the only negitivity I've ever experience has been from people who think i don't hike far or fast enough. Personally I don't think its the miles but what you do with them, if you spend an hour watching the sun set or a few minutes watching wild life or just relaxing with your feet in a pond or stream to me that kind of stuff is more fulfilling than pushing to do 20+ miles. but if thats what someone wants to do I'm happy that they are doing what they want to do.

I haven`t been out long range backpacking in eons so my experiences may mean nothing..I can`t recall ever having any sort of run ins except with dogs..But back when I did hike I was probably the one people steered away from as I had a Charlie Manson type vibe and usually carried a huge bowie knife on my belt..A 20 inch bayonet along my pack frame and even though it was illegal I will admit now that I carried a S&W .32 revolver (Maybe that`s why my pack was so heavy all the time..LOL)....I think now I might carry some sort of pepper spray again mainly for dogs

2003. FUBAR. The women's trailname was Popsicle.

FUBAR went to jail.

I'm thinking she just skipped ahead and came back to finish the skipped part later. I could be wrong.

Here is a picture of Moose and Popsicle at the Kathadin summit that same year.

http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=33942&back=1
how old is this Fubar chap and what does he look like? i'm thinking there's a kid at The Place right now that said his trail name was that?

My guess is it is a different guy. FUBAR changed his trail name and is on a whole different trail right now. I think he changed and is trying to put that all behind him. I won't out his new trail name, but he can if he wishes. He posts here regularly.

There is/was a picture of FUBAR at his trail wedding a couple of years back in the photo gallery.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=1124&catid=searchresults&searchid=3796

I haven't been physically or verbally attacked on the trail by another person, but have had a couple weird moments.

In TN I was tarped out off the trail about 100' but still in sight of the AT, because there wasn't a good spot to tent elsewhere. I got up around 6am, stood up and jump about three feet in the air because there is this non hiker hunter looking guy just standing there. He says "I came by here earlier but you were asleep." I say something like "Oh, okay" dump all my gear in my pack as fast as I can with an eye on the guy who is still standing there and start walking fast while the guy tries to keep talking to me.

In VA just south of Catawba I was having a snack on some log steps leading off a USFS road when this pickup suddenly skids to a stop right near where the trail crossed the road. The guy jumps out of his truck and starts screaming like "AAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHH! AAAAHHH!" and punching his truck. I didn't know if he saw me or what his deal was, so I quietly, but very quickly grabbed up my pack in one hand and food bag in the other, took off running and didn't slow down for about two miles.

One guy I hitched from in GA tried to sell me drugs. When I declined, he asked me if I had any pot I could give him. Kind of odd.

I've been bitten by a dog, just enough to draw blood. I've used my poles to fend off one dog. I've also been attacked by a mother turkey and a grouse.

It's a toss-up which attack was worse, on the trail or here at WB. LOL

My guess is it is a different guy. FUBAR changed his trail name and is on a whole different trail right now. I think he changed and is trying to put that all behind him. I won't out his new trail name, but he can if he wishes. He posts here regularly.

There is/was a picture of FUBAR at his trail wedding a couple of years back in the photo gallery.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=1124&catid=searchresults&searchid=3796that's great! people change, i'm really happy for him that he is making good choices today......that other gent left town already.....

One of the hiker rules is "hike your own hike." But at the same time, I think it is a good idea to take time to share in another hiker's good spirits. Maybe that person seems like a braggert, but the reality is more like they want to share something they feel is really cool with you. This is good Kharma. If you hike slow and your thing is smelling the roses, try sharing some of the things that made you psyched with the "braggert." Who knows, you both might end up sharing stories all night. That is usually what happens.

Then you catch up with each other 1000 miles up the trail and say, "Hey remember that conversation we had in Virginia? It is great to see you bro!"

TTF

where i go my 9mm goes with me, i have a permit to carry in 20 states

where i go my 9mm goes with me, i have a permit to carry in 20 states
Another one....

If I thought I needed a 9MM I wouldn't go! The most dagerous part of hiking is driving to the trailhead!

Forget the 9mm, get a S&W model 500 (50cal) with strap or better the new S&W 460XVR (their latest and greatest Hand Cannon). Will make Dirty Harry look Clean.

There is just something about a person who insists on carrying a gun at all times. Doesn't sit well.

Not much of anything while on the trail. Just a couple of awkward moments or times when I just had feeling something wasn't right. Except for dogs, my AT experiences have been 99.95% wonderful. I don't want to get into the dog argument, but I really wish folks would actually learn to use a leash.

Now off the trail, that's another story. There have been about a half-dozen instances where I really thought "Johnny, what in the heck are you doing here?" Mind you, most of these times were in sketchy areas/bars/towns to begin with. I think you choose your own luck in that regard.

Finally, here's a post I put up awhile back about catching a ride with an amorous flower delivery/poultry inspector guy. It was my last hitch on after finishing up in Georgia in 2000. (Note: I don't care what, or whom, you do in your bedroom. It ain't an issue with me)

"I had just finished the AT. I mean like 20 minutes off the trail. It was down in Georgia on Jan 11, 2000. Freezing my butt off trying to catch a hitch to Gainesville, GA where I was meeting a cousin the next day to ride back home with.

Dude pulls over in a beat-down van. (It always starts with a beat-down van doesn't it.)

I get in. Dude is about 5 foot tall, with a van load of flowers and cemetary wreaths in the back. Says he's a floral delivery guy on the side. That's cool, whatever. A man's gotta eat. At least my butt wasn't freezing outside anymore.

It's about a 20 minute drive to Gainesville, so we get to talking. I'm blabbering some stuff about the girl I was dating at the time, how I was ready to see her again and all that mushy stuff. Talk about the trail and some other things.

We pass a poultry processing plant. Dude says his main job is being a poultry inspector. I'm in a beat-down van with a short flower delivering poultry inspector guy. Man's got to make a living though, and I can respect that.

Alright, I'm still wearing about 4 layers of clothes from standing around trying to catch a hitch. The van's full of stuff - in the back, under the seats, in between the driver and passenger seats, etc.

Dude stretches out and ever so gently puts a couple of fingers on my thigh.

OK - I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt for a minute or two. I'm wearing lots of clothes, there's boxes in between us, etc. Maybe this cat doesn't know where his hand is actually at.

After a bit I reach over with my other hand and put his hand on a box between the seats. Dude doesn't say a word. Nothing. Just keeps carrying on with some conversation like nothing happened. That's cool - maybe he was embarassed or something.

5 minutes later.

We're entering town and hitting the first few stop lights. After about the third light Dude reaches over for the full-hand-thigh action.

There's no mistaking anything this time.

The light turns red and Dude stops. I grab my pack and mumble something about meeting my cousin at this McDonalds. Pop the door open and high-tail it to the first building I see.

A mall.

A freaking mall.

I hate malls.

I jog in then wander around for awhile, sticking out like a sore thumb to everyone in there. I hadn't had a shower in a week and smelled like roadkill.

Then it hit me - I had just finished a 6 month hike down the Appalachian Mountain chain and not 1 hour later I was in the middle of a neon-infested shopping mall after being hit on by a squat little flower-delivery poultry inspector guy in a beat-down van. Welcome back to reality Johnny.

What a hell of a day.

(Disclaimer: I couldn't care less about anyone's orientation. I just wasn't in the mood for some flower-deliverin', poulty-inspectin' luving from a squatty little dude in a beat-down van that day!)

That's a funny story, it's got an Alice's Restaurant flow.

"Welcome back to 'civilization'" I bet it made you want to get right back on the trail.

If I could have turned around and yo-yo'd, I would have!

Kinda cold right then there.

-John

I have read some articles about violence on the AT but I beleive that statistics show that physical violence on the trail is about 1 per year about the same as bear attacks, but I am not sure so if I am wrong let me know.

(Note: I don't care what, or whom, you do in your bedroom. It ain't an issue with me)


(Disclaimer: I couldn't care less about anyone's orientation. I just wasn't in the mood for some flower-deliverin', poulty-inspectin' luving from a squatty little dude in a beat-down van that day!)

I had somewhat of a similar experience back in June 2003 while hiking the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in southern Pennsylvania that really spooked me pretty good...

Tyler (M&M) and I were about 20 miles in, and had stopped for a water break. During the break, I had removed my prosthetic leg to let things air out. (A frequent necessity during hot weather)

What struck me right off as being odd was the fact that one of the gentlemen was carrying all of the equipment that both needed: One backpack on his back, the other on his front, and carrying a sleeping bag in his hands. The other guy walked slightly ahead.. He had a derringer in his waistband, which immediately made me uncomfortable.. He did most of the talking, while the other guy just stood there. (When the other guy did say a word, I detected a Russian accent, and did learn that he was from Russia.)

While the 'leader' was talking, he'd inch closer & closer to me. I learned that both were (alledgedly) priests from a local Catholic church, and that the "sherpa" was a priest from Russia.

He kept taking step after step closer to me, until he was sitting right next to me. Next thing I knew, the dude puts his hand on my stump. I jumped up and hopped over to a tree and said "You're invading my personal space, and I think it's time that y'all head on down the trail."

He apologized, and stated that "We WILL see you on down the trail."

Tyler and I remained where we were for another 30-45 minutes, allowing the men to get a good distance ahead of us.

When we arrived at the shelters that evening, we were the only occupants. (There were 4-6 shelters at this particular location) We unpacked, set up camp, cooked & finished our meal, and were settling in for the evening, when guess who shows up! I never passed them on the trail, yet here they come into the shelter area.

As I was debating whether or not to pack up and go elsewhere, a park patrol officer came around making his rounds.. We had a chat and he stayed around late into the evening hours. I felt a lot safer. He went over to the "Priests" to check them out. When he came back over to me, he said that he didn't see a derringer, and without probable cause, he couldn't search them.

The next morning, promptly at 5am, I woke up ready for the day, and the "Priests" were already gone. It spooked me enough that I carried some form of personal protection for awhile after that. Then, I realized that it was just an isolated incidence, and in all liklihood, wouldn't happen again. But I still have a can of bear spray just in case...

Spooky story UniLeg. Spooky. Probably Russian mob. He heard the old La Cosa Nostra story of how "The money is always further up the trail" and took it literally!:D

What is it with gay men making unwanted sexual advances toward strangers anyway? I've had it happen to me while hitchiking in the past , ok...this is where I'll get out right here, even in the middle of nowhere. Do gay men really think all men are as chemically inbalanced as they are? Are they really ready for that black eye or missing front tooth/teeth? If you are a gay man, keep your hands to yourself or be prepared for the consequences because the vast majority of men do not share your desires.

Homosexuality is not a chemical imbalance. Most gay men know and respect the fact that straight men are not gay. And to be truthful, the men who would molest a male hitchhiker like that are probably married men with kids. And most gay men would probably not be too attracted to a smelly, bearded thru-hiker in the first place. A creep is a creep gay or straight.

If you are a man, keep your hands to yourself or be prepared for the consequences because the vast majority of women do not share your desires.
I quoted you and modified it just a little bit to put it in the context that I hear frequently from the girls that I hang around with.

I have a feeling that if more women knew that the guy wouldn't whoop her back that there'd be more than a few straight guys with black eyes and missing teeth. ;)

I never get that from guys. Maybe I am so ugly they figure I am not worth it. Try being as ugly as I am and maybe that would help. :-?

But I did have a gay man buy me a drink once. No strings. Just a nice guy buying another man a drink. I was on my way home from Iraq last time on emergency leave for a family problem, I guess I looked like I could use it.

O.K, I stand corrected. SOME gay men as Johnny Swank was referring to, don't care how smellly or ugly you are . Desperados?

I really didn't mean to start up a mess with that post. I really, really couldn't care less what somebody's orientation/nationality/gender/whatever else is.

FWIW - I certainly don't thank that gay guys hit on other folks at any higher rate than any other group. My gay friends aren't all that interested in throwing out an invitation to talk or anything else unless they're pretty damn sure what the situation is.

I think the guy in the van had plenty of issues, and I wouldn't be surprised if it involved more than just smelly hikers off the trail. Straight, gay, whatever - the guy was creepy over many lines.

Mods - delete my earlier post if this is causing an issue. I really didn't want that to be the case or to offend anyone.

In the Pacific NW, New Mexico and Texas, where I have done all my hiking I have never had a problem. But . . . I don't think we should be naive. Be careful, take all the precautions (e.g., don't tell people where you are camping, if it looks suspicous at a site, move on). As far as mileage-I mind my own business and don't care what others think of my mileage. :-) -SunnyWalker

I definitely had a mouse's grubbing hands all down my leg a few weeks ago! I threatened it with an assault complaint and it retreated.

Considering that a large black snake has been elected trail sheriff, a wise move on the part of Mr. Mouse.I definitely had a mouse's grubbing hands all down my leg a few weeks ago! I threatened it with an assault complaint and it retreated.

I didn't vote, I wasn't sure which option best matched a "Webelos Wedgie."

god, that is sad...

your decision to hike with a 'handicap' is just that... yours... ignorance amazes me sometimes... i don't see where you with your canes are any more of a risk to would-be rescuers than an over-eager, under-conditioned and inexperienced hiker carrying too heavy a load for too long on too-weak legs, spraining an ankle as the price for his ignorance... i think that given your experience, you are less of a risk...

i suppose that one-legged fellow doing the AT recently, i'm sorry to have forgotten his name, had no business on the AT either... and that guy who cut off his own arm after being stuck for several days shouldn't climb again... or that young girl who lost an arm to a shark attack shouldn't be surfing... maybe that photo of her on a young womens' magazine, stump and all, is too offensive... and that young man who lost an eye and pieces of his body to an IED explosion in Iraq shouldn't be allowed to go back, even though he wants to... or that one veteran who lost a leg and stayed on active duty AS A PARATROOPER... (he's reputed to have thrown his prosthetic limb at someone in the barracks who complained after a roadmarch about how sore his feet were). what about wheelchair hikers? blind hikers? the blind guy who made it up everest? the list goes on...

these people are my heros... my daughters are in awe of the surfer girl and her courage... that photo was incredible...

i'm sorry some out there don't understand...

but you keep hiking... and i hope i run into you someday...

Yup,I would like to second all that and say that FD,despite being a darn
liberal,is a real inspiration and role model for alot of people!:banana
Oldfivetango

I never get that from guys. Maybe I am so ugly they figure I am not worth it. Try being as ugly as I am and maybe that would help. :-?

But I did have a gay man buy me a drink once. No strings. Just a nice guy buying another man a drink. I was on my way home from Iraq last time on emergency leave for a family problem, I guess I looked like I could use it.

So,Sarge,just how is it that you knew he was gay?
Inquiring minds would like to know how to profile one........
Oldfivetango

only by hiker's dogs and ultralite hikers

geek

I definitely had a mouse's grubbing hands all down my leg a few weeks ago! I threatened it with an assault complaint and it retreated.

Was this in the Happy Hill Shelter? I think I remember reading about it in the log

Not on AT but I was attacked by the Army on my 50 miler when I was 14. My father, another adult and 3 other scouts were in the Uwharries NF. I woke up with an M-16 in my face, informing I was a prisoner. I thought the Russians had landed.

I have never had a problem on the trail, but that could be because I alway have at least 80# of dog beside me and currently 100# of dog. It could also be because I walk without fear and smile at everyone I see. I like nate response though, if you attack me I will stop you and put you back together after. I am also a first responder. As for a gun, I follow a very simple rule, if you can't protect yourself without a firearm then you will just endanger yourself further by bringing one into an arguement. Leave the weapon at home and learn unarmed combat. It doesn't weigh anything and can't be used against you.

No harassment so far except for unpleasant dogs owned by inconsiderate people. Which is too bad because I like dogs.
another vote for ditto

There is just something about a person who insists on carrying a gun at all times. Doesn't sit well.

Don't you think the U.S. Constitution, as originally intended, covers all U.S. citizens at all times?

Don't you think the U.S. Constitution, as originally intended, covers all U.S. citizens at all times?


The US constitution grants everyone the right to free speech. I find some of the things people do with that right rather strange, and it can affect the way I perceive them. Same holds for guns.

Jonathan

I have never had a problem on the trail, but that could be because I alway have at least 80# of dog beside me and currently 100# of dog.

Your 12 chihuahuas don't scare me:D

Don't you think the U.S. Constitution, as originally intended, covers all U.S. citizens at all times?

The US constitution grants everyone the right to free speech. I find some of the things people do with that right rather strange, and it can affect the way I perceive them. Same holds for guns.

Jonathan

Similarly, the Constitution gives everyone the right to carry an umbrella. But if you did it all the time, I might look at you sideways. :)

Similarly, the Constitution gives everyone the right to carry an umbrella. But if you did it all the time, I might look at you sideways. :)

That should read: "the constitution doesn't limit everyone's right to carry an umbrella..."

I was verbally harrassed by a ranger a couple of years ago. But that probably doesn't count beause it was at a golf course. I was playing too slow.

Your 12 chihuahuas don't scare me:D

They should. He's had them on a starvation rations for months. Chihuahuas are mean when they're hungry. Watch your ankles!!

I have been bothered by religious fanatics trying to convert me to their religion on the Trail. And got creeped out really bad by a Boy Scout troop leader I ran into when I was on my first AT backpack when I was a teenager. But by and large the folk on the AT are a great bunch.
Walkingdude, how in the hell did a Boy Scout Leader creep you out? And religious fanatics on the AT, you can barely get them to leave the church and go out. LOL:-?

That should read: "the constitution doesn't limit everyone's right to carry an umbrella..."

"Fulminations, stemming from penumbras ...."

Jonathan

Empower yourself, be the harasser, not the harassed.

If you were packing the story would be different. 1 shot, center mass, dial 911 for the coroner.

Could this cause another cell phone debate?:)

Most of my experience with people on and along the trail has been wonderful. However, I met a few fellows in my earlier years that thought a woman hiking alone was fair game for some pretty physical sexual harassment (can't remember where I buried the bodies :D).
Empower yourself, be the harasser, not the harassed. Were you the one that got away :D

I think the brain is the most effective weapon...

Were you the one that got away :D:eek: LOL. I even left the country.;)

I think the brain is the most effective weapon...Especially when you use someone else's as a bludgeoning device.

I have this baby I got a while back just to have around, not to carry hiking. But, with all the talk of trouble on the trail I may have to start "packing".


http://www.amderringer.com/m4.html

I have the 45/410 M-4. Makes noise and does have recoil. Not cheap. But it sure is nice.

I have this baby I got a while back just to have around, not to carry hiking. But, with all the talk of trouble on the trail I may have to start "packing".


http://www.amderringer.com/m4.html

I have the 45/410 M-4. Makes noise and does have recoil. Not cheap. But it sure is nice.

Do you keep it in your garter?:D

No in his underwear.

I once asked on Trailplace about the safety of being a woman on the trail, alone. I had mentioned that a couple of the books I had read by women talked about the harassment they got in TN from creeps hanging out around road crossings. Wingfoot snapped back with "None of that is true. Women just make that stuff up." I was livid!!! That's when I left Trailplace for good - at least as long as he owned it.

Whats "Trailplace"?

Whats "Trailplace"?

www.trailplace.com

My wife and I were both raised in the suburbs (she in the north and me in the south) but we are raising our children downtown in a large city. Its the Midwest so people are really pretty nice but sometimes there is brusueness or downright rudeness that comes with the anonymity of living amidst a few million people.
What I love about the Trail and have now exposed my son and daughter to is the fundamental goodness and friendliness of strangers. Where else would you share food with or go to sleep a couple of feet from a total stranger.
Granted we are section hikers without that many days on the trail, but I can say that we have not met anyone who wasn't friendly or more importantly would not have helped us in the event of a serious injury or other problem. This really recharges my faith in humanity.
I'm sure there are some bad guys out there but the nature of backpacking (its hard sometimes) probably doesn't appeal to jerks and being out in nature in this way tends to be rather humbling and lowers the jerk quotient in all of us.
Kneegrinder

only by dogs, the four legged kind. a pack of about 8 were running deer and stopped by to give me a long look, then moved on. I had a very strong walking stick and figured I could beat a few before they got to me and fortunately did not need it. There is a lot in the woods to keep them busy. At the time it gave me a moment of concern.

I am 5'11", 135lbs, gay, tattooed, pierced, and hike in a skirt and have never been harassed, beaten up, threatened, picked on, or in any other way made to feel uncomfortable on the trail.

I have, however, met some great people on the trail, been offered free meals and places to stay from people who live along the trail, hitched rides from good ole boys in pick up trucks with gun racks in the rear view mirror, and had a little old lady stop her car when she saw me on the side of the road and give me a sandwich (she said I looked like I needed to eat). I would have to say that the people I have encountered on and around the AT have been some of the friendliest, most courteous, most tolerant, nicest, and all around best people I have ever run into. And I haven't even quite finished the Southern half of the trail yet.

Now turn me loose in a "liberal", "cosmopolitan", "tolerant" city like Seattle and I wind up getting harassed all the time, eh, go figure?

Wow sounds like there's a wide disparity between Hollywood's portrayal of southerners and your experience.... I hope you continue to enjoy your hike .......

My buddies had a knife pulled on them by a crazy woman in the Shenandoah's. Later that day, a ranger pulled over while I was hitchhiking on the Parkway. Thought I was busted. Turns out hitching was legal in SNP just not on the BRP. Anyway, the ranger gave me a ride. Turns out he was a former thru who was involved in the capture of one of the AT murders. Said they took the guy in on the bridge over the Potomac out of H.F. Well, I told the ranger my friends story and he was ecstatic. The woman was apparently a regular in the park who had harrassed but never threatened anyone. He was happy to finally have a reason to boot her from the park for good.

2003 was a strange year. We met almost one strange person a day, to the pt. where we dubbed 2003 the year of the psycho.

2003 was a strange year. We met almost one strange person a day, to the pt. where we dubbed 2003 the year of the psycho.

A woman around 55 with two loose pit bulls was daywalking (not even "hiking", given her clothing and footwear) on the AT while carrying a golf club, and one of her dogs approached me. I held my staff out so that her dog could not get closer than 3' to me. (The dogs ended up never being a problem here, though I of course could not know that at first.) She got livid at my preventing her pooch from doing what it wanted, and started yelling at me that I was trail trash, demanded I get off the Trail, accusing me of being part of "Take Back Vermont" (whatever that is), that her dogs were nursing home therapy dogs (not out there, they weren't), that she knew the local sheriff really well, etc., etc. I wondered aloud if she knew the sheriff so well BC he'd had to run her in so many times.

At this point, she approached me much closer, to about 6' or less, holding her golf club up as if to strike me. I then informed her that if she hit me with that golf club, it was going right up ___ ___. She immediately lowered it, still glowering with hatred, and I passed without further incident.

Some of the bozos you meet out there...

Funny...

About the time I was reaching the top of the first ridge, at the end of the old fields, I heard a 4 wheeler coming up the trail. I had the irresitable willies make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I found a small copse of trees on the far side of the ridge, out in a field and laid down among the trees, below the level of the weeds and brush.

A couple minutes later, the 4 wheeler got to the top of the ridge and rode back and forth about 3 times. Finally, the driver, a teenager or twentysomething drove over to the north side of the ridge and turned his machine off. He spent perhaps 15 mintues there, just looking around. Then he finally started the 4 wheeler back up and drove past me again and on to the hill to the south where the sound of his vehicle faded away.

I went on and hiked past the church and the settlement further down the trail. While I was working my way through the settlement, the same fellow on the 4 wheeler was making passes along the roads there. I hid out every time I saw his loud machine.

Hmmm..... I had a similar experience in this very same area but it was on the other side of 19E when me and three teenage boys were doing a section of the AT from Carver's Gap to Hampton, TN over Memorial Day weekend. We spent our first night night at Doll Flats because I felt the Applehouse Shelter was too close to 19E and we were trying to avoid potential problems.... at 12:00 midnight this ATV with their headlights on comes roaring through our campsite two or three times and then left. It kind of made me feel uneasy because I didn't ATVs were allowed on this part of the trail and I couldn't figure out why they were out on an ATV at that hour. Just when I was starting to settle down here he comes again at 3:00am doing the same thing. We stayed in our tents and after a couple of more runs through our camp it started raining and he moved on and never came back..... Never got a visual on him but it did bother me.....

Hmmm..... I had a similar experience in this very same area but it was on the other side of 19E when me and three teenage boys were doing a section of the AT from Carver's Gap to Hampton, TN over Memorial Day weekend. We spent our first night night at Doll Flats because I felt the Applehouse Shelter was too close to 19E and we were trying to avoid potential problems.... at 12:00 midnight this ATV with their headlights on comes roaring through our campsite two or three times and then left. It kind of made me feel uneasy because I didn't ATVs were allowed on this part of the trail and I couldn't figure out why they were out on an ATV at that hour. Just when I was starting to settle down here he comes again at 3:00am doing the same thing. We stayed in our tents and after a couple of more runs through our camp it started raining and he moved on and never came back..... Never got a visual on him but it did bother me.....

If ATVs were repeatedly running through someone's campsite after dark, almost hitting their tent, I can see how they'd have been tempted to put up a clothesline or two, not overly high off the ground. (They'd definitely better put clothes on it; light or dark stuff, up to them...)

If someone going Mach II off-road on an ATV were to hit your clothesline 3' from your tent, I can just see them in court...

"Your honor! This man chased me down on foot, and attacked me while I was on my ATV with a piece of rope, while it was tied between two trees!" Suuuurrrre, pal...

If I'd had ATVs repeatedly running through my campsite after dark, almost hitting my tent, I think I'd have been tempted to put up a clothesline or two, not overly high off the ground. (Definitely put clothes on it; something reflective optional...)

If someone going Mach II off-road on an ATV were to hit your clothesline 3' from your tent, I can just see them in court...

"Your honor! This man chased me down on foot, and attacked me while I was on my ATV with a piece of rope, while it was tied between two trees!" Suuuurrrre, pal...

Didn't think of that at the time but definitely a creative solution to the problem... Maybe with gas prices being what they are he won't be able to run that ATV around as much.......

Encountered my fair share of egos on the trail, but never been harassed or assaulted.

If you want to go fast pack light and see the trees if you want to go slow pack heavy and enjoyed the forest