To Hike or Not to Hike

Whiterock Mountain, Bartram Trail, NC 4/18/20

To hike or to not hike seems to be question going around today, at least in my circle. I know I would rather spend 10 days out on a trail rather than 10 seconds in a grocery store or anyplace where air is being recirculated. I could probably find more food out on a trail too! I’ve heard it all…

…but I could get lost or hurt and need help, and take first responders away from their important work.

I’m a professional, I hike for a living. I’ve hiked thousands of miles, paddled thousands of miles, biked tens of thousands of miles. How many times have I called for search and rescue, or help from anybody? Never. The data are empirical, at least for me. Oh, and I produce maps that first responders can use in a search effort. Could there come a time when I need help? Sure.

I do take extra precautions to ensure my safety. I try to stay close to home that it is getting harder and harder as the Forest Service, National Park, State Parks, County Parks, & City Parks are closing all around me. I’ll still find trails, and I can always bushwhack (though I would argue that is safer to leave a trail open then to force people to bushwhack). I keep my distance of 10’ (or more depending on the wind) from anyone else I encounter. My footing is sound.

For me, I’m getting out on the trail as often as I can. That is my home, it’s where I’m safe.