Rules for Nature

I'm an aged and seasoned adventurer. In my view, when you go out hiking and mountain biking, you are on Mother Nature's turf... her house, not ours... and thus there are rules of behavior to be followed by guests.

Pay attention and be nice to people, flora and fauna.

Stay on the trails. You do less damage to nature. And, if you get lost, rescue can find you. If you don't know your trails well, carry a map or GPS with you and/or an experienced person to teach you. Nobody wants to spend his time rescuing an idiot.

Snakes, spiders and bugs live there. It's their home, not yours... you're merely visiting. You're going to get bitten and stung. If you want to do something about it, DEET may work, but otherwise just accept it. Don't like spider webs? If you don't want to wave a stick in front of you for hours (and I don't), just accept that you're going to get a nasty bite every now and then. Snakes usually scurry off, but pay attention and be patient, especially if you're going fast. If you're in bear or moose country, pay even more attention and follow encounter procedure.

Other people share the trail with you. The ascending hiker has the right of way over the descending hiker. Note this: The rule is that hikers have the right of way over a bike, but a fast coming bicycle has more momentum, does not see well, can't hear and has less agility than a hiker... so be smart if you're the hiker and step off the trail to let the bike pass. If you stop for a break, get off the trail and take the bike with you, because you're not the only one there. If you do a #1 or, especially, a #2, get well off the trail.

Say hello, wave or tip your head to other hikers or bikers. I'll be one of them. Stick your head in the park office every now and then to say howdy, and appreciate what the rangers do.

If you see an obstacle, move it off or cut it back off the trail, if you can. Manicuring the trail is everybody's responsibility.

Introduce new people to the trails gradually and slowly, make sure they bring water and snacks, and take lots of breaks. Of course, you could impress them by showing off that you can hike 10 miles no-sweat, but they'll never come back.

If you multi-day backpack or bike, pack well to bring your own everything... be as independent as if you were solo. Use a checklist (besides the DEET, mine includes duct tape around my hiking pole). Do not depend on others in your party to take care of you.

Don't like this? Then stay in the city. These are my opinions, for your consideration. Be considerate. To some, a trail is just a trail but to me it's my back yard. Hope you enjoy it.

Don't forget to smile!


- © 2012 by Willy