Triad Hiking

Let’s just admit it here: We’ve all got too much trust for each other. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just that once you let you guard down, someone will take advantage of you, possibly taking something of sentimental or material value. Think about it: The trailhead is the perfect place for a would-be criminal to strike—s/he knows for certain that you’re going to be gone at least a half day (if the loop is 10 miles long, for example). There are some ways to keep you and your belongings safe at the trailhead the next time you venture from your car.

One of the best ways to find out what the heck happens around a parking area is to either call or talk directly with a park ranger. Ask questions about theft, vandalizing, muggings or the like. Most park rangers will be honest with you and help you park where it is safe—next to the ranger station for example.

It’s best not to leave any valuables in the car whatsoever. Criminals, as you may not know, can literally smell pricey thingamajigs you leave behind, like wallets, purses or jewelry. Carry all that with you, even if it weighs a lot. Take the face off your CD player and hide any GPS units or other gadgetry that say, “Take Me.” Some suggest leaving your windows down, your glove box open and your console open. Unless you drive a beater 70s or early 80s rust-bucket, I’m not sure I’d try this trick—losing an entire car is different than losing a few replaceable credit or bankcards.

A bear can get into your car. I repeat: A bear can and will injure itself and your car to get at food you leave in it. Do not leave it there. Either pack it in a bear canister or carry it with you. You may come back with your cooler raided and your windshield shattered, blood and fur wrapped around the car’s frame—a tricky one to explain to the insurance company.

Don’t park where it feels weird. What I mean to say is, if you must hike an extra mile to the trailhead from another parking lot, say where the boat ramps are located, then do it. You’ll be hiking anyway, so might as well feel and stay safe. A shady lot at the end of a gravel road may not be the smartest parking place. If you get there at dark, the worst is fiddling with your keys with the feeling of a perpetrator in the weeds.

Park in such a way that your car is easily seen from all angles. A burglar may try less if s/he knows that s/he might be seen quicker. The middle of the lot may be better than the back corner. Likewise, leave the back doors and trunk of the vehicle facing out of the parking space, making rear entry (without being seen) almost impossible.

A car alarm doesn’t do much but annoy the heck out of solitude seekers of nature. Be sure that your car alarm won’t go off because someone gets too close. Or, disable your alarm during a hike and install a flashy red light so that it looks like you have the alarm turned on. If none of this works, there are ways to disable your entire vehicle, by connecting a toggle switch or undoing a battery cable. If you’ve got a junker, it’s always fun to try new MacGyver-like tricks.

Other ways to deter prowlers is to carpool, hike with buddies and carry a cell phone. Whistles and pepper spray work great in the woods, for burly burglars or brawny bears alike. Be smart, come prepared and always have a deterrent plan. Don’t just hope that all will be safe. Let your guard down to enjoy nature, but never be ignorant of the reality of the dangers of the trailhead.

July 9th, 2009 | Tags: hiking safety, staying safe | Category: skills, trails | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL