Flash of White-Gun Shots

Today I saw a flash of white while hiking. I knew it was a white tail deer cause it was running.

Wait. How do I know it wasn't a person with a white shirt on, running?

I've heard of several accidents happening during hunting season because the eager hunter was just as sure as I was of what I saw.

Turns out a person was hanging laundry up on the clothes line. A flash of white.

A girl was taking a bathroom break, a flash of white panties.

While hiking on the Colorado Trail, suddenly shots were heard nearby, and then a bullet hit a tree. Wearing earth tones and blending in was suddenly dangerous. Not even hunting season, I guess the persons firing were just practicing. We got out our red bandannas, a bright blue sleeping pad to tie outside the pack, and called out loud, "Hello!"

There are many hiking trails which cross hunters' stomping grounds. Its very important to take inventory of your gear colors to be safe.

One morning I was skirting the lake up in Connecticut on the Appalachian Trail. I heard shots. I couldn't figure out if they were coming towards me, or away. Taking inventory, I knew I had no white on, but neither did I have red. Hike quickly, hope for the best, and sing out loud.

I was making breakfast in camp while hunters with high powered rifles watched our clearing. A big buck was roaming near us, but seems he knew the hunters would not shoot into camp. As we packed to leave, the buck eased off into the woods. We provided the screen. No shots were fired.

If you're planning a long distance hike, a weekend foray, or just a day hike, be ready for hunters. Novices are probably our biggest concern, an eager youth wanting to bag his first kill.

Keep that orange cap on, no matter what.

A Dedicated Ultralighter

This is a photo of a cutting tool. It's the only knife I carry on backpacking trips: razor sharp with a retractable blade capable of cutting fabric, cardboard, shoes and most packaging.

I do use a larger, one blade knife for survival adventures. It comes in handy for striking flint, or building shelters.

But, I'm a dedicated ultralight backpacker. Lots of gear choices I make depend on size and weight. I started this compulsion while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2000 with Rainmaker. Before we hit the trail, he taught me that if I watch the ounces the pounds will take care of themselves.

Back in the 90's, Ray Jardine wrote a book about light weight backpacking. He introduced ideas few had even considered: making your own gear, using unusual equipment, stealth camping, and short fast seasons.

More importantly these ideas set the stage for individuals to reevaluate their needs, adopt a new mind set, and challenge accepted back country concepts.

When packing for a trip, I think about my comfort level and the goals of each adventure.

Hiking a long trail is about the miles, the traveling. There are no base camps, and time spent in the shelter is minimal.

How, and why would I need a knife?

I needed one for gear repair or refitting. I needed one for opening packages in towns.

I might need one for basic self defence. But seriously, would I be likely to find myself in hand to hand combat? This small one could be hidden in my hand, and brought to play for quick swipe. Then I would run. My goal would be escape.

For my backpacking needs, I found this small, retractable razor knife suited me perfectly. I carry it on a key chain with other tools in my pocket. Very accessible, it weighs 5 grams (there are 28 grams in an ounce).

It is about a person's mindset. What works for me may not work for anyone else.