I had the Indian Marker Tree Trail completely to myself. Beautiful!
Talk about anything you want in the comments.
The long view:
September 24, 2018
I've always been afraid to go for a walk alone in the woods...
... but I did it today. At Blue Mound:
I had the Indian Marker Tree Trail completely to myself. Beautiful!
Talk about anything you want in the comments.
The long view:
I had the Indian Marker Tree Trail completely to myself. Beautiful!
Talk about anything you want in the comments.
The long view:
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83 comments:
No e- bike?
This was a hiking trail.
Did you play "Little red riding hood" in your ear phones?
Listen to me
Little Red Riding Hood
I don't think little big girls should
Go walking in these spooky old woods alone
I left out my earbuds!!
But I did finally learn how to use Apple Car Play and listened to my Audiobook of "Educated: A Memoir" on the drive.
Please be careful. We need you. What self defense have you trained in, or what weapon do you carry? The small revolver is made for women to carry.
I don't like to either, unless it's a busy trail. Last time it wasn't busy and I got creeped out, until a group of trail runners showed up.
We have bears and lions here.
So, was Rosenstein just being sarcastic when he said he was quitting?
Just worked Saudi Arabia 7Z88ND, ugliest call sign ever. Also ugly in morse, every letter being a dashes followed by dots. Good operator, came back right away.
Odd moment today. I walked into the room and heard my wife listening to a news report online (which she very rarely does) and it was about a guy who had gone missing while on a hike alone and was recently found dead. It was his honeymoon. Why was he on a hike alone on his honeymoon, my wife asked, that is always suspicious.
Funny timing, I said. Just an hour before a cousin of my dad posted on Facebook asking for prayer about his nephew's family, as he had gone missing while on his honeymoon and had been found dead, in Hawaii.
I asked to see the video. Took a bit to find it as it wasn't on the front page of her Microsoft news home page.
The facebook post and the news report were about the same person.
Turns out my wife was watching a news report without knowing that I was apparently a somewhat distant cousin to the missing, found dead, man. I hadn't thought to mention it to her.
Weird coincidence in the midst of a very sad story.
You weren't afraid that Brett Kavanaugh might jump out from behind a tree and grab your breasts? You're braver than me, lady.
Speaking of art, I saw something on Reddit that Althouse would approve of I believe.https://www.reddit.com/r/Art/comments/9iit58/food_review_oil_on_panel_14_x_18_inches/?utm_source=reddit-android
I could never earbud on a solo hike in the woods. Too many predators and too many predators. Must be aware.
tim in vermont: "So, was Rosenstein just being sarcastic when he said he was quitting?"
The documents that were to be declassified will show that Rosenstein is either incompetent and violated Justice Dept rules in the appointment of his pal Mueller (see Andy McCarthys writings as opposed to LLR Chucks pablum) after Trump fired Rosensteins other long time pal Comey OR ..... Rosenstein was/is an active member of the "Insurance Policy" and is being openly threatened by McCabe that he will be further exposed if McCabe is prosecuted.
His (Rosensteins) offer of resignation prior to today is almost certainly true and Trump not accepting (yet) makes perfect sense.
^^^ TMI. You're old, you don't conceal carry. Some crazy people read your blog, be safe.
I had my trekking poles.
I don't like to hike alone either but probably for different reasons than Ann. For the information of those who might find it helpful, I will be carrying a Garmin inReach Explorer sat tracker with text and SOS options for my 13 mile hike tomorrow up/down 3.5k ft partly along the PCT in the Sisters Wilderness Area in Sisters OR, where there is no cell reception. This gizmo will also allow my wife to track me from the minute I leave in my car until my return probably nine hours later. Last week I saw only one couple during a four hour hike along the PCT. I probably will not see anyone tomorrow. Great hike but a bad spot for a 70 year old guy to get hurt.
https://goteamdarkley.com/2015/06/18/scott-obsidian-loop/
I really like the top pic. The framing/cropping, colors, textures, light/dark and foreground/background all feel balanced and restful and it seems to be constantly refreshing itself. Nice work!
I will post here, since it is not really about Kavanaugh.
It strikes me that there are similarities between the Kavanaugh accusations and the "Russia investigation" in that the original charges are very minor and being blown up by the media into being something major with inexact quotations and colored words darkly implying heinous criminal activities not supported by the original charges.
As far as I can tell, the "Russian interference in our elections" still really is only about who caused Hillary!'s malfeasance with her server and the fratricidal shenanigans at the DNC to be discovered and published.
Blasey Ford has only charged that a pair of drunk teenagers acted boorishly with her at a teenage house party, and one of them may have been Brett Kavanaugh.
I also see several comments by lawyers that both Blasey Ford and Ramirez appear to have been carefully coached by legal experts to avoid making statements that could be legally actionable under current slander and libel rules.
You're safer in the woods alone that you would be on the streets of most of our major cities.
One of the great things about adventure is, it's relative. Everyone can find a way to go out and have one.
Ann... get a CCW, a good pistol, and some training and you won't be afraid to walk in the woods at all.
I dunno Ms. Althouse; you might find a rapeyi rapey rapist Republican if you go for a walk in the woods alone. Just ask Chuck Schumer.
Did you visit the cave?
Has anyone seen a post about Blasey Ford or Ramirez speaking directly to any media reporters, or has it all been by written messages and their legal teams?
Can not wait for the RBG seat to come open. That will make the Kavanaugh drama seem quaint.
Nice woods and blue skies!
"I've always been afraid to go for a walk alone in the woods..."
Of course you have.
She had a .380 or some such device. I believe she's copped to being strapped before. For an old Lefty she's remarkably unsupportive of the periodic anti-gun frenzies of the last several years.
Atta girl!
Yeah, years and years of living in NYC, but walking alone in Wisconsin - scary.
Still, don't know her personal experiences.
You seem to be slowly losing your audience, Althouse.
You know what it is about and you have had plenty of time to think about ... but nothing!
Trekking poles? Well alrighty then.
You're good to fend off a pack of five coyotes.
Seriously Althouse, apart from a chance wildlife encounter or an injury, you are too high profile and as someone said above, the web is full of crazies. You do not know who is watching you.
It's always a good feeling when you get back home alive.
Be Prepared. Take Meade.
I had my trekking poles.
An afternoon stroll in the woods in the woods is now a trek. If you're not walking from the Cape Colony to Matabeleland behind an ox-drawn wagon you ain't on a trek.
Better to have trekking bats for safety's sake. Aluminum perhaps?
I recommend training with a certified NRA instructor and a revolver. The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a good choice.
I always used to hike and travel alone; because I grew up in the woods I never ever had any fear. But lately, because the woods in my area are filled with drug addicts, I always carry a tactical knife as a deterrent. I'd hate to have to use it against anyone but after I was raped by a stranger back in 1974 I decided I will never be a victim again. If anyone actually insists on attacking me at least they won't come out of it without a scratch. However the truth is that when I'm outdoors if some guy makes me feel uncomfortable I split immediately.
It's too bad that reality/the world is what it is, especially for independent women who don't want to be fearful. Thinking now of that 22 year old female golfer and student from Spain who recently was stabbed to death on a golf course in Iowa, and also Mollie Tibbets from Iowa who was killed while on a run. I think men are less likely to be attacked by a total stranger but haven't actually researched that.
Do you bring your dog with you?
I asked some hunters if it was true that wolves were moving south in Wisconsin and they said the wolves have reached Door County. And bears and cougars are south of that. But still, around here, north of Milwaukee, the biggest risk is mosquitoes and I would almost prefer a bear since there is at least a chance I could drive it off. At least you won't meet Hillary which was the risk in Chattauqua County NY. Just throwing in my two cents on woods walks.
I always carry a tactical knife as a deterrent. I'd hate to have to use it against anyone but after I was raped by a stranger back in 1974 I decided I will never be a victim again
Back in the 70s there was a radio talk show guy named Michael Jackson. He was lefty and I kind of quit listening to him after he gave cunnilingus to Hillary on a show when she was running in 2008.
He had a show one Saturday with the LAPD police chief (black and painfully PC) about guns. It was hilarious because every call was from a woman who carried a concealed gun in her purse. Each call would begin with a woman calling and saying she carried a gun.
The chief would lecture her about the law and how she was breaking it. The woman would say "I refuse to be a victim."
Then the next call would be almost identical. It went on all Saturday morning.
I want my female relatives to know about guns.
S & W model 60 in .357 caliber. Train with .38's but carry with .357.
A walk in the woods? My neighbor was walking his Chihuahua on a long leash along the golf course the other night. A coyote dashed from the bushes and clamped the dog's entire body in it's mouth. Neighbor shouted and the coyote dropped the dog and ran 15 feet, turned and stared before running off. Two inch long gashes on both sides of the dog's rib cage are healing well.
you might enjoy this...
https://www.alloutdoor.com/2018/09/14/glock-20-ends-bear-attack-just-barely/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=2018-09-18&utm_campaign=Weekly+Newsletter
As Sgt. Esterhaus used to say "Lets be careful out there".
Ear buds on a remote walk are an invite.
CWJ at 8:34. The times have been changing, with very little improvement. Parks and woods provide all kinds of predators with cover. No one I know ventures out "alone". Not for years.
Our garbage man packs Glock G271.
Goes great with "Chardonnay"
Where have all the bears gone, long time passing?
Where have all the bears gone, long time ago?
Where have all the bears gone?
Beastly hunters have shot them everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the beastly hunters gone, long time passing?
Where have all the beastly hunters gone, long time ago?
Where have all the beastly hunters gone?
Gone for ammo everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where has all the ammo gone, long time passing?
Where has all the ammo gone, long time ago?
Where has all the ammo gone?
Gone to soldiers everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing?
Where have all the soldiers gone, long time ago?
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing?
Where have all the graveyards gone, long time ago?
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Gone to flowers, everyone
Oh, when will they ever learn?
Oh, when will they ever learn?
I’ve always loved solo wilderness trips. I’ve done long (2 weeks) solo backpacking trips in the Rockies and 100+ mile solo canoe trips in Canada. Fending for yourself is very satisfying.
Talk about anything? How about these Wash DC anti-Kavanaugh people running Ted Cruz and his wife out of a restaurant?
https://dailycaller.com/2018/09/24/ted-cruz-protested-dc-restaurant/
"Fending for yourself is very satisfying."
Your comments are totally predictable and lame. If you hike the same way that you comment, you will get eaten by a bear one day. Even a bear would chew you up and spit you out. Bears know a bad meal when they get their paws on one.
Has anyone heard of bear spray?
Out in the forest, where, I might get eaten by a bear..
The only real danger in a town like Madison for forest walking might be roving prep school rape gangs, or so I have been told.
”If you hike the same way that you comment, you will get eaten by a bear one day.”
Uh-huh.
White women, not safe in the woods. Black men, not safe at home.
I'm outta here.
In local news, the husband of the local Democrat candidate for Congress announced that she had died suddenly on Monday night at age 54. That's sad. I don't want Democrats dead, just out of office. It will be interesting to see how they replace her on the ballot at this late date in this very red district.
And yes, we'll probably learn today that Brett Kavanaugh killed her.
Correction: April Freeman died on Sunday night. The days of the week kind of run together for me. This is Tuesday.
BamaBadgOR said... For the information of those who might find it helpful, I will be carrying a Garmin inReach Explorer sat tracker with text and SOS options
A great piece of gear, more sophisticated than SPOT. The bad news is the sale of Delorme to Garmin. Garmin hardware, firmware and software failures have screwed most of the navigation dependent world travellers I know at one point or another, including myself. You must not take on ultimate risk if it’s dependent on your Garmin functioning, so we all have old school backups, like paper maps. Plus, Garmin maps are sometimes laughable, so use OSM maps only.
Garmin avionics and marine are separate organizations at least partly built from acquisitions, so the above does not apply.
All the above just my opinion, with all the lawyers around here, one might work for them.
The Explorer is on the Iridium sat network, so you can SMS from anywhere on the planet. And as you say, your family and friends can track your pings in almost real time on a personal web page. Very nice. Also a great record in fine detail of your travels. Works on the plane as well, so you can see the actual flight route, and have that on the record too.
If you’re a little bit geeky, or want someone to know exactly where you are, nice to have.
Original Mike said... Fending for yourself is very satisfying.
The ultimate. You feel fully, not partially or mostly, alive.
Wife has a double action, hammerless, five shot revolver that fires .22 mag ammo. It has a laser sight on it and is designed for concealed carry. Probably couldn’t hit the side of a barn with it b/c of the double action. But should scare most predators off.
I carry a .25 auto that wouldn’t stop much but then I know I wouldn’t want to be hit with it. And it does make a noise.
"I have been studying the Democratic political party and have come to the following conclusion. The Democrats have turned into a cult...."
- Sun, 09/23/2018 - 7:00am | The News-Gazette
Now that is one of the oddest observations made in a while, if I do say so myself,...
etbass research the ammo options. Much has been done for that caliber.
Opened my Chinese fortune cookie, and there was no fortune paper in it. First time that that has ever happened. Not sure what Confucius would say about it.
Opened my Chinese fortune cookie, and there was no fortune paper in it. First time that that has ever happened. Not sure what Confucius would say about it.
No news is good news.
The fortune you seek is in another cookie.
Ah, keep buying Chinese food, Grasshopper.
Bears know a bad meal when they get their paws on one.
I think that bears are sort of like black Labradors. There is no such thing as a “bad meal.”
I've lived out the country and in cities. I've always felt safer in the woods. With the invention of the cellphone and near 100% coverage, walking alone in the woods has become safer while having a decent cellphone has made the city less safe. Bears aren't interested in stealing my phone, and they can have the trail mix. I'm amused at how many people here are worried about Ann getting attacked, mugged, and/or raped by creatures she meets in the woods. Maybe because her woods are still in the city? Cities are not natural habitats for humans. You can tell by how we behave there.
"Has anyone heard of bear spray?"
Yep, they sell it at Yellowstone. It's the size of a scuba tank. (I exaggerate but not by much.)
Every year, about 28 Appalachian Trail hikers get lost in Maine,
https://www.pressherald.com/2016/05/26/hiker-who-died-on-appalachian-trail-didnt-know-how-to-use-a-compass/
Paul said...
Ann... get a CCW, a good pistol, and some training and you won't be afraid to walk in the woods at all.
9/24/18, 8:16 PM
Nobody needs to know about the Kahr PM40 with Crimson Trace in her WPC Preclusion IWB Kydex holster (made in Wisconsin). Nobody, especially Chuck.
That said, Althouse, why have you always been afraid to walk alone in the woods?
I deleted some references to an identifiable group where there was a reference to violence, even though it was intended as joking. Please don't do that here.
Visiting the Cave of the Blue Mounds was our first real family vacation, c. 1955. We drove up from the Chicago area and stayed in a motel. It was big deal, a nice break from tenement/city life.
@Humperdink, IMHO one should defend themselves with what they train with. Maybe step up to +P but no more than that. .357 has quite a bit more kick and in the middle of a life or death gunfight is the wrong time to be dealing with something new and different. But do switch from FMJ to hollow points unless your concern is bears.
"S & W model 60 in .357 caliber. Train with .38's but carry with .357."
I am of the philosophy of training with what you are carrying. Well, OK, I will admit to training mostly with lighter loads because of the cost, and mostly not shooting up my hollow point and solid cast due to cost considerations, which is essentially, I think what you are suggesting.
I am a firm believer in research. You defend against credible threats. In CO, much of my hiking was at or above tree line, which meant that 4 legged threats were minimal. There, a bigger worry is lightning. Some black bear and mtn lion, but not much. Here in MT, we have heavy black bear, comparable mountain lions, but also some brown bear and wolves in the more remote locations in the county. I think the consensus is that 9 mm is fine in the valley, because you are not likely to run into brown bear or wolves, but 10 mm (or maybe .45 ACP, but 10 mm is faster and penetrates better) is better in the mountains around us because of such. In either case, I alternate FMJ (or preferably solid cast) and JHP in magazines. Instructor this last weekend (currently the judge, but before that a deputy sheriff here, who had to shoot 30 bears in a month and a half one year) loads 5 FMJ followed by 10 JHP. The solid cast/FMJ is for penetration with bears, and the JHP is for everything else, and the quantity is because of wolves, because of the pack size seen with the reintroduced wolves (bigger wolves and bigger packs than the wolves that were indigenous and killed off). In the neighborhood, within sight of houses, during the day, I mostly don't carry. But I do carry a 9 mm handgun externally (OWB) near dusk, at night, or mostly when I .take the scenic route into town, which is over the top of the hill behind the subdivision, because we have a pretty bad deer infestation, and that means that we also have black bear, and possibly mtn lion. We know about the bears because we had them on the back porch when my partner threw out meat there, (I put a quick end to that - feeding the deer is fine, but don't feed the Bears) and we do see bear scat every month or so on the road right in front of the house. And mountain lions tend to follow the deer. The other half the year is in AZ, where the biggest threat is probably 2 legged. North of PHX, I might not be that concerned, but south of there is a concern, esp with the violence on the border.
So Ann, the skeeters didn't swarm you?
Bruce, dunno if you saw this from a day or so ago? The interface is closing in ....
http://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/2018/09/24/bear-breaks-into-colorado-restaurant-tips-freezer-and-ransacks-storage-room-during-shenanigans.html
I lived in Evergreen CO (near the end of Buffalo Creek Rd, if you're familiar) for 15 years, and only saw one bear, a young'un hangin' around our house for a very brief time. Lots of coyotes, though.
The Beast in the Garden by David Baron, although somewhat dated now, is a great (and scary) book about our wild four-footed friends and the narrowing interface. Here: http://a.co/d/dX3Rxeq
@Bruce Hayden
I have friends who moved to PHX. They open carry everywhere.
I do think that one needs to trust one's intuitions and radar. Good situational awareness is key. Don't put yourself in a risky environment or situation, have the knowledge and a plan to defend yourself and know who is nearby at.all.times.
You can't go wrong with a modified Mad Dog approach; "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."
Carrying a sidearm will diminish your anxiety and give you a sense of empowerment. Bring it on, bear. You picked the damn wrong woman to fool with.
I have friends who moved to PHX. They open carry everywhere.
Make sure they vote for McSally!
Blogger Ann Althouse said...
"I had my trekking poles."
I hate to tell you how many of those things I've been through. Lost, broken or just wore out.
They are handy for mushrooming. Moving the leaf litter around. Also for fending off unwanted pests.
One thing I always carry is a knife I can open with one hand. Mainly because when I'm out it's usually with the dog and one hand holds the leash. A couple of times I've had to rescue her from landscaping mest.
There really aren
t that many preditors in south central Wisconsin that can take down a grown human.
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