I didn’t update the blog for my hikes on Tuesday (6/12) on Tolt Pipeline and Thursday (6/14) on the Section Line with Ken. I note them here just for the end-of-year count.
Rather an eventful solo hike yesterday.
I was scheduled to babysit Camden in the late afternoon, because everyone but us was going to a concert at the zoo by a group called Violent Femmes. I wanted to start later than usual so I didn’t finish too early (the hike and the babysitting are not all that far apart); thus, I started up the trail about 8:30 am. My plan was to hike Zig Zag and then go up to Truck Summit.
Sounds early, perhaps, but the temps approached 90 yesterday and the Zig Zag is ultra-steep. I completely soaked two head bands by the time I got to the top of the Zig Zag so I pitched the idea of going to the truck. I turned left to go down the service road which would take me back to IHT, etc.
I was done, I thought, with elevation gain.
About a mile down the service road I started hearing gunshots. Lots of them. I knew people brought guns out there – illegally – to shoot them but I had never been out there when the bullets were flying. I absolutely did not want to turn around and chug back up the service road I had just come down but I also did not want to walk into gunfire. So I turned around.
There is not enough budget to staff the back country to police this kind of behavior, and there are vicious idiots a-plenty in the world so I am not sure what to do.
Otherwise, it was a great day.
There are plenty of sights along this trail, which in spite of its unofficial status, is in pretty good shape. It is just so steep!
About 2,200 feet of elevation gain and 5.75 miles. A strange hike, I certainly never planned to go down the NF9021 service road partway and then back up but when the bullets are flying, I do think the best policy is to steer clear.
The human element is never far away. You did the wise thing but I wonder about this solo hike stuff. Otherwise, keep on trucking!
Well, some people solo-hike gigantic trails like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. While it is true that doing something like breaking your ankle while solo could lead to dire consequences, I find the best approach is to just narrow your focus and be aware of your surroundings.
Didn’t need much focus to hear the multiple gunshots (they would come in bursts of 14-15 shots, followed by a minute of silence, I presume for re-loading) they were very loud and very illegal.
Glad you’re okay. Fran
Thanks, the problem with the gun nuts around here is maddening. Is it wise to confront armed fools? We are told to take license plate numbers and report them to the local county sheriff, but how do you get close enough to get their license plate number?