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January 06, 2008
"There is More Good in This World Than Evil"
"There is more good in this world than evil." Those are the words of the parents of missing hiker Meredith Emerson, on the morning after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that Meredith is likely dead after the discovery of some of her personal effects. Last night authorities announced that the "Person of Interest" Gary Michael Hilton was being charged with Kidnapping in her disappearance. You can read more about this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
This will be my last blog entry about this sad case. My thoughts and prayers go out to Meredith's friends and family in this time of sorrow. The hiking community here in the southeast, and indeed, around the world has been saddened by this senseless act of brutality.
I will of course continue to hike, and I hope that all of you will too. I take solace in the wisdom of Meredith's parents words. In fact, I plan to take a hike today with my daughter Martha and savor the peace and serenity that the woods have to offer. I have plans to backpack 90 miles on the Florida Trail in just a few weeks, and further plans to backpack California's John Muir Trail this summer with my daughter. Those plans, of course, remain unchanged. The woods are my sanctuary from the craziness of this world, and will remain so.
As a reminder, I'll repost my suggestions for keeping safe in the woods and on the trails here;
- Always carry a map and compass with you, and know how to use them.
- Whenever possible, hike with a friend. There is safety in numbers. Most of my longest lasting friendships were initially forged on hiking trails.
- If you are new to an area or don't have friends or family who are interested in joining you on a hike, don't let that discourage you. Consider joining a local hiking club. American Hiking Society has more than 250 affiliate members. You can search our Alliance database for a hiking organization in your area.
- Let your friends and family know where you are going, and when you are expected to return. This is very important. It could make all the difference in a search and rescue operation should you become lost or incapacitated on the trail.
- Carry the 10 essentials with you in your backpack (PDF 109 KB).
- Follow your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, it might not be. If you find yourself with a gut feeling that things aren't quite right, be attentive. Listen to your instincts. Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
- Look out for your fellow hikers. That could take many forms, including taking First Aid and CPR training so that you can be prepared to assist in the event of an emergency. I plan to renew my expired certification soon.
- Stay on the trail! Do not wander off into areas that you are unfamiliar with. If you change your hiking plans, be sure to notify your friends and family of the change in your itinerary.
- Pass along this message by teaching your children these tips on how to stay safe.
Hiking in the News | By Jeffrey Hunter | 08:54 AM
Comments
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I, too, have been following the news. I live in Ellijay, GA, and have hiked on the Blood Mountain trail, parked in the parking lot where her car was found, like many others. I love to hike but have always been afraid to go alone. (Heck, I sometimes worry about walking to the mailbox after seeing a coyote cross the yard!) But I will also continue to hike with my husband. I share your feeling that the woods offer such peace that can be found no where else.
Love your blog posts, have fun out hiking with your daughter!
Posted by: Susan at January 7, 2008 08:41 AM
Thanks for your kind comments Susan. Ellijay is located in a beautiful area surrounded by great hiking trails. I try and get over to the Cohuttas or to the Benton MacKaye Trail every chance I can.
Happy Trails!
Posted by: Jeffrey Hunter at January 7, 2008 02:08 PM
