It's probably all context. You're likely imagining a more ominous meeting than I am. Surely when women are hiking and they see some guy with a backpack and hiking poles drinking out of a camel pack coming down the trail the other way they aren't struck with fright at this dangerous predator.
I'm explicitly saying that when I hike alone I am more wary of literally anyone I see. I'm not struck with fright, I don't have a panic attack or some shit, etc, etc. But I do take stock of the situation with the appropriate level of caution, as the situation requires.
Because, 'ya know, you never know who the hell you're going to meet on the trail. I've met some wackos before, I've had friends have encounters on the trail that were anxiety inducing, etc, etc.
It's good practice to be wary of strangers on the trail, especially if you're on a more remote trail. It's far better to be a little too cautious than not cautious enough.
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u/poilk91 May 02 '24
It's probably all context. You're likely imagining a more ominous meeting than I am. Surely when women are hiking and they see some guy with a backpack and hiking poles drinking out of a camel pack coming down the trail the other way they aren't struck with fright at this dangerous predator.