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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I’ve taken pepper spray when mountain
biking, but not hiking. Since I ride my bike primarily on fire roads,
some of which are open to motorized vehicle traffic, there is access for anyone
who can drive. While bad people can exist anywhere, I’m of the
opinion that the majority of criminals are lazy, and don’t gravitate to
strenuous and challenging outdoor activities. I feel safer in the backcountry
than practically anywhere, and prefer to move away from trailhead environments
quickly. In difficult environments that require skills, knowledge, and
preparation, I sense that the percentage of bad guys drops precipitously.
Any law enforcement types out there able to confirm or correct that?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>The info about Can’t Quit’s
bowie knife sends chills down my spine. I always fear that a weapon like
that could be turned against me, which is too horrible to consider. I’m
taking a martial arts class (for fun, mental discipline, and exercise) and even
though I have learned to block, punch, and kick, pretty much every man in the
class can overpower me and every one of the other women, regardless of their level
of expertise. Knowing that is pretty sobering.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I feel most secure with my trekking poles
as a potential defensive weapon, and also keep a fist-sized rock pile close at
hand at night to ward off possible marauding bears. If it ever came down
to a fight, the pole and rocks could stave someone or something off and inflict
some harm potentially giving me a chance to escape, but I don’t fear them
being used against me the same way I do a knife or a gun.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>L-Rod<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> Hiker97@aol.com
[mailto:Hiker97@aol.com] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Friday, January 11, 2008
10:48 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> jabregman@bellsouth.net<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Cc:</span></b> dsaufley@sprynet.com;
pct-l@backcountry.net; carolwbruno@yahoo.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: [pct-l] safety on the
pct</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>I would take pepper spray. I always
carry it for protection from animals and humans. The chances of using it
for these things are very slim, but it is nice to know I have something that is
fairly light and effective.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Pepper spray works on most humans.
Some who have certain metal disorders or certain drugs in their system, you
will just make them angry. But that is a VERY small part of the
human population. I like pepper spray.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Say, I remember the first time I camped
out with Can'tQuit. She was setting up camp several yards from me and
pulled out a BIG full size, heavy Bowie knife just before we went turn in for
the night. I now tease her about this big heavy knife she had for
protection. Too funny. Of course, camping with a Trail Pirate, may
be this made sense. I would not mess with her even if I was a
grizzly.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Cheers, Switchback the Trail Pirate<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:7.5pt'><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Start
the year off right. <a
href="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489"
target="_blank"
title="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489">Easy
ways to stay in shape</a> in the new year. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>No virus found in this incoming message.<BR>
Checked by AVG Free Edition.<BR>
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.1/1219 - Release Date: 1/11/2008 10:19 AM<BR>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>No virus found in this outgoing message.<BR>
Checked by AVG Free Edition.<BR>
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.1/1219 - Release Date: 1/11/2008 10:19 AM<BR>
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