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<DIV><A href="mailto:pct-l@mattmaxon.com">pct-l@mattmaxon.com</A> writes: <FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>It is my
experience that we let our guards down when in these trail <BR>towns, and
other rural areas. I don't know how to describe it other than to call it a
"Sixth Sense" <BR>but if something or someone doesn't feel right, leave,
take action.</FONT></DIV>
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size=2>---------------------------------------</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2>Switchback replies: I guess I should mention that my profession at the
police department is crime prevention. I teach personal safety, property
safety, etc., etc., etc., all the time to the public. One thing I teach is
the value of "sixth sense". You are exactly right. I do not want
hikers to be paranoid or afraid to go hiking, but you should be aware.
Awareness is the key. And that comes from education and knowledge.
By the way, I carry a small pepper spray can on my key chain. Not much and
don't use it down wind, but better than nothing. A whistle is great
too. I just bought a hiking new emergency whistle from REI. It is
LOUD. Cheers.</DIV></FONT></DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Start the year off right. <A title="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489" href="http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489" target="_blank">Easy ways to stay in shape</A> in the new year. </FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>