First, let me say that I ache for Mr. B and his family (read the article). The poor man had no idea that goats could be dangerous. Like me, he probably spent a lot of time in the mountains and had seen them many times- even at a close distance. In his head, they were likely more of a nuisance than worry. So, I can totally relate to the decision he made. Would I have done the same thing? I've thought this through a lot, and I'm pretty sure I would not have tried to coax it off the trail. I tend to read animal posturing pretty well, and watch for subtle signs. Perhaps the goat gave no indication it was ticked off? Anyway, I was not in his shoes, so I will never know what I would have done. A fellow backpacker has left us and that is a sad tragedy.
Now that I'd said my piece about Mr. B, I'd like to move on. What is backpacking coming to if we have to constantly worry about everything. Don't get me wrong, I have a very health respect for animals. But one or two incidents happen and people freak out and regulate stuff. I'm not blaming the rangers on this one because I know that public safety is in the forefront, but for crying out loud- common sense does not prevail anymore. Common sense is that little voice in your head telling you that while feeding bears might be 'fun' it's not a good idea for either party. Common sense is the voice that tells you that something with horns that is twice your weight should not be provoked. Having said that, sometimes animals DO get too habituated and it causes issues. Then again, if a goat approaches you, use common sense. Take a non-threatening posture, lay low and enjoy the experience. You are in THEIR home. Mountain goats rarely charge or gore someone unprovoked.
Speaking of common sense, there has been talk of rumors about putting safety railings at the top of Rattlesnake Ledge. One guy fell off last year and now they feel people can't be trusted. Common sense tells you that you are hiking to a LEDGE, in a natural area. This isn't Disneyland and should not be treated as an amusement park. Besides, every safety barrier I've ever seen had a trail on the other side. There is no cure for stupidity. Several years ago, another tragedy struck that trail as a tree fell on a hiker. Now they have removable metals signs that go up and down when wind is in the forecast, reminding folks that the trail is dangerous if windy. Some lawyer somewhere is bragging about winning that case. Where, oh where has common sense gone? Are we Darwin-izing it out of the next generation through these measures?
But, I digress. Back to goats. And a big ol' reader smooch if you are actually still reading this rant.
At the end of the day, people are the issue- not the creatures. Goats are not native to the Olympics and were imported there...by people. Backpacking is what all the cool kids are doing now, so the trails are getting more and more crowded and unfortunately...there is no vaccine for stupidity. Inexperienced people are all over the place out in the backcountry (thank goodness for guidebooks)...**big eye wink**.
The plan the Olympics has in place seems to be a good one- for now. My fear is that this will morph into fear-driven legislation and all of us will have to carry around a certification that we've gone through the "mountain goat safety awareness prevention" class. Oh yeah and the class will cost $50.00 per hiker- all funds going to freeway art or tribes. And... the class will only be available one night a week, at inconvenient time and location and the registration system won't take credit cards. Fear= money. It's only a matter of time before goat repellant products hit outdoor retail shelves. (Table for "Business Idea" please, party of 1).
**adjusts mic**
So I leave you with this. I plan to hike with common sense. I plan to use good animal etiquette when I visit THEIR neighborhoods and show my respect to their habitats, feeding stations and breeding grounds. And, I will not fill my head with horrible stories of maulings or gorings as I enjoy God's bounty. I will hike with awareness, not fear and encourage others to do the same. I will enjoy every minute that I'm on this planet and that's that. And if I meet my maker on a trail by fault of my own, or a wayward creature... I hope that my death is not going to cause fear, drive legislation and create senseless products. Rather I hope it shows others that life is meant to be lived and I moved on...doing just that.
**quietly steps off soap box**
2 comments:
I agree with you. The funny thing is that the people that are going to fall off the ledge are still going to fall off the ledge because they are the kind that will go around the raining. If not that, then some other stupid accident. Anyway, glad you are careful. I do think of you out there in the wilderness on your own sometimes. Brave girl with camera.
spot on, sister!
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