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Almost Attacked on the Appalachian Trail
This morning I woke up at the room around 6 AM. I didn’t get all of my writing and video work done last night. So I promised myself I would actually get up early to do it this morning. I’m the only person here keeping myself in check now. No one else is going to wake me up or get me going. But I manage just fine on my own, as you can imagine.
I got up and got packed. Then did some writing and video work and ate some leftover Chinese food for breakfast. I was impressed that I got moving very quickly. Then just after 7 AM I left the motel and began walking back to the trailhead. It was about a mile and a half to get back to where the trail picked up. But I decided to stick my thumb out to try to save myself the 20 to 30 minute walk. And lo and behold a car pulled over almost immediately.
This adorable bridge brings you out of Williamstown and back into the woods.
The guy inside was named Andre and he was super nice. It seemed like he was definitely on his way to work but stopped off to pick me up anyway. The road was short, but I talked to Andre for a bit. He was shocked to hear where I’d come from earlier this year. Then he dropped me off at the trailhead and I got moving.
It was a really nice morning and the weather was fantastic. The morning began with a fairly gradual climb, following along a river for a while. Then after another mile or so I entered it into the infamous rock garden. One of the final segments of Massachusetts, which is just a giant boulder field you have to climb through. The boulder field also generally goes uphill. I think boulders are easier to climb uphill than downhill. It did rain last night though so everything was slick which made things a bit slow going.
The Rock Garden!
I got through the boulder field and then got on top of a ridge. The trail became a lot easier after that which was nice. I used my opportunity with some service to upload the last of my content for the day. Even though I didn’t spend a ton of time in town last night, I still feel like I was very productive with my time. And that’s always a good feeling.
Getting close to the next state along the Appalachian trail.
After walking for an hour or two, I caught up to Sunflower who I met yesterday. Yesterday she got a ride back to her car and she sleeps in her car and then does day hikes on the Appalachian Trail. So she got going before me this morning and I’m just now catching up to her. We walked together for the next hour or so and talked. She’s a super nice lady and it was great to have the company. While the two of us were together, we crossed out of Massachusetts and in into Vermont! The 14th state that I’ve hiked through this year.
Welcome to Vermont!
After a while, the trail began to climb and I picked up the pace a little bit. Then Sunflower fell behind and I didn’t wind up seeing her again for the day. Over the course of the day I did see a ton of section hikers. Pretty much every single one I saw was going southbound though. I kind of wonder why that is. One guy was super nice and his name was Gazer . He hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003 and he actually knows my friend TABA. It was cool to talk to him for a little bit and he had some really nice supportive and motivational words for me moving forward.
I loved this stretch of lush green trail.
At times, the trail was flooded and had a lot of mud. On the bright side, I was definitely expecting this from the great state of Vermont. Though it definitely wasn’t as bad as I remembered. It’s only just beginning I guess though. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes. The mud and water definitely did slow me down a bit. I was just trying to keep my feet dry for as long as I could. There wasn’t enough water to rationalize soaking my feet just yet. But at the same time, avoiding getting my feet lot was becoming time-consuming.
In the early afternoon, I got a call from Iceman, letting me know that he had gone looking for my pendant! Iceman is an absolute saint, and it was so incredibly kind of him to do that. But unfortunately, he had no luck and wasn’t able to find it. A few people have gone out now searching with or without metal detectors looking for my pendant. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who has wanted to help me in that way. It really means the most to me that you guys are so supportive and care so much. To think that anyone would take time out of their day to go look for something strictly because it’s sentimental to me, is unbelievable. It just makes my heart feel so full and I feel so blessed and so loved.
Today felt incredibly variable. I got to see so many faces of the AT and its terrain in a 30+ mile segment.
When I talked to Iceman, he also let me know that he was going to be coming out to meet me! There was a road about 18 miles into the day. Hopefully I would be getting there around 2 PM so long as the terrain didn’t slow me down too much. Knowing he was going to be there definitely put a pep in my step though. And I found that the last hour or so leading up to the road was a bit easier.
The last half mile or so heading down to route nine was quite deep with a lot of rock steps. But honestly, it was a lot better than I remembered. I had worked up a lot in my head and was pleasantly surprised by what actually unfolded. Then when I got down to the road, Iceman was set up there waiting for me! It was so great to see him again and this is such a delightful surprise. When I leave this road there is going to have a 10 mile climb, so I’m excited to be able to fuel up.
I sat there and hung out with Iceman for a while talking. He served me hotdogs with all the fixings, potato salad, and a Mountain Dew. It was so nice to take a break and get a ton of calories in. It was also just great to sit and talk with Iceman. He is truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. And there is no such thing as a bad time for a friend to stop by along the trail. Even though I knew he was coming it still feels like a surprise.
Iceman! It was so great to meet him for lunch today.
I still had about 15 miles remaining for the day after that. So unfortunately, I couldn’t stay too long. Around 2:45 PM I began getting ready to head out. I filled me up on water and then I said goodbye. Even though I knew Iceman was coming, it still felt like a wonderful surprise!
The next couple miles were definitely the steepest part of the 10 mile climb. Maybe other than the last mile toward the top with the fire tower. I was feeling really good, strong, and energized. Honestly it was an all around wonderful day.
Crossing the bridge after Route 9, where you can go into Bennington.
But then things took a really strange turn. I would like to preface this by saying, I am completely all right, both physically and mentally. But what unfolded in the next half hour was truly chaotic and something I never would have predicted.
Around this time I was passing the spur trail to a shelter. I decided to pop over there and see if there was a privy. As I walked down the spur trail I couldn’t see directly toward the shelter initially. Then when I got closer I noticed someone sitting at the picnic table out front. The guy was wearing some blaze orange and appeared to be perhaps a hunter. When he first saw me, he signaled some kind of hand motions at me. My initial reaction was that he was doing something hunting related and I was interfering with it. I was pretty confused and kind of just froze where I was.
I remembered these cool rocks, which the trail passes between.
I was about 20 to 30 feet away from the man. Initially I was caught off guard and a bit confused. I thought he was just some regular dude and was trying to logically make sense of the situation. Though the more he spoke and gestured, I began to make realizations. After a moment I realized that he was actually gesturing for me to come toward him with his hand.
All of a sudden he started saying “Come here. Come here.” He said a few other things and was basically just trying to get me to approach him. I was a little confused and stayed where I was. I took one of my headphones out and asked him what he was saying and what he wanted. He reiterated that he wanted me to come toward him. That’s when things got super weird. All of a sudden he said something along the lines of “Please come here, I need your help. Someone’s trying to poison me. “
When I heard those words come out of his mouth, they set off immediate alarm bells for me. I can’t speak for anyone else, but to me that sentence indicated that this man was either mentally unstable or under the influence of drugs.
A tree covered in dark mushrooms.
And if it wasn’t either of those things, then it just sounded like he was trying to lure me over to him and possibly harm me. As soon as I heard him say this sentence I turned around and started running back to the trail. I can still remember the tone in which he spoke as well. It was the causal nature of his words which filled me with fear. He wasn’t panicked or frenzied. He was so incredibly calm. And thats when things got even scarier.
When I started running, he began screaming at me telling me to stop, come back, and to come over to him. It was absolutely terrifying, and I only looked back once just to see if he was following after me. But it was really hard to tell because the shelter was slightly up on a hill. So after only 10 or so feet of descending, I really could no longer see the man at the shelter.
At this point, I really didn’t care whether or not he was following me. I knew I just had to get out of there as quickly as I could. I darted back to the trail and decided to go into the woods a little bit sooner than the spur trail. My hope was that by darting into the woods sooner, the man wouldn’t be able to see whether or not I headed north or south. If I continued down the spur trail and he was behind me, then he probably would have been able to see that I turned right to continue north.
At this point in time, my entire body was flooded with adrenaline and my face and neck had that flushed hot sensation that you truly only get when you’re afraid for your life. I felt sick to my stomach and just started running down the trail as fast as I could. Vermont has tons of rocks and roots. There was mud all over the trail. I was running and jumping over things and praying that I didn’t trip and fall. I just kept running for as long as I physically could and just and looked back every now and then to see if he was there.
I passed by this pond and across this foot bridge earlier in the day.
It was hard to balance looking back for comfort and also not looking back to keep myself moving. I was worried that if he was following me that he would definitely be able to catch me. You can’t run that fast with a backpack on. So some part of me kind of wanted to stop and hide. Another part of me just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.
While I was running, of course, the only thing flashing through my mind were all of the terrifying stories that I’ve heard over the course of my entire life. I ran for maybe a half mile or so until I was fairly convinced that he wasn’t behind me. Or at least he wasn’t directly behind me. When I looked back, I couldn’t see him and I couldn’t hear anything. But obviously some part of me was still pretty convinced that he was behind me somewhere.
Now this is a solid rock hop! I loved how symmetrical it was.
At this point in time I checked to see if I had service and I decided to call my dad. I figured if I told the police no one was going to be able to get to me quickly anyway. Plus from my experience dealing with police I wasn’t very confident that it was the best phone call to make.
Thankfully my dad answered and I immediately tried to calm him down before explaining the situation. Then gave him all of the details as to what had happened. I had him to write down the name of the shelter that this happened at. He also wrote down the name of the next shelter I would be passing and the shelter that I planned to camp out for the night. I was hoping that he would call the state police and report this because even if I wasn’t necessarily concerned for myself, I was pretty concerned that this guy was still out there.
It really helped me to be on the phone with my dad while I continued to jog down the trail. And just to remind you, this section of the trail was entirely uphill. So I was running on and off for about a half an hour on a climb. I don’t run! When you’re hiking, you’re really just doing the one thing. So by the time my adrenaline wore off I was absolutely exhausted. Physically, mentally, everything. My dad wound up calling the state police and reported everything. He gave my information so that someone could get in touch with me if they needed to. And then by the time I was a couple miles away, I felt relatively safe
At one point though, all of a sudden I heard someone right near me. I turned around to luckily see a trail runner. At first, I was still kind of scared because part of me was worried that it might somehow be the guy. Even though he didn’t look like him, and the other guy had been much older. I was just so shaken up from the situation that anything would’ve scared me. I kind of yelled at this kid and was trying to tell him what has happened. In the end, I just kind of scared him. But he wound up being very understanding. Obviously the situation was very frightening for me and had put me on edge. But, this guy who is trail running said he hadn’t seen anyone the entire time since the highway. Which meant that if this man hadn’t following me, he didn’t follow for long. He had clearly turned back and gone to the shelter.
By this point I felt way better and was finally starting to calm down. Coincidentally around this time, Fresh Ground called me, and I filled him in on everything. Then had to end the conversation short because someone from the Forrest service was calling me. This guy was super nice and had been given my information from the state police. He was personally going to go out to the shelter to see what was going on. Which I was really grateful for because that situation was terrifying.
A small pond just off the trail.
I really don’t want another hiker to have to go through what I just went through. And honestly, I’m worried that another hiker might not run away and might get lured in by this guy. If fight or flight hadn’t kicked in for me I don’t know what would’ve happened back there. That could’ve been a really dark situation.
Things calmed down after this, and the rest of the early evening was pretty chill. I talked to Sparkle on the phone who was pretty glad that I didn’t get murdered by some random guy in the woods. Then I just continued making my way up the climb toward the next shelter and the fire tower after.
I couldn’t even photograph the worst of the snow, because I had to be cautious as I walked. I was post holing like crazy.
The climb up to the Goddard shelter wasn’t so bad. It was pretty gradual the entire time until the last mile or so. But as I got higher, I began walking through patches of snow. At first, they were just short and sweet, but they became more frequent. I had the feeling that this was going to continue as I climbed further up.
Right before that next shelter I filled up on water. There were no recent comments on the spring near the Kid Gore shelter. And the trail was mostly downhill to there. I figured I would just fill up so I didn’t have to worry about it. When I passed the Goddard shelter, I saw one of the most classic things you see on the Appalachian Trail. Someone was set up inside the shelter with their whole tent set up. That is one of those classic novice hiker themes. This time of year there aren’t even any bugs so there’s really no reason to do that. If you aren’t familiar with shelters and trail etiquette, it is very much so not appropriate to set up your tent inside the shelter.
Luckily, I wasn’t planning on stopping off there. If I had been staying there for the night, I certainly would’ve told them to break down their tent and get into the shelter like a normal person. Tents take up a lot more room and make it a lot more uncomfortable for everyone else involved. I was just hoping there wasn’t anything ridiculous going on at the Kid Gore shelter.
When I passed the Goddard shelter, the snow really picked up. I was walking on 1-2 feet of snow all the way up to the fire tower. The snow continued after that and actually got a lot worse. Some areas had snow which was 3 to 4 feet deep, but was beginning to melt. Because of this, every now and then my foot would slip deep into the snow and post hole. I bruised up my shins and cut them up as well. This can be pretty dangerous and you could definitely risk rolling an ankle or breaking something if your foot sinks in at a strange angle. Or also if your foot sinks in and there’s something beneath it.
The next mile or two continued on like that. I was cold and my feet were soaking wet pretty quickly. I had to be really careful and watch my stuff and even still I was post holing constantly. This was not an ideal way to end the day. When I had left the Goddard shelter, I only had another four so miles left for the day. But at this rate, I was not going to be finishing quickly.
I just kept praying that it would get better at some point. Every now and then the snow would thin out and the trail would just turn into a deep river. The water was so cold. My feet were freezing and soaking wet. And then I would round another corner and the snow would pick up again. There were also a lot of downed trees which I had to maneuver around. All in all it was just the worst case scenario to end this day. Today has been exhausting enough emotionally. So finishing it on some aggravating terrain was not what I had in mind.
There were moments where the snow got a lot better and moments where there was no snow at all. That was awesome and allowed me to make better time briefly. Originally I had thought I was going to get to the Kid Gore shelter maybe around 7:40 PM. But now it was clear that I was definitely going to get there right as it got dark or just after dark.
Typically, I want shelters to be empty when I arrive at them. But tonight, I really wasn’t sure how I felt. Some part of me would’ve probably enjoyed seeing people at the shelter. Just because of the chaos that happened earlier today. But at the same time, I think it might almost be safer and easier to have the shelter be empty. I’ll just have to see how it goes.
I was able to pick up the pace a little bit, which helped with time. Now it looks like I would be getting to the shelter just as it got dark. In the forest, I would probably need a headlamp, but it wouldn’t be pitch black. Plus, as of now I wasn’t worried about running into any weirdos. There’s no chance that some crazy person is hiking in 15 miles from a road through snow and other conditions.
It was just after 8 PM when I arrived at the Kid Gore shelter. And I was utterly shocked to find that it was empty. I was also pretty friggin happy about it. Then I didn’t have to worry about squeezing in next to anyone. Or talking to anyone. I could just decompress, record my end of the day video, and do everything I had to do. I was absolutely starving at this point but wanted to get set up in the shelter first. Then I just ate some snacks and got a little bit of video work in writing done before going to bed. I think I’m going to sleep like a rock tonight. I exerted myself a lot today physically and mentally. I’m excited to have a shorter day tomorrow and hopefully get some much-needed rest.
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Comments 249
Exciting!!!!
This is so over the top, called the state police??? Was there a crime? You scared yourself and made it all about you. Don’t call police on people, you just said you had bad interactions with police, so you decide to sic them on someone and make him sound like a dangerous crazy person?? Super lame move, your own fear made this more then it was, and frankly this sound super exaggerated for the sake of gaining people to care about your hike. Try just hiking and not worry about attention seeking blogs🙄
Disagree completely. You weren’t there. Intuition about situations like this cannot be discounted and if someone told me someone was trying to poison them I would think they had mental issues as well. Very odd situation.
You absolutely did the right thing! You’re a defenseless girl alone in the woods with a man who appears to be mentally unbalanced…. It’s already dangerous for you to just be walking through the woods on your own not to mention wearing earbuds so you can’t hear… I hope and pray you get something to protect yourself with next time… Multiple people have been killed on that trail by crazy people… I think you were lucky to escape good thing you followed your intuition… In the us alone 443,000 women are sexually assaulted every year… I’m not saying that that was what was going to happen of course but it was the perfect setup for anything bad to happen… Please please get yourself some serious protection…
Don’t listen to anyone who say you overreacted because you definitely did not!
Stay safe ❤️
Seriously? “Serious protection?” You’d have her murder a possibly injured person for doing nothing just because she’s watched to many movies? I’m not saying don’t be vigilant but this was a non situation. Just because you feel like something is out to get you doesn’t make it so. I’m assuming the author thought a lot before and during writing this article. She in no way have any information even close to an attack. I’m fact I might peg her a the malicious party for creating such a ruckus and then calling cops. I’ve come across women like this in the wilderness and they are dangerous.
Agreed, never second guess a bad feeling. You get em for a reason.
This is my thought. A person was sitting at a picnic table. They made an odd comment. Maybe they were drunk, or mentally unwell, or maybe they were just making an odd joke about the chemicals that they were reading about in their trail mix. You freaked out and took off running. They shouted after you because they felt bad you were running. It seems pretty unlikely that they followed you at all. Now you should always follow your instincts and if they made you uncomfortable you should have left and I am glad you are ok, but this really sounds like it happened in your head.
This is a much different issue for men than women. I dont think any man knows what it’s like to be a vulnerable female in that situation, and therefore we should not judge PL actions.
Completely agree.
It’s crazy one even has to explain why it’s dangerous for a woman to trek alone. These men who can’t see why this is life threatening are for lack of a better word, dumb.
I have to agree with you. Women are very vulnerable, especially when they are alone and in the middle of the woods. I think she did the right thing. When someone starts a conversation with, “I think I’m being poisoned”, I’m not taking that as a joke, that would scare the hell out of me. I believe
I would have reacted pretty much the same way, unless I was carrying. Better to be safe than sorry.
This comment is absolutely correct. Thank you.
I was divided reading this. My first thought how much does a good little handgun cost and or course buddy system and then I thought it could be influencing to draw people in or fiction.
Nonetheless, people are disappearing a lot, I read goggle news and years ago bodies are being found frequently.
Buddy system people.
No it wasn’t in her head. Stop being judgmental. If you have never been a woman you can’t judge.
What exactly is a woman? And how is that different from a man?
very disingenuous statement. If you don’t know, ask a female relative or friend; they’ll tell you.
As a female, I’d do exactly what she did in that situation. I’m a frequent hiker and have definitely experienced odd encounters on hiking trails over the years where intuition kicks in and that flight/ fight response def was there.
The fact that you need to ask that question speaks to poor mental condition of your brain. How is a woman different than a man????? Seriously, what is wrong with people?
Democrats can’t even define a woman. They let trans people beat up on women in sports. So those are the people who can’t see a difference.
Agree 100%
I absolutely would have left also and I’m glad you did. These people can have their opinions but I feel like you did the right thing for yourself. Have a coffee on me and stay safe!
As a woman alone, you can never be too careful. I’ve hiked 1000 miles of the AT. It is important to ALWAYS listen to your gut! MUCH BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY! Those who are making little of the situation are most likely males and don’t have as much to worry about as females do.
Two things can true at the same time. Women hiking alone need to be super careful. One should always follow their intuition and it is great that in this story everyone is safe.
It can also be true that there is zero evidence that the man in this story was a threat or did anything that deserved having the police called on him.
Your second truth COMPLETELY negates the first. She did the right thing. You’re saying his behavior was completely normal? Telling a random woman (ALONE IN THE WOODS, FAR FROM ANYONE/ ANYTHING ELSE) that you think you’ve been poisoned? And then shouting at her/ following her? I bet you wonder why women choose the bear, every time.
I don’t see how they are contradictory at all. I think she should have followed her gut and left, but I also don’t think the person deserved having the police called. We don’t know if he followed her, we don’t even know if he stood up. We don’t know what he shouted to her, it could have been “I’m sorry, you don’t need to run”. It begs the question, what behavior should the man have undertaken that wouldn’t have been threatening? If he had sat at the table quietly and ignored her, would that have been comforting? Should he have left as quickly as he could in the opposite direction? It almost feels like the position is that men are just so threatening to women that his mere presence warrants a call to the authorities. I guess it is true that many women feel that way.
Agree 100% with her actions, avoid a risky situation to the best of your ability. I’m bicycled tens of thousands of miles solo and hiked hundreds of miles so and even as a man I would have done exactly the same. Basically you listen to your gut and that inner voice can be a lifesaver.
I agree. if they wanted to harm you, all they had to do is stand up. if they couldn’t stand up, then what harm are they to you. This felt like click bait and maybe that you were hoping to get donations from it. who knows. glad you did not get hurt.
Well said. She is literally the most dramatic attention seeking hiker there is. Did you know she’ll be the 3rd known women that wears a hat to triple crown. Lol.. Anything for attention
If your life and mental well-being depends on that bizarre potential innocent case, would you want to take the risk? Even men can be bent over and/or murdered by a criminally mentally unwell person. I would have ran.
Women need to trust their instincts. The one time they don’t will be the one time they get seriously hurt/killed. Better safe than sorry. Also, cops will handle it! They will investigate and either figure out it was innocent, or stop an innocent from being hurt. That is not a citizen’s job, it is the police’s job.
Your a fool and a idiot if u think her reaction was wrong.
This
Truth! No one should question someone (especially when obviously have lots of miles and trail experience) who makes a decision for safety on the trail. Threatening actions that may have been the result of drugs, or a joke in poor taste, must be taken a face value.
The thing is anyone with any common sense at all should know you should never go hiking anywhere by yourself. Thats just plain stupid. For starters you could be seriosuly injured from a fall and not be able to render first aid to yourself or even be able to call for help. Females especially should never hike alone but I dont recommend men do either. Never ever ever go hiking by yourself. People disappear on the AT and other remote areas all the time. Nowadays there are more and more lunatics, weirdos, and other undesireables veturing out to remote areas like this. Buddy up and carry either a handgun or some other formidable form of self defense. No one is responsible for your life but you and no one is going to come save you if you find yourself in a similar or more dangerous situation. And I am not criticizing her. Always go with your gut on things like this. Your insticts were not wrong. But please, dont hike alone anymore and arm yourself even when you are with someone else. You could save your life or theirs too.
Did you really just refer to women as “females” in the same sentence where you referred to males as “men” like we’re lesser beings?
Yuuuuuup. Every time. I mean, he probably thinks our uterus can fall out if we run long distances, too. We’re so damned helpless, don’t ya know?! Jfc.
That was not the intent and you have missed the entire point of my comment. Hike alone do you? Well, all I can say is your taking chances with your life and that’s yours to do with as you see fit. But, are you so delicate and fragile that the mere inference of a difference between “males/females” and “men/women” offends you when it was merely a different word? Don’t be so pathetic. That in itself makes you sound weaker and does not do justice to your sex. YOU are DIFFERENT. ACCEPT THE REALITY. I will not waste my time and dignify the other marxist wacko on here with a reply.
So yeah, you do think we’re lesser human beings. Just admitted it. Got news for you, women have been hiking alone for decades without issue. And yes, I’ve hiked alone, many times, and I’m still here. Telling women they can’t do it and are too weak is just ridiculous when tons of women have done it. Maybe instead of telling women not to hike alone you should tell men not to attack women hiking alone like hiking alone gives men a pass to attack us. Wanting women to be treated with respect and equality isn’t “Marxist” unless you’re threatened by it, and if you are, the weak one here is you.
I had a run in where my wife and I camped with Sovereign on the AT in 2019. He was acting very much like what she is describing. He killed a hiker not long after. Trust your gut and never underestimate what a stranger could do especially when they seem mentally unstable or on drugs. Also she was alone with this person, none of you were there and have no valid opinion on how she should have reacted. As always hike your own hike.
WTF…I am definitely going to way in on this one. As a neuropsychologist, my first thought was PL encount
very shocked at the “your being overly drhe GUY SCREAMED AT HER! Males likeWho screams at someone in the woods and demand that they come to them. A mentally unstable person that is who. The statement, “someone is trying to poison me,” screams paranoia, and since he didn’t come across chaotic or I was thinking psychotic or delusional. (AND YES I AM QUALUFIED TO SUGGEST THOSE DX.)
Well crap. I accidently hit the comment button before I could clean up my post. So let me try again. Maybe it was the poison from my trail mix. Really! (Eye roll).
I am definitely waying in on this one as a neuropsychologist. When I read PL’s account of the situation, I initially wondered if she had run into a man with schizophrenia of the paranoid type. However, she said he was not frenzied or chaotic in his speech, so it sounded more like a delusional or psychotic disorder. The worse thing one can do is challenge the belief system of those types of disorders because it makes them upset and potentially volatile. For example, she wasn’t understanding him initially, so he got more demanding that she come to him. Additionally, who is to say, he could not have incorporated her into his delusion/psychosis as the one poisoning him and attack her.
SHE DID EXACTLY WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE AND HIGH TAILED IT OUT OF THERE!
Fortunately for her, it is the socio/psychopaths that will follow you rather than the psychotics.
What needs to be addressed, is the manner in which many of you guys victimized PL, dismissed her gut reaction, and accused her of being at fault. How appalling. (My psychology mind started going a million miles a minute wondering why you would do that and none of it was good.)
PL, it was good to call police and have it checked out. Can’t imagine what could have happened to the next hiker if they challenged his thinking. Besides, if he needed help, he will now get it hopefully. Please carry some type of mace with you if yoʻu don’t and always follow your gut because it is spot on. If you need anything, just email me.
It’s you and ones like you that give outdoor woman a bad name. Meanwhile you all are the voters allowing men who claim to be woman into women’s restrooms ect. Yet are freaking out because a guy yelled!!. All absolute left ass clowns
You’re a neuropsychologist who can’t spell weigh? It’s unethical to make diagnoses for people that you’ve never even met.
Thoughtful inquiry into what could have caused this behavior in a person is not a diagnosis and in no way did she imply it was. the specific symptomology of this person is really quite classic within psychiatric arena of possibilities.
You’re right, she didn’t imply, she stated she was suggesting diagnoses. Direct quote: “(AND YES I AM QUALUFIED TO SUGGEST THOSE DX.)”
Well I’ve read everything and I think that the whole thing is wow what a story
Dude, obviously you’re not a woman for whom these kinds of things are truly scary. Also, you are probably single given the complete lack of empathy. Everyone reading her blog wants to hear about her experiences so stop telling her what to do. Stop telling everyone in your life what to do, you might just be less alone and angry.
Exactly she is literally the worse. Super dramatic, you know she voted for Biden lol. I was attacked lol. These people are literally worthless and clueless
Hmmmm…..what type of person does a character assignation of a hiker on a blog that he does not even have to read.
Oh shut up idiot. Another man commenting on a woman trying to protect herself.
Are you saying woman are weaker than men and can’t handle the same physical workload?
What the hell ails you?
Tyrone; Hope you are wearing your Red MAGA cap when you hit the trail… someone might leave it nearby as a sign one less pervert is stalking people enjoying Mother Nature. Look forward to meeting you.
I hear that you’re upset, but I see it differently. I don’t think it’s fair to call people worthless over their beliefs or actions. Also, as a man, you might not fully understand what women go through — especially around being judged or attacked for speaking up. There’s a lot more to it than it might seem.
Yes, because you seem totally normal yourself – talking about who she *might have* voted for, after she had a scary situation? If you have any actual women in your life, who you don’t control – ask them what they would do, in the middle of nowhere with no one else around and a strange dude says that they’ve been poisoned and then shouts/ runs after them when they back away.
I bet you get all butt hurt when women choose the bear. Hint: it’s because of men like you.
Calling Dad and police about the possibly dangerous man was absolutely the right thing to do. Are you suggesting she should wait until after an assault occurs? As any woman knows, she would then be asked “Why didn’t you notify police at once?” I also appreciate her concern to protect other women approaching the shelter unaware. Well done, Peg Leg. Please consider getting a full-time hiking partner.
lmaooo riiight ridiculous
meh.
She was absolutely justified in calling the police! If I were her I would carry a gun. I’ve saved myself and my daughter more than once just showing it to shimmy creeps. That guys was bats and even if he wasn’t, too bad.
A woman alone needs to be concerned with safety. People like you should not make her feel bad for being careful.
Exactly. Overreact much?One should expect that occasionally if …..using term loosely ” backpacking” ( from b@b to. next) on a crowded trail. Such a thrilling wilderness tail. Guy was just drunk or something probably. But never know. Personally I am bit bummed ( though they are usually cool people) if I see other people on a wilderness trip. If you don’t want to meet a drug up asshole. Try a trail further than 5 miles from the highway. Maybe don’t write about it either.
Who wears blaze orange in Vermont in April. No hunting seasons then dead give away this person has problems.
Wouldn’t it be funny if there was an article in the paper today about a guy in an orange suit found dead in the words.. authorities ruled the cause of death as a poisoning…
Bruh. Situation screamed danger. If someone ask you to ‘come over here’ more than once…run.
It would. be better to title this post “Frightened by Someone who May Have Been Seriously Mentally Ill” rather than “Almost Attached…” Based on your description, there was no intrusion on your personal space or attempt to follow you. You were afraid of someone acting oddly, probably having paranoid delusions. You have the right to trust your intuitions and stay away from people who make you uncomfortable. However, mislabeling this presumably mentally ill person as an attacker perpetuates an unfortunate negative stereotype that mental illness increases violence. The data delusional people are less violent than the general population. Indeed, women are at much greater risk at home with a domestic partner than they are on the train with mentally ill persons. Please be aware that what you say in your blog may detrimentally impact a whole class of persons in need of compassion, not fear.
Mr Smith, I respect your comments. However, as you said to PL about the way she titled her blog was important so as to not stereotype people with mental health problems, I would say the same is true for you in saying delusional people are less violent than the general population. It gave me the feeling this was true in general, and it is not. Violence in delusional folks depends on three factors:
1. Severity of the delusion-meaning how long it has been going on, how well formed it is, and how easily can it be challenged.
2. How detached is the person from societal norms, support, and exposure. A guy alone in the woods actively paranoid is pretty detached.
3. Etiology of delusions-meaning dopamine dependent, more frontal or temporal lobe location, and pathway involves. How much can they self regulate their behavior.
PL encountered a delusional person very involved in his delusion (i.e., asked for her help) that got rapidly more insistent that she come to him when she hesitated, and SCREAMED AT HER when she didn’t comply with his wishes, as she ran away. Even I, as a trained psychologist that works with delusional people, would have hightailed it out of there and called the police. My goal would have been to get him psychological help and prevent harm to other hikers. I do not go on crisis calls without a police officer. If he turns violent, they know how to help. (At least the ones who are trained to do crisis calls with psychologist). PL read the situation correctly.
To others criticizing PL, I want to remind you that if you took the time to read her blog consistently, she has talked with a person paroled for murder and encountered a women who was going through a schizophrenic episode at a hotel that asked for her help and she acted compassionately even though the situation required the police and crisis mental health workers to get it under control.
Dear Dee,
I agree with your assertion that there are exceptions to the tendency of mentally ill persons to be less dangerous than persons in the general population. The exceptions you listed are plausible and partial. A major exception that you did not list is when the delusions are caused by high doses of strong drugs, such as PCP. And I am sure other exceptions are hard to assess in the field.
Please note that I did not say that the OP should have approached the person who seemed to be having a health crisis. I wrote that, “You have the right to trust your intuitions and stay away from people who make you uncomfortable.” That choice is the first consideration in Wilderness Medicine Scene size up — Can the first responder safely approach the patient? To the OP, the answer was no, and I respect that choice.
My point of departure was what the OP did afterward. She did not call for medical help once the OP was safe. Then the OP disrespected the patient by saying the OP was attacked. The patient did not intrude on the OP’s space or pursue her. In my assessment, her follow-up actions were citizen neglect and discriminatory behavior.
Thank you for prompting me to clarify and elaborate on my previous post.
I know you supported PL decision. You brought up some great points. I just felt the reference to the general population minimized the dangerousness of delusional disorders. But that may not have been your intention at all. And if the delusion is drug related, especially PCP, their brain is so far off line that police, not mental rofessionals should deal with it initially. We come in later. They can flip on a dime for sure. So, if you are one of those who has to deal with that, then man you are on my prayer list for protection. That is tough. PL said she was”almost” attacked, which is different from being attacked. Right or wrong that is what she was worried about, being hurt by this guy. Most physical attacks start verbally, but we agree that a better title was in order given how it turned out. To say PL’s behavior showed “citizens neglect and discriminatory behavior” had me scratching my head. PL called her Dad, who contacted the SP. How is a hiker supposed to get him medical help in the middle of the woods. She is not trained as a WFR or crisis counselor. She did what everybody else does, called the police via Dad. In her fight or flight mode, I’d say she did pretty good. She turned to a trusted person for help, her Dad. A ranger was going to check it out. To end, I am wondering if the guy did not intrude in her space bc she got out of there before he could. We may never know, but how come we are not discussing what he could have done if he intruded her space. Like intrusion of space validates someone’s safety level . What is it about males even at the professional level, who blame females for situations they did not create, but merely responded too. Some how PL was supposed to take care of a mentally unstable guy by herself in the woods alone.
Clearly you’ve never been in a situation where you felt your life could be in danger. That guy has no right to catch this girl in such a vulnerable situation an act like that. I don’t blame her a bit. There’s sickos out there in this world that prey on innocent people, apparently you’ve been sheltered all your life from the real world. She had every right to call her dad an have the police take a check in this ordeal. It’s better to be safe then sorry. Unbelievable that you would text her such a truculent message. Shame on you.
Ames, Peg Leg has never stated she had “bad interactions with police”. You made that up. You are a liar. Seek help for your delusions. Making trouble for others is not a strength, it is the move if an angry, bitter, sad person. Now, no one will believe anything you write, tho they might chuckle and suggest you try your hand at fiction.
Oh no! I feel attacked! I better run and call the police! I’m in danger! Help everyone! Donate to me! Like me!
The ironic thing is you accuse her of attention seeking when you’re clearly doing it yourself. Stop projecting.
You sound like a fool. Grow up!!!
Currently they just found a the 8th set of human remains as several murders has happened in the New England states Massachusetts being the last one I find it ironic when certain people say that you are freaking out and it is all baseless. It is exactly that ideology that has led to many murders in history when they could have been prevented. I wish to say that I’m so grateful that you and many others are safe. Blaze orange would have threw me off in the first place. Granted everybody has the right to wear what they want to but it’s just so random. I would have just kept walking and acted like I didn’t hear him. I always keep protection with me, but rather than entertain a possible threat, I just keep moving. There are hundreds of cases actual interrogations detailed murders from infants to 90-year-old women and men all over YouTube. It’s better to err on the side of caution. The 8th victim they just found was in Massachusetts on a bike path and it was a female most of the eight murders in New England have been females two sets of the remains have not been identified as to what gender yet and it doesn’t matter male or female nobody deserves to be brutally murdered in any fashion unless it’s truly self-defense. And yes women are more emotional creatures than men so did she overreact? Maybe, it really doesn’t matter. She did what she needed to do and has responded how she needed to regardless. Personally, as a mother, I am glad she did not approach this individual. Not everybody on the trail is a ‘trail angel’.
What an absolute joke. The guy yelled so I ran for an hour and called the police lol. It’s was terrifying lol. What a sheltered life if that was so scary . Meanwhile she’s milking it for all it’s worth posting IG videos ext.
1. If you hate the blog so much, stop reading it. If you hate her so much, stop reading the blog. This isn’t that hard. If she wants to hike and blog, great. She’s clearly pretty good at it because she’s funded by blogs/YouTube/etc.
2. If she feels threatened, she gets to call the police. Who cares how “real” the threat is? As a female distance runner who has been chased by a guy who “just wanted to talk,” I think she did the right thing.
Blog on, Peg Leg! Don’t listen to the trolls. You have more supporters than detractors.
I disagree, have you ever gotten a bad feeling about something or someone? I have, those feelings are for a reason. Theyre not just something thats made up, its called instinct, everyone has em, just not everyone believes in em. Thats the problem with scociety today, basic instinct isnt used by many people anymore. They can and do save lives. Dont take this comment wrong, om just sayin thats all.
Agreed!! And hitch hiking is one of the stupidest things someone can do… you set yourself up for any possible lunatic!!
And this benign situation gets amplified beyond belief
It’s disappointing to see someone dismiss genuine fear for personal safety as ‘attention-seeking.’ Many people — especially women — face real risks every day, and calling for help is a responsible choice, not an overreaction. I hope you’ll consider the broader reality before making assumptions about someone else’s experience.
I think this guy was young & when people tell you crazy things like this you assume they’re gonna get you, but I think most would run like he did & not call in reinforcements? I’m from Montana & have heard stories about the Appalachian trail where women or just anybody were attacked murderous people! I’d never walk that trail if you paid me a zillion dollars!!
For every man reading this and thinking PL overreacted — pause and imagine this: you’re alone in the wilderness and stumble upon a grizzly bear. It’s not charging you, but it’s pacing, growling low, and waving its claws unpredictably. Sure, go ahead — walk right up to it, sit down within arm’s reach, and ask how its day is going. Sound smart? No — because instinct tells you this is dangerous, and survival depends on staying alert and keeping your distance.
To many women, encountering an unknown man anywhere, but especially in an isolated place — feels a lot like that. Most bears aren’t out to hurt you. But the stakes are too high to assume that this one isn’t. PL didn’t overreact; she trusted her instincts, and that’s exactly what kept her alive and safe.
Men — remember this: when you’re out in the world, be the calm, kind of bear. Be the one that’s easy to read, gives space, and never forgets how intimidating your presence might unintentionally be. It’s not about you being bad — it’s about understanding what survival feels like from the other side
You are a brave young lady. Your writing skills are very enjoyable.
I’m glad you got through that horrible ordeal with that man! That would of scared me to death, Good job how you handled it. I would be hiking with protection bear spray etc.that’s me. Your dad was probably frantic don’t blame him their. I hope they figured out what he was up to! So thanks for reporting it hikers watch out for each other. Besides that I loved reading about your hike it was really interesting & pics help bring it all in. I felt like I was their. Good luck & safe travels God Bless . Oaks
Did You ever potentially think he might have eaten something poisonous like mushroom, or actually did get drugged by some terrible hippies and doesn’t know what’s going on. you should have called a paramedic. Obviously You’ve never been so dehydrated that go into a bit of delirium. He might have actually needed help. And couldnt vocalize it because of whatever was affecting him… Novice hiker… If it was a woman you would have helped. Don lt expect me to help You if You end up dehydrated and starving on the trail. I’ve ran into a REAL axe murderer on the not far from hot springs nc trailhead… Yuppies…
She literally explained that she called her father because police would never get there in time. And I didn’t realize “terrible hippies” drugging people was such a social issue these days, what year is it in your world? 1970?
Yes, I personally have been drugged by hippies with LSD 3 times in the past 10 years. Grow up. Hippies are still around. I backpacked the entire US coast to coast 3 times… You don’t think theres a couple hippies still along that path? Where do You come from? Under a rock?
I live in WV and the AT is pretty much my backyard. I can safely say that people go there to do drugs, hide from family or the law or just go out there to be insane. You’re gonna run Into these people from time to time. If you’re hiking the AT without a firearm you are insane. Glad you’re okay and pray that you’re armed. People legit especially in VA and WV go out there to do crime. I say hike a lot and wouldn’t even consider going on that trail without a weapon
And before I get the sOmE sTaTeS hAvE dIfFrEnT gUn lAWS comment. Id rather be alive and in trouble for having a weapon in a stupid state than a corpse rotting somewhere in the woods
Thank you Johnny for your voice of reason and factual knowledge. Can’t believe the crap some of these guys are saying.
The aforementioned Paul David Crews murdered one of his victims with a firearm. There is no way to defend yourself that is 100% guaranteed, and handling a firearm takes training and practice. Even someone armed with a pistol can be overcome in some circumstances. Peg Leg’s fleeing the scene quickly was the smart thing to do.
Anyone who says: “If you’re hiking the AT without a firearm you are insane” is… insane
Yeah, it’s not exactly in keeping with either the whole idea of hiking the AT or the people who hike it. There are crazy people everywhere, and potentially dangerous encounters can happen everywhere. When the choice is fight or flight, the latter is usually the better choice.
It was a bit long, and I’ve had a lot of things happen to me but I can’t say I was almost attacked because I was able to flee.
I felt a little embarrassed for you reading this, there’s the inflammatory headline and then page after page until you get to the incident which is someone in blaze orange at a picnic table asking for help while saying something about being poisoned.
As a woman I don’t blame you for running, but there are other explanations than your “almost being attacked” like someone having a health episode and going hypoglycemic and not understanding what’s going on. But that makes for a very different story and self-image, especially when you are asking for money.
Best response to this blog post. KUDOS!
I’ve had quite a few weird encounters along my way so I understand PL’s distress. That said, she whipped herself up into a lather. I’ve seen my daughters do this. Fleeing the situation was the best response for her. It is fortunate that she WASN’T packing because a person needs to be on an even keel when carrying a gun and PL wasn’t. Bear spray and a telescoping wasp baton would be well-suited to PL’s temperament.
I hiked in 98,99,00 There are areas of the trail that have had people who have escaped mental institutions,And hiked with this guy in PA who was wearing rain boots and a rain slicker who was a little unstable but thru my yrs hiking on the A.T.,you did the right thing! just like anywhere else!if you get that gut feeling!go with it! God Bless KYHipo
Why it’s very important to be armed in the woods.. I wouldn’t consider hiking today without firepower..
Staying in a hotel and walking the trail what a joke! Look up Ed Kuni from Wilkes-Barre Pa retired from the post office at 55 hiked the entire trail camping on the trail every night used the post offices along the way for supplies. No blogging needed!!
Hiking the trail staying in hotels what a joke
Hhh j jjj
Please please please pack at least a 9MM! I’m a male at 66 yrs and always at least carry a few fighting knives and I was trained in Martial Arts by a Green Beret in my youth and still practice.
On a different note, a man was rushed to the hospital recently after being found unconscious by a group of hikers at that same picnic table. He is in critical but stable condition after being treated for extreme dehydration as well as injuries consistent with elemental exposure.
PL is so far ahead of any group of hikers that the likely scenario was probably more like…He was rushed to the hospital after being found by a park ranger, who was called to the location after a female hiker called authorities because he was acting irrationally and screaming at her when she encountered him alone at the shelter. :p
YEP
Always go with your gut. Always nice to have some kind of back up plan as well. I really appreciate the trail etiquette comments. Never knew that. Have a great and safe trip.
Your account reminds me of Gavin De Becker’s book The Gift of Fear, and what seems like a strong feeling is often your brain putting together clues and responding them in real time. I am very glad you listened!
Exciting indeed. Been following your posts since your ECT hike starting on Benton MacKay trail. You have finely honed instincts and here they served you well. Take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of this journey. Carry bear spray for a few miles if that brings any comfort. Would encourage you more but you probably dont need it and im exhausted from reading all these comments. Happy trails.
I teach self defense classes. One of the things we talk about is not ignoring your intuition. Through millennia of survival we evolved this extra sense, the “gut feeling,” whether or not our logical brain understands it. With the majority of assaults, the victim had some feeling that something was wrong. Better to act on your intuition and look a fool, then ignore it and become a victim.
I’m a man…and you absolutely did the right thing even if the guy was indeed harmless. Your safety always comes first!
Hi Peg Leg,
Welcome to Vermont! Hope the rest of your time here is memorable in better ways than you’ve had so far…wish I could be a trail magician but it’s not going to work out. You are amazing-you will be in NH very soon…wow!
Wow! My heart was pounding reading your blog this morning. Is there anyway you can carry mace with you since you enjoy hiking alone? I’m a loaner as well and have worked in over 34 countries. There are a lot of scary people out there. Your instincts were correct…get away from that guy as quickly as possible. I know that you are not hiking with Punisher right now but please reconsider for the rest of the AT. If not Punisher maybe someone else. Please keep your “hiking guard” in full force the rest of the trail.
Miss Karen and I had a feeling something was amiss!! My Lord! We pray the Good Lord watches over you and keeps you safe. Your Guardian Angel and the Holy Spirit are always with you.
God Bless. Be safe.
It might not seem like it, but there are people out here sending nothing but positive thoughts and prayers your way. You are doing a remarkable thing and taking us along for the trip… be safe and move forward, never question what your gut tells you.
Glad it all turned out alright for you, though it was scary for sure. Did I miss where this shelter was and the name? Stay safe
Ok so you weren’t actually attacked. Someone said something strange to you so you immediately ran away and can’t even say for certain that they made any effort to come after you. Glad the situation didn’t turn scary but the title is a bit misleading
I agree
The title *should* be alarming, to help others stay safe. Especially for other single hikers…especially for single women hikers. Besides, the mental and emotional fallout from this kind of situation can be severe, if not traumatic. If you read up on Appalacian trail attacks through the years, not all victims were physically attacked/killed….but it doesn’t mean they weren’t traumatized by the ordeal. Glad PegLeg listened to her instincts…..and avoided a far worse title.
Wow, I find it hard to believe the unsupportive comments. I think you did the exact right thing. You have been on the trail long enough to have a good instinct about people and situations. You are out there alone, you have a pack strapped to your back. How could you have defended yourself! And, I think you did the right thing contacting the police. Why shouldn’t the police check in to possibly dangerous possibly deadly situations!
Absolutely & any hiker. Especially a woman alone would hopefully do the same.
I agree. While I fully support a gal’s right to run away for any and/or no reason, that does not mean you were almost attacked.
Title should be. “Creepy dude freaked me out”
Felt like click bait
So glad you didn’t approach that man and that you got away quickly. It’s aways best to follow your instincts.
Maybe you should get some mace. For crazies, bears or whatever. Stay safe and keep rocking.
I’m surprised to read a comment like this from another woman. You could try to be a little more empathetic. It was obviously an unsettling situation for her. She was alone, and there was literally no good reason for this guy to want her to approach him. The only reason he didn’t do anything to her was because she did the smart thing and got out of there as fast as she could.
I am so sorry this happened to you. Sparkle said it best. Swamp fall, flash flood and psycho- your writing definitely had me at the scene in each case and this definitely feels the worst. Mother nature isn’t aiming at you, humans be another story some days. Well done and may this be your last bad encounter of the trail.
I don’t really understand what the issue was, often times mentally ill individuals end up homeless. Have you ever been to Los Angeles? There’s mentally ill people every 2ft saying all sorts of crazy stuff all day. That does not mean they are dangerous . We just live in an evil society that denies them resources. And when privileged white folks go into full “Karen” mode and blow innocent interactions like this into something it’s not, it is no wonder why the mentally ill are still denied resources and are stuck living in the street or in the trails. You’ve hiked 12000 miles yet not gained an inch of maturity or wisdom.
It doesn’t mean they AREN’T dangerous, either, john.
What they are is unpredictable.
You speak of “maturity and wisdom” but your reponse shows that you are the one lacking both. Instead immaturely attacking her character, calling her names, and making assumptions about her based on race, maybe you could realize that her experience HAS in fact taught her to be observant when things feel “off” in a situation, and to get away from it if she doesn’t feel equipped to manage it alone.
Maybe with wisdom, you might wonder what you’d want your own daughter to do when faced with danger out on a trail in the middle of nowhere?? She didn’t endanger him by running away. And her reaction has nothing to do with anyone being denied resources for being homeless.
John. I am one of those “white” people who make sure mentally ill people get services, and when YOU pass those mentally ill homeless folks “talking crazy ” every 2ft. what do you do? Walk on by….you obviously don’t interact with them because then you would know the ones hallucinating or in an delusional state are lost in their neurochemical imbalance and can be VERY UNPREDICTIBLE…and even violent.
Privileged white folk have been made victims of violent black folk for many years now. Why do you think segregation was a thing?
Mikey it’s been so fun watching you be a misogynist thought this comment section, and this racism is just the cherry on top. I think you should take a nice relaxing hike off a cliff.
Peg Leg, some folks are being pretty negative on here but I know you won’t take it to heart.
The fact is, it might be de riguer to encounter mentally altered people in society but it is much less uncomfortable when you are within reach of other people, or public spaces, or a car, or emergency services.
Good chance the guy would not have harmed you, but the small chance he would have, whether through malice, illness, or confusion, is not worth the risk. Gut check is ALWAYS worth listening to.
I can see how that would be scary. I never hike alone. Im carrying when I do the Colorado trail this summer
You are a brave young lady. Your writing skills are very enjoyable. Manners are supposed to be taught at an early age. “If you don’t have something nice to say, keep to yourself!” The negative comments are definitely unfounded. You are enjoying life. Rock on sister
You did the right thing. Let’s look at it this way in a worst/best case scenario. If you had acquiesced in his calling you over and all was good the the best case case scenario is you were a nice person. If things had gone badly what was the worst case scenario? Always, trust you gut feeling. That said it behooves you to travel with pepper spray at the very least. For me personally, I never, ever travel in back country unarmed. It is always better to have a weapon and to never need it than it is to need one and not have it. Never tell anyone that you have it and it is only to be used in extremis as a last resort to save your life.
You’re one of those women who’d rather be in the woods with a bear, huh? This is just over exaggerated for clicks. You didn’t almost get attacked. You stumbled upon a man in a shelter then freaked out cause he talked to you. Could’ve been mentally unwell, then just don’t go over. Could’ve skipped the frantic running and calling the police. Where’s the update from the forest service? Did they contact the guy? Do tell.
The simple fact that the guy started yelling at her when she ran away is enough to call the cops. Get real people.
Have have you ever been assaulted? Maybe ask all the women in your life.
I’m a man and that event described would have spooked me as well but I really don’t understand why anyone would be so stupid as to hike alone and, to make it more .dangerous, not be armed with bear spray.
Because he “talked” to her? Seriously? You make it sound like he said “Hello, enjoying your hike?” and she instantly took off in a panic. That’s not what happened. He made repeated requests for her to come closer, winding up with a flat affect statement of “Please come here, I need your help. Someone’s trying to poison me,” followed by him screaming at her to come back as she turned around and took off.
But, yeah. She over-reacted because he “talked” to her. ::rolleyes::
Dave…you’re one of those guys who would rather live in his mother’s basement playing video games all day or trolling others on the internet for attention….just saying.
Did Punisher see the same guy? Are you able to phone Punisher?
Punisher is probably 100 miles ahead of her – he did 45 miles their first day solo!
Perhaps not the best idea to blog about your locations and plans and share your desire to hike alone. There are bad people in this world and the wilderness can be a dangerous place. I miss Punisher
I’ve just read through some of the comments on here and I can’t believe that some of you are critiquing PL’s post, title and her experience. I for one am glad she contacted the authorities. Maybe this man can get the help he needs. As for PL’s personal experience, none of us were there so how can we possibly comment? I wonder what you would have done if you had been faced with this situation. As for all of you saying the title is misleading – it just sounds like you were all yearning for a real attack and were disappointed that didn’t actually happen. If you follow PL’s journey, you would know that she isn’t a drama queen or a Karen, she’s an incredible human being who hikes amazing miles and shares her experiences with the world. To PL she felt attacked, just not in the way you thought. She felt threatened and vulnerable and very scared. Heck I was scared for her. I challenge anyone of you haters to put yourselves in PL’s situation. There are many parts of the AT that are very remote. You can hike down to roads from the trail in VT and you won’t see a soul or any signs of life for miles. I’m just glad PL is okay. She had a very scary encounter and we should all be supportive, and understanding of HER experience.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts PL. I for one was terrified with you. I felt every ounce of your genuine fear.
On a positive note I am thrilled to hear that people have been looking for your special pendant. I really hope it makes its way back to you.
Good on Iceman for fueling you up – little did he know at the time that his generosity probably gave you the energy to run away from a scary situation just a few miles later.
I hate that the last half of your day was so difficult. A scary encounter, having to run, walking through thick snow and icy cold water would zap anyone’s energy let alone hiking for 33 miles with a full backpack on the AT.
I hope you managed to warm up and get the rest you needed to start the next day a fresh 💜 Big hugs PL and please stay safe ❤️
Being yelled to/called at.. isnt even close to ‘almost being attacked’. Plain and simple
You have nothing to feel guilty about in spite of some of these comments! It’s usually best to listen to your instincts and if that person actually did need help then you did him a favor by calling your dad who got in touch with the police and forest service for you.
I can only imagine how you felt being a young female solo hiker. Don’t listen to the negative comments to this blog post.
I’m a big fan of your posts and hope you have nothing but pleasant miles ahead of you!
Always follow your instincts. That’s the first thing you are taught in any self defense courses. Better to report someone harmless than to not report someone who might be a problem.
O what an awful experience & to add to it all the negative comments! Someone luring you over to them & then screening at you when you leave is definitely an attack – definitely not normal hiking etiquette & good you had the police check it out for possible crime to the next hikers who came through there! I’m sure the state police knew how to check it out without offending the guy. As for the man hater comment – I don’t know where that came from! You’ve been interacting fine with all the men you meet. And I believe you’ve been on the trail long enough to spot a situation that’s not typical hiker behavior to know when to proceed & not to & old or young hasn’t been your focus on whether you want to interact with them you’ve been very positive about everyone you meet & hiking your own hike & letting others do the same. I believe your instinct was valid & that man needed to be checked out & other hikers needed to be aware of the place. Your title to this post was eye catching & that was needed especially for other hikers. There are a lot of bloggers on trek now & hard to read all of them but any hiker near that spot needed to know so they could be in guard for themselves since he sounded kind of forceful.
Besides that experience – what a time through the snow! And so good of Iceman to come out & fuel you for all that running & getting through the snow.
Don’t take the negative people seriously – this is your hike & we like hearing all about it!
Yep. Trust your instincts. Glad your safe.
Shame on the commenters who cast doubt on your excellent judgment to get away from a situation you felt could be dangerous. (To you arrogant commenters – if you haven’t survived assault, you have no right to criticize someone else., particularly a young woman.) NO WOMAN (OR MAN, OR CHILD) SHOULD EVER SECOND-GUESS THEIR INSTINCTS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. Multiple times over my life (I am in my 60’s) I have talked myself out of reacting self-protectively, and multiple times things got bad, fast. One example of many: while running in Boston in the early-morning darkness, a man appeared from the trees who was clearly not a runner. I talked myself OUT of ending my run (told myself I was unfairly profiling him) and continued on, around the reservoir. Five minutes later, there were terrible screams behind me. I ran back as fast as I could and saw a figure jump into a vehicle that drove away. Police arrived and I learned that a woman who had been RUNNING BEHIND ME had been grabbed, and stabbed, by a man who attempted to sexually assault her. (She was the person who got into the vehicle. I later spoke with her.)
Why do people get so bent out of shape about tents in shelters? They are first come, first serve…my 1p tent is no bigger than 2 people on pads which allows plenty of room for other late stragglers. I never do it except on rainy days and an empty shelter – mainly so I dont have to pack up a wet tent but still, i also dont enjoy waking up to mice walking on me so bug season doesnt factor in as much. If you feel entitled to the shelter over me bc you are too lazy to set up a tent if theres no more room (or too ultralight to pack one), well then I got news for you…
Peg leg-glad u trusted your gut instinct. In 2019 I met Sovereign on the AT. I usually talk a bit about The Prayer of Jabez-1st Chronicles 4:10. But he had a service dog (wasn’t really) and I felt uneasy and said a quick hi and bye and he mumbled something. 2 1/2 weeks later he killed a hiker and almost another. Glad I was couple days ahead of him. Be safe past Killington-was an oddball there couple years ago. Keep on keeping on. 🥾
Glad you are safe. I wasn’t there with you Peg Leg, but I believe you did what was right for you. Before he yelled at you the man said he thought he was being poisoned so calling the state police was a good thing. If he needed help the Forest Service response seemed quick.
May your cross country journey move forward with peace and beauty.
Glad you’re alright Peg. Get some pepper spray. You know the old adage: opinions are like arseholes especially on the internet.
Keep on trucking.
I feel like the story didn’t end right. I would like to have known if the forest ranger spoke to that weird guy and got any information from him.
Glad you’re safe and I enjoyed your blog entry. I am a female who use to do day hikes alone. I often took my dog with me, but there were times I went strictly alone. So, I always had to be aware of my surroundings and make sure no one I encountered seemed ‘off’ or worrisome. I definitely think you did the right thing about following your instincts and I would have notified police of the strange man myself. I hate that some people are so quick to be hateful and give harsh feedback when they were not present to determine their feelings on a situation/person. Please ignore people who are quick to criticize. Those that react that way are often trying to hide things that are ‘wrong’ in themselves by criticizing others. Regardless, I hope your remaining hike is safe and enjoyable.
I do recommend you change the title to a scary encounter on the AT or something like that. And please get bear spray or mace as a precaution.
Hi Peg Leg,
I’ve been following you and others on The Trek for some time now, but never commented at you.
Concerning the “almost attacked” situation, you did the right thing. The “come here,” and “I need help” stuff sounds like what men say to a woman to get them to feel sorry for them so they could get them into range to grab them.
Whether this was legit or not, you didn’t know, that’s the thing. Don’t worry about the haters.
Some people just wouldn’t be happy unless they can be negative toward somebody.
Safe travels.
I think the people that have a bunch of negative feedback about her response to that situation should ask themselves if they’d have their daughters do things any differently.
I’m guessing nobody here is teaching their daughter/s to approach men that don’t seem right alone on the woods. Clutch those pearls any tighter and you’ll get a cramp.
I love reading the blogs of trail hikers as I can live vicariously through their experiences. Several years ago one of my friends and fellow soldiers hiked the AT. I am so proud of her for finishing when that summer held some really devastating moments at home. I was newly disabled and her blog brightened the days.
Peg Leg, I commend you for following your instincts, you just never know. Your safety is in your hands, so never let others dictate how you feel in your gut. If they are not there they have no clue about the situation. The Colorado Trail hiker, carrying is a personal choice. There are pros and cons to both sides. And check the laws in the states you plan to travel through. As I read the blogs of hikers on the different trails throughout the country and the America’s, they seem mostly safe. Physical safety seems to be the biggest challenge. And I applaud all trail hikers and thank each for sharing their experiences. Stay safe and bless all of you.
Update: The police found the guy. Dead. Looks like he was poisoned.
Seriously though, did he at any point actually chase you? Or only yell “come back”?
If this is true – she did the best thing for him by calling her dad with all the info & her dad got the police on it – sounds like right away.
If he was poisoned – what else could she have done that would have been better for him?
PL – I’ve been following your journey and reading your entries. Thank you for the opportunity to live vicariously.
Wow, the comments have blown up. Pretty much two camps – good you trusted your instinct or overreaction. You did what you thought was best and no one can fault you for that.
The only thing I’d add is to put this person’s actions into the context of if he really was poisoned:
– tried to wave you to him several times
– Said I need your help, I’ve been poisoned
– Screamed when you ran away
If I was poisoned, I’d probably act the same way, even the screaming when you ran away as I’d probably panic that the person who could help me is leaving me.
Easy to second guess with some time to think. Yelling something like “I am not coming near but am calling 911 to get you help and it’ll be on the way” as you backed away might have worked. But so easy to say in hindsight.
One of the main reasons for all these blogs is to let future hikers learn from the experiences of those before them. Hopefully people will learn from this. Lots of lessons to be had.
If a stranger is acting strange – you might only tohave a few seconds to get away safely & later evaluate the situation once you’re safe. The forest service got back to her as quick as they did & planned to go to the shelter to check him out – everything happened as well as it could for the guy – how did he get poisoned by “they?” If I heard that I would know to get out of there fast. Too strange & scary to hear that & not know what’s going on. Too bad for the guy but how did he get in that situation -poisoned?
Has anyone else ever seen someone so extra. She already acts like hiking is the most difficult thing in the world, all while getting more support than any normal hiker could imagine. I can’t wait to see her on the CDT and laugh at her
Bro, who gets poisoned by someone on a hiking trail lol
Use your head.
Mike, do you realize she already did the CDT? She did the 48 hour challenge like a champ. Cause she is a champ. Do your homework before you say stupid stuff
Mike. Dude, open mouth and insert foot. PL has already done the CDT in 2024 with 9 lives, Syrup, Sidequest, and Sparkle. She got caught in a flash flood with Syrup and had to hiked out 50 miles. AND she hiked 120 miles in one go with 9 lives and Sidequest. What to laugh at????
She’s already done the CDT you ass.
And the ECT.
And the AT.
And the PCT.
Educate yourself Mikey. Get some help. and go find the children’s section of the internet, when you can boohoo and yamyam with other uninspired bullies.
So walking is hard to you? What a sheltered life u must live
I can not believe the negative comments. You, did the right thing and trusted your instincts, and I would of done the same thing, being a lone female in the woods. In all honesty, there’s going to be creeps in the woods, and I’m surprised you haven’t encountered more. Please don’t let these negative comments get to you, they were not there, they are not you, and they have no business judging! When you arrive in Gorham NH – Grafton Notch ME, and need anything, let me know. Keep your chin up, Pegleg, you have a lot of supporters!
Howdy Peg Leg. I’ve never commented before, but I’m a long time reader and aspiring thru hiker. Your writing is an inspiration for me and motivates me to want to backpack more. I’m sorry some people posting on here are invalidating your experience. Know that there are many, many people reading what you write that are inspired by you daily, supportive of what you’re doing, and believe you when you share your experiences with us. Keep going!
All the people criticizing your reaction are the same kind of scumbags that get frothing at the mouth angry about women choosing the bear.
As a mature 70 year old woman that has spent the last 50 years living and hiking in the mountains I support PL! Hiking alone is scary and you did the wise thing by getting out of that area as quick as possible. Sure hope you never have to experience that again.
Certainly generated a lot of traffic….
I appreciate her being safe rather than sorry. Or as my grandpa used to say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
A similar thing happened to me on the trail many years ago a man appeared down trail and out of the woods and just surprised me and he saw that i was startled and he started laughing and calling me names. It was strange. I had to get around him and so didn’t have a choice and as I walked past him he said something strange like “just put the tip in” which was weird. I’m 6’5, 235 lbs, and not a homosexual at all. I started running past him as I came upon him. He reach out to try to touch or grab me and he had this strange grin on his face. Anyway I ran about a quarter mile just like those poster just to get away from him. Later that night at a shelter I was sleeping and about 3 in the morning I woke up to someone tapping me on the forehead. I looked up and realized it went rapping. In was poop falling on my head. This clown was taking a shit over my face. I jolted up and lurched to slap him but he evaded my reach and took off running into the dark. I started to run after him but it was raining so I just gave up. Just really bizarre.
Oh yeah I forgot this guy looked exactly like Mark Hamill.
That is creepy!
My wife and I did a section hike in this area last Sept. We came up to a shelter, just before Williamstown, with a dude spread out inside. We exchanged a few pleasantries – and the. Out of no where he start screaming at us about no food, no money, no whatever. After offering food he started yelling even louder. We got our packs on and sprinted outa there. Got to a clearing about a half mile away and called ahead for a hotel room. All of a sudden this guy comes up behind us, screaming aven more now and calling my wife an effing c. He went one way – we went the other. But seriously – wtf.
PL – Thx for blog. I am sure you know this but a safer item to carry is a small travel size can of the smelliest hair spray. Not illegal to carry it. Take care. Ann
Better to be safe than sorry.
Two are better than one…. For if one of them
falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no
one to help him up?
Someone may overpower one alone, but two
together can take a stand him.
Best safe than sorry when something or someone seems “off”. I’m glad you called your dad who called authorities that sent someone to check on him.
I’m 50 year old woman i had a creepy man at a campsite next to me in a campground while solo hiking last summer. I told a day hiker as they were leaving. They helped me pack and drove me to another campground 20 miles away. I felt safer in the strangers truck than staying at the campground as a possible target.
Did PL and I over react? I don’t know, but we’re both still alive. Unfortunately these type of stories have 2 endings. 1. Someone dies. 2. You never know what triggered the creepy person because privacy laws prevent authorities telling you what happened later.
I’m not a hiker, I have family who have hiked the trail so I’m not sure why this popped up in my feed. Here’s my take.
The world’s a scary place so trust your instincts. This however read like any lifetime movie I have ever seen part of.
From the start of the interaction you had your headphones in and you were a distance away from the man (a man who was wearing bright colors…. Odd choice for somebody trying to hurt or potentially hunt a person in the woods) so who can tell what he was saying or gesturing?
Peg Leg you handled that beautifully. There’s never a reason to put yourself at risk unnecessarily. Reporting what happened is good, let the pros check him out. probably a paranoid schizophrenic off his meds is the usual reason behind this type of intimidating completely unpredictable psychosis. my psychiatrist colleague was murdered in his office by such a patient.
Walk or run away from any situation that makes you uncomfortable. Your instincts are good, I recall you had an instinct about a man who pulled over in his car while you were walking last year or the year before down in Florida I think, then later he was waiting for you…. Take good care out there. ♥️
Do you seriously not carry bear spray? If not, obtain some immediately.
For anyone who doubts her fears, just google Paul David Crews. There are wackos out there. One of the most surreal days on my AT thru in 2017 was stopping at the Cove Mountain shelter (Thelma Marks shelter was torn down) knowing what had happened there.
Your story reminds me of an incident that occurred many years ago. I was running laps late at night on my local high school track. A muscular, shirtless guy suddenly appeared and started running laps as well. He was running at an insanely fast pace and kept lapping me. Every time he passed me, he ran close by and glared at me and I could see him watching me even when he was on the far side of the track. When he was on the opposite side, I took the opportunity to exit the track and made a beeline towards my car in the parking lot. When the guy saw me leaving, he sprinted across the infield and ran towards my car. I got the car in gear and drove away and I could see him in my rear view mirror running after me and shouting and waving his arms wildly. As a guy, the incident really unnerved me so I can only imagine what it would have felt like as a woman in the same situation. I think you did the right thing under the circumstances and that only you can possibly know what it felt like in that moment on the trail.
My Lord! Opinions are like buttholes….everyone has one
You sure have some dang followers now PL. God Bless you real good! The buddy system, ear buds removal, bear spray, instinct awareness and .380 or 9mm ( with familiarity and practice) are all excellent advices.
If something does happen it’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
You’re 👍 awesome.
I don’t blame you for getting out of there; I’m a guy and would have donne the same thing.
However, what strikes me as odd, with all due respect, is why you find it, apparently, perfectly acceptable to hitch hike your way at 7 a.m. into the automobile of some man you don’t know.
Peg, the only thing that matters is the fact that you’re okay. Ignore all the haters. You did the right thing.
this why i dont read peg leg. i look at like 1 out of every 25 just out of curiosity from the silly pace and posting consistency.
run away? sure, why not. no reason to risk, just move on esp when youre a young super human with silly trail legs.. but the sensational title and embarassing details, ick… equivalent: “went towards a shelter but creepy person there spouting nonsense so hiked on”
anyone else find it fascinating that this happened without punisher around? presumably they separated since he wasnt mentioned?. i imagine if he was there we would have gotten something like my shorter version.
Lots of trail left to enjoy and happy feet to get you there. So many thoughts shared here. They all mean you well in their sometimes conflicting ways. Youve got more trail angels than you could ever imagine. Kiss them good night every night.
Go Dark I would. Blog special it is. Commenters not deserving they are. Peaceful it will be.
These stories are interesting! The other people’s experiences – I hope you haven’t been scared off the trail PL!
PL- I’ve enjoyed reading your posts with my morning coffee…better than politics and news in the am.
I usually don’t read comments but I did this time to see how you were progressing and boy what alot of sh%$. When I solo hike I usually don’t let my where abouts know until after. I was a little worried about that!!
Sounds like your parents have your back at all times and I hope that you continue to have an awesome hike. Can’t wait til you’re out west on the trails.
What a Karen. Call Daddy
Hope all of y’all hit Tip the Author while you were offering your opinions!
Why are you hiking in Vermont during mud season when the GMC asks people to stay off the trail. Oh right, it’s because you don’t give a shit about the trail, only your self glory. You also didn’t get attacked. I just can’t give you any sympathy. You’re ust an overpriveldged little snot.
There are many many Vermont trails recc by GMC, for mud season, many that join with parts of AT. The most vulnerable trails are closed ad lib. Obviously, she’s not on those. Educate yourself.
People are the worst…. SO many terrible hateful and spiteful people in the comments section.
If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!
PL, keep doing you. You have great instincts and such a great outlook on life.
Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure. You’re awesome!
This is Shachar from the yellow deli hiker hostel in Rutland. Where are you now? Are you in southern Vermont? What day will you get to Clarendon Gorge? We would be glad to host you at our hostel if you would like to rest up here for a night.
You either just avoided a dangerous situation, or recreated a scene from “Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil”
I’d like to hear the other side of the atory at some point
Me and a friend were hiking near max patch a few years ago and met a homeless guy with a pack at a road crossing. He said he was being picked up shortly. We shared some food with him and went on our way. That night at the shelter, the guy showed up. It was scary for us(two males) for whatever reason. Anything can happen while you sleep or turn your back on them. Needless to say, I slept with my pocket knife. We made it through the night with no incident. But if it happened again, I’d be just as cautious.
I wouldn’t have stopped to help either though. Not much upside for you to stop there. Even if he needed help what was she going to do?
PL I have read through some of the comments and will add my 2 cents, not that it matters, but I want to. I have feelings about what I would do personally, and if I think about what i would tell my 28 year old daughter – RUN unless you have some self defense – RUN. If there’s a need to run, then there is a very real reason it might be necessary to call the police. They are in place to protect and to serve. If it was nothing it will be filed away as exactly that. If it was something then he won’t be a hazard to the hikers coming along behind. There is absolutely NO reason to not be cautious. It really has 0 to do with gender, It is sad we have to go to those places.
AND if you don’t enjoy the blog, STAY OFF it’s simple, why would she have to quit blogging just because you don’t like it? Just don’t read it WTH
Please don’t make people read 20 paragraphs until you get to the point. It’s indulgent.
Vicitim mentality is strong in this one. Funny how people think calling the police on a man simply for “trusting their gut” is okay because all men are potential dangerous predators. But same people would lose their minds if you were trying to use this same logic on black people. “You can never be sure”, right?
That sounds like a terrifying experience! I’m glad you were able to get away safely and report the incident. It’s a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings, even on well-traveled trails.