It was a reasonable recommendation, made by reasonable people in the face of unknowns. The conflict bared an ugly side of our community I wish I hadn’t seen.

I don’t anyone can disagree with that sentiment. Brought up some sides of people I wish I hadn’t seen.

Coming from a modest background, I realize how lucky my outdoor exposure happened earlier in life. Being a white male, esp once I entered the so-called professional world and accumulated financial resources, allowed me to capitalize on this lucky break that I never forgot of my youth. Many minorities and women don’t have the security I felt on solo travel I had overall. Even if they have more financial privilege than myself earlier in life. I have no doubt financial privilege does allow easier access outdoor. Being comfortable once you get this access is another discussion I can’t readily speak to for reasons I said. Like any good discussion, so many nuances.

It was a reasonable recommendation, made by reasonable people in the face of unknowns. The conflict bared an ugly side of our community I wish I hadn’t seen.

Also, I share your concern about hiking and backpacking becoming even more limited to the most financially comfortable of us than they are now.

Linda, I’m so glad you went out there on your own and that you found my article to be useful! Wonderful!

Thanks!

Joan laughed a bit too hard when she saw this video originally. I may be a third-generation Xerox copy of real Italians, but some of those cultural echoes did not go away completely. 😀

Thank you. A good year to you as well!