Comments on: The politics of blaze orange and COVID masks

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:20:56 +0000

In reply to Stephan.

We obviously disagree. But no one can dispute that traveling spreads disease. And based on some emergency family travel I had to do recently, it is laughable how little people are following safety protocols.

A local example: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFZ1rFrFqBQ/

Encouraging long-distance recreational travel is irresponsible for something not necessary. If everyone followed safety protocols I’d feel different. As a person who lives in a tourist town, and what I saw from my emergency flying, I don’t believe this to be the case.

EDIT: Fron 10-8-2020: “Moab sees 15 new COVID cases in 3 days.” Nothing to do with an increase of 30% visitation vs. last year at this time, of course?
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-sees-15-new-covid-cases-in-3-days/

By: Stephan

Stephan — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 03:21:54 +0000

As an avid outdoorsman (more the Patagonia wearing type) I agree with much of what say. However as a driver of said “sardine cans” I’ll respectfully disagree. There are 44 case of reported flight related transmissions since the beginning of 2020. Even if 90% of the cases went unreported that’s still one case per 2.7 million passengers. DARPA studies show the inside of a “sardine can” with active HEPA filtration is one of the safest places to be.
For the same reason I don’t agree with your one tank travel restrictions. I can travel to the far off mountains and see less people than I would if I stayed local. I do my part, I distance when possible and I wear my mask but I also support local business which are usually very appreciative of said support.
So let’s think about the safety of others but also respect the fact that people need employment and social interaction for their health.
‘Let’s take a common sense approach. We have have the same goals, stay healthy and keep our environment healthy. We did just all work together to pass the Great American Outdoors Act so there is hope

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:42:24 +0000

In reply to Chris. A low blinking red light, perhaps?

By: Beta

Beta — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:05:51 +0000

Amen. I’ve sure experienced my own low-key version of this. I hunt, but I regularly wear camo in the backcountry when I’m not hunting. For me it relates to my LNT approach; I put thought and effort into minimizing disturbance and moving quietly and unobtrusively across the landscape. As a default, I’d rather blend into the background. Not that you NEED camo to do that, but it serves the purpose. That and I’m inclined to make my gear serve double-duty. Barring the most activity-specific tools (e.g. trad rack or rifle), why buy two versions of what is essentially the same backcountry equipment – one set of gear for climbing a mountain and another for stalking an elk? I would hope most ‘non-hunter’ backcountry users would appreciate that stance (?), but the signals they send when they see me are usually hostile. On the other hand my neighbors have given me plenty of shit for looking like a yuppie goon in my “technical” gear…

Bottom line: I agree with you. We’d probably benefit as a community if we worked to diffuse the charge we’ve attached to some of these signifiers. It’s a good reminder to pay attention to how the person you’re facing is acting – the values they’re actually carrying with them. Sometimes (maybe too often) my prejudices DO seem to fit, but it’s a beautiful thing to find common ground where I don’t expect it. We all have our own parochial tendencies (I have a hard time not assuming everybody with California or ColoRADo plates is an asshole…), and it’s a good reminder to check those habits and look past the superficial markers.

Thanks for the blog.

By: Jhon

Jhon — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:24:47 +0000

“Flying Sardine Cans”, Abbey all the way–I am pretty sure.
BTW Great ass article. Yes I do both and I sure as hell am NOT a hunter.
As you say. SAFETY Masks always

By: Randy Martin

Randy Martin — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:27:52 +0000

Honestly, I find what you described as a continuation of disparity you see in Non COVID times between Hikers vs ATV/Gun types. I generally avoid areas where ATV usage is common or where people have been known to take their guns for “Target” practice. Sometimes it is unavoidable near trailheads but generally within 2-3 miles I am long past.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:23:22 +0000

Thanks for a sane write up. This tribalism stuff is trampling on rational thought.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 04:27:22 +0000

What’s your feeling around marking a shelter or campsite with blaze orange? Like clothing, many shelters are neutral in color and may not stand out. I’m thinking of a dawn/dusk scenario. I guess you could hang a vest or other orange piece on the outside of the shelter?

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 02:41:59 +0000

It’s a troubling time. We should seek solutions to the problems in our society by working together for a common good.

Solutions free of political agendas.

At the root we are all human and civilization is built on a foundation of humans being civil.

Leadership should uplift and unite people. Being safe, courteous and considerate is as much about others as it is about ourselves.

I think the change has to start individually, in our neighborhoods, locally. Healing the divide from the bottom up.