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That time I misheard a bear warning on the PCT
Last fall on the Pacific Crest Trail, a trail runner zoomed past me and shouted something. I only caught the word 'bear' and thought there was danger ahead. I spent the next hour being really careful, checking every noise. At the next water stop, I met the runner again. He laughed and said he was warning about a 'bare' patch of trail with no shade. We both found it funny once we cleared it up. Now, I always carry a small notepad to write down quick messages. This helps avoid mix-ups when words get lost in the wind.
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ruby_jones1d ago
Mishearing stuff on trails happens to me all the time, like once I swore someone yelled "snake" but it was just about a "snack" break. Carrying a notepad is a solid move, though I sometimes use quick hand signals with my group for basic stuff too. It's amazing how a single word can spin you into panic mode, even when it turns out to be nothing. Maybe it's just me, but I always make a point to get close and confirm what people are saying now. That extra step saves a lot of nervous energy and keeps the hike more fun.
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the_harper1d ago
Been there, a "stop" hand signal works great for those moments.
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hall.joel1d ago
Getting close to confirm what people are saying... that makes sense. But what do you do when you can't get close fast enough, like on a steep or narrow part of the trail? I've fumbled with hand signals when my hands were full with trekking poles... it gets messy. Do you practice those signals with your group before heading out, or just wing it?
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