Quotes from Karen Berger

One of the questions that I am almost in aria of asked about backpacking is, Aren't you afraid? Generally, people have something specific in mind when they ask the question, and generally, it's something on the order of snakes, bears, or criminals. I'm not particularly afraid of snakes; in most parts of the United States, bears are more of a nuisance than a threat; and I've never met a criminal in the woods.

But most of the rest of us opt for economy of effort. After all, just about anything tastes good after a hard day of hiking! Start simple, and look to other hikers for ideas. Do not, however, stare into their food pot like a hungry puppy. Be forewarned. Hikers will share advice, stories, and more advice. They will help you set up your tent, get your balky stove to light, and untangle your bear-bagging rope. They will not, as a general rule, share their food.

My first visit to grizzly bear country was a hike through Yellowstone National Park, and my nerves were frayed by rumors and warnings about a mauling that had occurred that same week on a trail just south of the park. Dan and I made so much noise--banging our walking sticks, talking loudly, stomping our feet--that we nervously joked that we would be the first people in history to cross the park without seeing any wild animals at all.

If you don't see birds, try calling them. You don't need to have a bird-calling whistle, and you don't even have to know any special calls. One sound that attracts avians: Call pish, pish, pish several times. Another is loudly kissing the back of your hand.

There are different kinds of being lost, ranging from momentary disorientation to the complete, all-out, am-I-even-on-planet-Earth variety.

Tropical coral reefs are to SCUBA diving what alpine peaks are to backpacking. Reefs are the highlights, the places where equipment manufacturers strut their stuff, and photographers shoot magazine covers.

With no finish line, no referees, no one right way to do it, hiking is perhaps the quintessential sport for anarchists.

The outdoors is one of the safest places you can be--provided that you've got a little bit of know-how and a lot of common sense.