Spending extended time in nature is challenging, even for well-prepared outdoors enthusiasts.
As the resident mouse runs across the floor, bumps into a box I never unpacked and leaps over it in fright, I try to decide if this is a sign that I should practice my weakest skill, setting a trap. I cannot remember if mice have to be field dressed, or if I just throw her into the stew pot. Of course I have to catch her. My trapping record is really poor; the mouse is in no immediate danger.
I’m thinking about checking out a trail I don’t often take. I’m curious about reports of trail posting signs being repeatedly removed. It seems that the rangers post the trail markers on Wednesday, and they’re gone by Saturday. So, if the signs were replaced on Sunday, will they still be there today? This has been going on for months.
I cannot imagine going out on a hike for the express purpose of removing trail signs. Besides the obvious vandalism, why make such a racket that you disturb every creature for miles around? Birds are migrating, mammals are seeking places to bear their young, trees are budding; there’s a lot to experience, even on a day hike. And there are so many trails to hike. I cannot fathom the mindset of an individual so relentlessly dedicated to the meaningless task of repeatedly removing signs from a specific section of a hiking trail.
We choose where we focus our attention. At this time of year, there are endless opportunities to observe nature while the days are still getting longer. I can think of a million ways to spend my time in the woods. Mercifully, removing trail signs is not one of them.