Hiking Etiquette

We went for a five mile hike on Father's Day on the ridge. It's a popular trail as it's close to town, the views are spectacular and you can get into nature quickly. Having said that, there's such a series of interconnected trails that you don't typically see a lot of people. Most hikers are polite and get that we are all attempting to enjoy some peace and beauty ~ but there are always exceptions who are clueless to their impact on others. So I would like to share a couple of key points about hiking:

1. When you come up behind other hikers, please lower your voice. We really aren't interested in hearing about your cable/internet deal from your local provider. Better yet, make an attempt to pass and move right along ahead so we don't have to listen to you at all.
2. Please refrain from wearing smelly stuff. We want to enjoy the natural odors of our surroundings, not your lily-of-the-valley perfume, your baby powder deodorant or your hair pomade. You have no idea how long your smell lingers in the air after you.
3. If you are hiking in large group, please don't make on-coming hikers squeeze by. Make an attempt to corral your crowd for a nano second or two. It would be really appreciated.
4. If you are hiking in a fairly solitary area and you come across other hikers who have spread out a blanket to enjoy a picnic, please pass on by and find your own spot. In this case, two blankets make a crowd.

Thanks and happy hiking. Oh, and if you come across me while hiking and I'm doing something that disrupts your nature walk, give me a nudge and ask me to cut it out. I won't be offended. Really.