High Sierra Topix

A discussion, ok argument, erupted yesterday in a Facebook group, Homemade Wanderlust, that I belong to. Someone had posted a link to an article critical of mt bikers that mount speakers on their bikes. I have noticed what seems like a lot of hikers using speakers while on trail or in camp. Some say this is a violation of LNT principles, as it's noise pollution. Others say it is just rude and inconsiderate of others. Finally, some defend it as useful or even necessary to keep bears away and also claim that headphones/earbuds are harmful to hearing and not an option. What do you say?

No to speakers! Very rude.
Most of those people stick within a few feet of trails so I hardly ever hear them.
Speakers blaring keeps bears away? What a silly excuse for fouling the air with loud music from a speaker.

Once when a large group of us were the only ones at a lake we played some music while markskor started following an infinte trail of ducks (a circle of ducks around the campsite). Before and since have never taken music on a trip. Wouldn't wear earphones/pads while hiking because then I'd miss the sounds of the wilderness and Mark's bitching. I have listened to recorded books when cross-country skiing solo on groomed trail, though. So I'm not a purist.

Scare bears away? Gee I want to see them. I wonder if that would work in Alaska when I'm fishing next to mr or mz Griz and family?

One person's "music" is another's "hell". Music seems to hit people at their core with definite preferences and dislikes. I do not even want to tolerate music that I highly dislike. So to me, it is more than a minor annoyance; it is super rude! I do not listen to music while on the trail; only an hour at night with ear buds because it helps me to fall asleep. I also dislike passing groups who are loudly, incessantly chattering, particularly if they are cussing up a storm. That happened to me last year in Wyoming- a group of jerks were loudly, obscenely swearing about women they had to work with. They did not even notice me chomping on my trail food leaning against a tree near the trail. Loud music or talking on the trail is not "treading lightly". There is worse; idiots shooting off their guns, across a lake when you are fishing on the other side.

Loud music on mountain bikes may be beneficial in that it would warn me of their approach. There are many trails at Henry Coe that allow both bikes and hikers, and it sure is helpful to hear them coming. In that case, I have no problem with their music.

oldranger wrote: ↑Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:56 pm
Scare bears away? Gee I want to see them. I wonder if that would work in Alaska when I'm fishing next to mr or mz Griz and family?
1griz.jpg

The one who said he had to play music on speakers to warn bears of his presence is a guide in Skagway, Alaska according to his Facebook page. I asked him if he had any data to support the idea that the music reduced his chances of being mauled by a bear, such as a much higher bear attack rate 20 years ago. His response is that every ranger, outdoorsman, etc tells you to make noise in bear country so as not to surprise a bear. I've never surprised a bear. I've unintentionally gotten closer than I wanted, but the bears didn't seem surprised. They were always staring right at me by the time I saw them.

The other defenders of playing music out loud took the tact of "it's a free country and I'm not bothering anybody anyway."

Not "bothering anyone" does not take into account animals. Unnatural noises in a natural environment can bother some creatures, particularly during nesting times.

It definitely is recommended to travel in groups of four or more in serious grizzly country. The idea is both the extra noise from footsteps, chatter, etc. and four people presenting a more intimidating target for a bear and more to fend off the attack. Bears hear a group of humans so I doubt music would add much. Perhaps a solo hiker may not be heard. When I see bear signs, I tap my trekking poles together regularly and purposely walk more noisily than I usually do.

On the contrary I think being distracted by music would make you MORE vulnerable in bear country. In serious bear country you carry bear spray and need to get it ready to shoot if you see a nearby bear. You really have to concentrate on your environment, not music.

What? Sorry, I can't hear you. Some idiots is playing music across the lake and somehow seems to think that the rest of us want to hear it...

Would that be Guitar lake by any chance?

Ultralight instruments: harmonica, kazoo, vuvuzela

If you find solitude, play whatever music you like :-)