Not All Happy Stories

Wow, I haven't posted since last November! I've been home, leading a very normal life. Well, normal for me anyway. I have been doing a good bit of hiking, but haven't felt that I've had any hikes interesting enough to post about. I must say, every hike is a special experience, and I'm thankful that my work situation and lifestyle allow me plenty of time for getting to the mountains.

I shared this story with a friend last night and he thought it was worth sharing. It's something that upset me greatly and made me very sad....

Last Tuesday I drove to Saint Mary's to go for a short hike and a dip in the river. The Saint Mary's River runs through the Saint Mary's Wilderness and has several really nice swimming holes. It's a fairly short hike, I think it's maybe two miles to the falls where most folks swim. The hike is fun and refreshing too because the trail boarders the whole way and criss crosses the river many times. It's definitely not a time for hiking boots. Water shoes, Tevas, or an old pair of sneakers is best; no doubt, you will get your feet wet!

I made my way up the river and passed a small group of young people returning to the parking area. There was no one at the falls when I arrived. I crossed the river here and continued on to my personal favorite spot. Yay, I had the spot to myself! I quickly jumped into the water. And, I quickly jumped out again! Mountain water is always cold, it doesn't matter how hot the day is, and it's hard to stay in and swim around. I wanted to though, so I jumped in again. And, I quickly jumped out again! Oh, it is so refreshing, and I love how the cold water makes my skin tingle. I also love the peace that comes from just lying beside, and listening to the river roll by. I ate my lunch and laid out under the clouds. No sunshine on Tuesday, so the clouds had to do. It was still a beautiful and warm day. After my time of meditation I put my pack on and headed back down the trail.

At the falls there were two young men climbing high above and jumping in. Fun to watch others do it, but I'm not that brave! Just arriving at the falls was a mom and her 10 (or so) year old son. I watched them all enjoying the pool for a few minutes then wandered on my way. I passed many people heading up the river as I was heading down. Saint Mary's is quite a popular place, even on a Tuesday afternoon.

This is the sad part:
At one of the river crossings I stepped up on the far bank and there was a dead black snake in the middle of the trail. Turned belly up and covered with flies, I could see the rock that was used to kill it. I could see the spot in the trail where the rock had been pulled up and where it was tossed onto the other side. This sight broke my heart. I cried right there. And then I just felt so angry.

When I got back to my 4Runner I found a paper grocery bag and tore it open and with a black sharpie I penned this note which I left on a big rock at the trail head, held in place with small rocks on top so it wouldn't blow away.....

NOTICE!
To the Cruel and Ruthless Idiot that killed the snake on the trail today~
Why? Why would you kill that beautiful and innocent creature? Don't you know that this is a protected wilderness area? She had much more right to be here than you do. She lived here, this was her home. You were intruding in her space. She would never have harmed you. She wasn't even a poisonous snake. Not that that should matter either because even a rattlesnake won't hurt you. They rattle to say; "You are in my territory and I don't want you here. I am afraid of you, please go away." And, they too have every right to be there in the mountains, in the wilderness. If you have an unnatural fear of snakes then get psychological help! The wilderness is not for everyone. It is a special place, and a privilege for us to partake of. It is obvious the wilderness is not for you. Please go away, and don't come back. You are not welcome here.

I signed it: hikermel .... then,

P.S. Please take this note with you. It is for you, and I don't want to leave litter here either.

The culprit was still on the river and will definitely have seen the note. I only hope it made an impact.
mel~