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Unpopular opinion: Night hiking alone is awesome, even after my owl encounter!
Most hikers think going out after dark is crazy, but I find it peaceful and full of surprises! Last week, I was on a quiet trail with my flashlight when a loud screech made me jump. Turns out, a tiny owl had landed on my backpack, thinking it was a perch! It just sat there for a minute before flying off, and I couldn't stop giggling. Stuff like that never happens during the day when trails are packed. So now I skip the crowded sunrise crowds and enjoy the night's silly moments. It's not for everyone, but it makes hiking feel like a personal adventure!
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the_sage6mo ago
My friend swears she hears better night hiking once her light dies, which @mila_henderson might get.
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mila_henderson6mo ago
That owl backpack story is great. I get what you mean about trails feeling different at night, almost like a separate hobby from day hiking. When you're out there after dark, do you notice your other senses getting sharper to make up for less vision, or does the flashlight keep everything pretty much the same?
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felix_chen106mo ago
Have you ever tried hiking with the flashlight off for a bit? I do that sometimes and my hearing gets sharper, like my brain stops worrying about sight and focuses on sounds. @the_sage's friend is right about that. With the light on, everything feels normal, almost like day hiking but darker. But without it, the trail comes alive in a different way. You just have to move slower and trust your other senses.
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