WOMAN HIKING continued from 27
assaults are committed by someone the victim knows( FBI). Throughout my 20-year history in Brown County, only one person— yes, a woman hiking alone— has ever been attacked on a local trail( Brown County Democrat, 2011).
But I digress; feeding fear wasn’ t my point. Statistically, I am safer here, sleeping in a nylon bubble by myself, than I would be walking around after dark in some civilized places. Historically, I’ ve been much less safe among“ friends.”
On the trail, I alone decide what my body does. It doesn’ t have to cuddle or coddle or soothe or please anybody. I stop when I want. I go as far and as fast as I want. Any hurt I feel, I caused, and I am proud of it. It reminds me that I’ m still alive, that I can make my own choices.
When I lose my wildness and all the courage that requires, I lose the real me.
If you see me out here alone, don’ t assume I’ m a target. I am not. I’ m simply listening to myself, gathering strength for what’ s to come. Not hidden. Not silent. Not small. Just free, and determined to stay that way. •
in Nashville, IN
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102 S. Van Buren Street( Calvin Place) www. JBGoods. com • 812-988-0900
28 Our Brown County • March / April 2025