SUN JOURNAL • August 28, 2021
Once, before the age of smartphones, most responsible hikers took to the woods with a few basic essentials: compass, map, matches, flashlight, water and a couple of energy bars. Not anymore. Increasingly, hikers hit the trail with just their smartphones and a pocketful of high expectations. After all, a smartphone imbues confidence and a sense of security, right? Get lost or twist an ankle? Just Dial 911. They’ll all come to find you. Game wardens, state troopers, fire departments, search and rescue units. In Maine, there is a provision in state law that allows the Maine Warden Service to bill rescued hikers if it can be shown that the hiker acted irresponsibly or failed to prepare properly for an outdoor adventure. ~ V. Paul Reynolds