Rules To Follow On The Go: Honor The Work Of Private Landowners And That Of The Shepherd Dogs
Dear friends, I'm very sorry for the late delivery of the NL. The editor of Substack was offline for about a week.
When we lace up our hiking boots and hit the trails in the mountains, we often do so with a sense of freedom and connection to nature. The stunning views, fresh air, and sense of accomplishment that come with reaching a summit are all part of the allure of hiking. However, it's important to remember that many of the trails we enjoy are made possible by private landowners' hard work and generosity.
Private landowners play a crucial role in maintaining and preserving hiking trails in the mountains in Italy. They allow hikers to access their land, typically at no cost, so that we can experience the beauty of the natural world. These landowners invest time, money, and effort into maintaining trails, building bridges, and ensuring that hikers can safely navigate through their property.
We begin to appreciate this work when we happen to choose an interesting path, but then on-site we discover that it is all covered in brambles and fallen trees. There is no way to continue, and we have to go back if we don't have “plan B”. In this case, the walk is ruined.
CAI (the Italian Alpine Club) and other related associations and organizations request that hikers adhere to simple rules, one of which is to not disturb the shepherd dogs.
These loyal canines work tirelessly to safeguard their herds from wolves and people with bad intentions (oh well, unfortunately, there are these too) and may perceive hikers as intruders in certain situations. The reaction of a sheepdog defending its territory is not always predictable. It happens that we see reports that guard dogs have barked or attacked overly curious passers-by.
This is one of the official warnings that we can also find on the paths:
I can assure you that encountering a group of dogs can be unsettling. However, as long as we avoid crossing the fence, the dogs typically remain close to the herd and do not react. At least it’s my experience.
If a dog approaches me menacing, I usually stop and start talking to the dog. In an appropriate voice tone, I tell him how shameful (!!!!) it is that he behaves in this way. They typically feel ashamed and go back.
I noticed that some animals don’t like to be photographed. Hide the phone or camera if this is the case.
It is crucial to understand that these dogs should not be approached or petted. They are working and protective animals, and there is a risk of them misinterpreting our intentions. (but not this one who accompanied me to my car)
When we hike on private land, we are essentially guests on someone else's property. It's important to respect the land and follow any rules or guidelines set by the landowner. This includes staying on designated trails, packing out trash, and being mindful of our environmental impact.
One way to show appreciation for the work of private landowners is to practice the Leave No Trace principle. By minimizing our impact on the land, we can help ensure that these trails remain open for future generations. Consider reaching out to landowners to express gratitude for their efforts in maintaining hiking trails. It’s always a pleasure to speak to locals.
Next time you hit the trails in the mountains, take a moment to appreciate the work of the private landowners who make your hiking experience possible. By honoring their generosity and hard work, we can continue to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for years to come.
Read more advice: Organize Your Hiking Adventures In Italy