What would you do?

[Flushingrouse]

Today, I had the pleasure of hiking a couple of stretches of the Ice Age Trail… Some were down around Ottawa/Scuppernong and a couple of trails around Holy Hill..

Last trail of the day I see another car parked at the trailhead. I assumed it’s another hiker and looked forward to meeting up with whomever this may be…. As I got further down the trail, I could hear firecrackers and bottle rockets. I also picked up a “trail” of wrappers and plastic as I went, now really eager to meet…I went immediately into “Indian Stealth Mode”

Turns out it’s a bunch of high school age guys out having a good time… I handed them their garbage and said something like “I don’t want to stop your fun but, could you at least pick up your garbage?” They said they were going to do it on their way out… I trusted them..

I moved along…They continued to blow stuff off… On my return, it was all picked up!! I was amazed!!

Would you have called the cops?
Scolded them?
Just pass on by?

My concerns were that the trail crosses private land in some areas and it’s just plain old bad press!!

How would you have reacted?

[ecorangers]

I believe in the motto: “It takes a village to raise a child.” I am glad that you spoke to them and I am even happier that they cleaned up after themselves. Children generally rise to the occasion when expectations are put on them. I am not sure if this is the mom in me talking or the teacher! Thanks for caring! Tami

[Mama Fishcacher]

Honestly, being a gal who caches alone about 80% of the time, I probably would’ve turned right around and headed back to my car for my safety. (I’m not fond of confronting a group of guys all by my lonesome. Gimme a group of elementary kids or small preteens and I’m all for speaking up and saying something though! Hee hee!) I wouldn’t have called the cops unless it sounded like they were harming someone or doing serious damage.

I think what you did was just perfect. Way to go!!!! I think it’s great those kids picked up after themselves! Just goes to show, not all kids are irresponsible!

~Mama Fishcacher

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