Along the Appalachian trails, a hiker from the opposite direction might warn you about a bear or a mudslide that you’re approaching. In most respects this hiker appears to be a normal hiker; however, if he or she wears a knit cap and a woven leather belt, then chances are this is not a real person. If such an entity approaches you, it will never have its own canteen, so be sure to offer it a drink of water. If you fail to do so, it would be best for you to sit down, wait for it to pass on, and then turn around and go home. Of course, time after time, not knowing to offer it a drink, other precautions are not taken, and hikers suffer a broken ankle or stumble and hit their heads on a rock.
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