During twilight hours when there's still visibility, it's serene and peaceful. I do like it a lot. But after getting stuck on certain trails after dark with no flashlight, I don't want any close calls anymore.
Dark is when a lot of critters come out to play and I probably look like dinner to a few of them. I can't tell the difference between a deer or a mountain lion when I see a large shadow moving in the distance, and that's a level of uncertainty I'm not at all comfortable with.
Not taking that chance again no matter how small the odds are. Once the sun starts setting I'm looking for the exit
That's not very dark.... When I was a teen anger a friend of mine and I were out in a forest at night. We had a very dim flashlight. I didn't need it but buddy had night vision problems. As we walked suddenly two huge green eyes appeared. Buddy panicked and started to run. Sadly for him a tree was in the way. Fortunately for me my excellent night vision allowed me to see the wild horse whose eyes were glowing green.
Hmmmmm, as much as I love hiking in the mountains, I always know when it is time to start heading back to my car. I do keep a flashlight and headlight lamps in my backpack just in case !!
Until you hear the cracking of branches heading in your direction and a deep growl. Watch your footing, you don't want to fall down like they do in every movie ever made.
