Disclaimer

All users of this website must assume full responsibility for their own actions and personal safety while hiking, running, biking, or recreating outdoors on any trail. I am not responsible for any injury you may occur by using the information on this website.

Common Sense

The information on this blog, including trail descriptions, gear recommendations, and personal experiences, are intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. While I try my best, I cannot guarantee the absolute correctness of all information on this website. Use common sense while on the trail and hike, run, or bike within your abilities.

You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

Remember to always:

  • Research and choose trails appropriate for your skill level and physical fitness. Trail conditions can change rapidly, so consult official sources for current information before heading out. Good tools for mapping and route planning include Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Caltopo.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack necessary gear for weather changes, emergencies, and potential hazards.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles. Respect the environment and other hikers.
  • Try not to hike alone. Even though I do it from time to time in many of my blog posts, I have lots of experience and feel comfortable with my skillset but that doesn't make me immune to risk. Bring a buddy or inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
  • Heed all warnings and posted signs (like trail closures or private property signs). They're there for your safety.

Use your best judgment. If something feels unsafe, turn back and re-evaluate.

By using this blog, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • The author(s) of this blog and people featured within blog entries make no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
  • The author(s) and people featured within blog entries are not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from your use of the information on this blog.
  • You agree to use the information at your own risk.

Happy hiking! Always be safe out there.

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to me. This Privacy Policy explains what information I collect, how I use it, and what choices you have.

I am committed to maintaining a website experience that is private and respectful of my users.

Information I Collect

A. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

I do not collect any personal information about you unless you choose to provide it voluntarily, such as through an email contact form. If you contact me via an email link or a designated contact form, I will receive and store your email address and any other information you choose to provide (like your name or message content) only for the purpose of responding to your inquiry. This information is not stored on the website's servers or databases.

B. Non-Personal Information (Log Data)

Like most websites, my web server automatically collects basic, non-personally identifiable information that your browser sends whenever you visit our site. This is standard "Log Data" used for security, maintenance, and diagnostics. This data does not identify you as an individual.

Types of data collected:

  • The type of browser you use (e.g., Firefox, Chrome).
  • The time and date of your visit.
  • The pages you viewed.
  • Your general geographical location (country/region, derived from your IP address).

My Policy on Cookies and Tracking

I am proud to maintain a tracking-free experience for my visitors.

  • No tracking cookies: website does not use HTTP cookies, web beacons, pixels, or similar technologies to track, profile, or target users for advertising or behavioral analysis.
  • Third-Party Services (Analytics): I do not use third-party analytics services (like Google Analytics, etc.) that rely on tracking cookies to monitor user behavior on this website. The server logs mentioned above are the sole source of visit statistics.

How I Use the Information

The limited information I collect is used strictly for the following purposes:

  • To Respond to You: If you contacted me voluntarily via email, I use your contact information to reply to your requests or questions.
  • To Maintain and Improve the Website: I use the anonymized Log Data to ensure the website is functioning correctly, diagnose technical issues, and understand general traffic trends (e.g., which pages are popular) so I can improve the content and structure of the site.
  • For Security: To monitor and prevent unauthorized or malicious activity.

Security of Data

The security of your data is important to me. I use commercially acceptable means to protect the limited information I collect. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Contact Me

If you have any questions about this Disclaimer and Privacy Policy, please contact me at: wscottcooper at gmail dot com