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Page 10 I hesitate to place beloved mammals into the same category as the scourges above, but black bear and moose can be a nuisance or worse. Black bear are not normally aggressive unless they have become habituated to raiding camp food or sense that you may endanger their young (a highly subjective bearish decision). Moose are fun to watch and often don't mind the attention. However, nearsighted males, never a jovial lot, become even less personable during rutting season. The rules are simple.

Elevation gain: Nominal. Special attractions: Ocean frontage, tide pools, fresh and salt water marshes, and a science center especially for children. Maps: Maps are available at the science center or from the address below. Also USGS Kittery quad. For more information: Seacoast Science Center, PO Box 674, Rye, NH 03870, (603) 436-8043. S. Highways 1 and 4 converge at the Portsmouth circle. S. 9 miles, past the Yokens restaurant on the right, and turn left at the stop lights onto Elwyn Road. 5 miles to stop signs at the Foyes Corner intersection at state Route 1A.

Even a minimal ability to orient yourself with map and compass can bail you out of these dicey situations. Preparation also requires that you know the dangers of hiking alone. We all know we shouldn't, but sometimes aesthetics compel that we do. The dangers are real. The decision is yours. If you still choose to venture Page 9 out by yourself, good preparation demands at a minimum that you follow a hiking plan and file it with someone who will know and care if you haven't turned up and are overdue.