I moved here in 2019, right when the community was at its peak of authentic outdoor culture. Back then, we all used fixed-length leashes, because we understood that a mountain trail is a place of order. Today, however, the M Trail has been overrun by people who think a fifteen-foot retractable cord constitutes “control.”

It is physically impossible to keep a canine companion safe when they are drifting like a tethered balloon across the entire width of the switchback. Yesterday, a Labradoodle wrapped itself around my trekking poles twice. When I politely suggested that a standard six-foot lead is the hallmark of a responsible hiker, the owner looked at me as if I were the one invading his space. If you cannot manage your pet without a device that mimics a fishing reel, perhaps you should stick to your own backyard.

The mountains require focus. Keep your gear short and your manners long.