Earbuds

Recognize these things?  They are everywhere.  I was out on a road ride this morning, cutting through a park with a path that was at least 10 ft wide.  As I came up behind a young woman walking her dog, I slowed down, called out "On your left," and attempted to go around on her left side.  I was doing maybe 4 mph.  As I closed the gap between us, she and her dog both veered to the left, causing me to swing over to the dirt to avoid them.  She obviously didn't hear me when I called out.  When she did see me, she apologized.  No harm, no foul.

This same kind of thing happens on trail rides almost every time I ride.  I'm old, fat and slow, so I have never had or caused an accident.  It just amazes me that so many people can't just go out and enjoy nature without the constant noise (music, ebooks, podcasts) in their ears.

Good God people.  Leave the damn things at home.  Listen to the songbirds, greet people as they pass.  Pay attention to what's going on around you.

Rant over.