Monday morning quarterbacks.

This story is getting media attention. I have seen, read, and heard differing accounts from the media.

So far what I can piece together is the fella is an experienced outdoorsman. Experience means he does it alot. It does not mean he does it well or smartly. One article indicated that he normally leaves notes at his vehicle and did this time. Another indicated he usually does but did not this time.

Others have since returned to the location of the incident and said the helicopter would NOT have seen him based on where he was in the ravine. A signal mirror may have helped, maybe not. A signal mirror is useful if there is air traffic over you, just a shinny trinket when no flying stuff overhead.

There has been a variety of discussion of how he sawed through his bones. I heard on the radio this morning that his hand was wedged so he forced his arm first one way and then other to break the radius and ulna bones. He then cut the flesh at the point of the break.

Reportedly he took 3 liters of water for a DAY hike. How much water do you think is a good idea to carry (at 8lbs a gallon) for a DAY hike? I have not been able to determine if he had purification methods along with him. Even if he did, he was trapped and not able to collect and purify additional water.

I have seen differing stories regarding help being dispatched. One indicated SAR was not dispatched for 3 days. Another indicated they had been looking for him for 2 days before he was found. One indicated his co-workers called SAR on Monday when he did not return to work. How long would your coworkers wait to call SAR if you failed to show up at work on Monday?

The weight of the rock has varied greatly but most accounts agree is was BIG and Heavy. Too Big and too Heavy to move by one man.

Assume that you left a note indicating your expected route of travel, had stayed to that plan, left word with people to contact SAR if you don't return by Monday. It is now Wednesday. You are out of water and have not heard or seen any indications SAR was in your area. You are trapped on the side of a ravine. How long to you wait before you take action to save yourself?

Part of experienceing the wilderness is the wilderness. Having others along to share the workload can be enjoyable. Other times they can limit how much you can "just get away fromi it all". I have taken walks in the woods by myself and it is very different from taking even one other along. I sometimes have to take those soliditary strolls. The more often you take solitary adventures, the more you build confidence in yourself and skills. Yes you put yourself at greater risk but that is part of the experience. If I wanted complete safety, I would stay in a padded room.

This forum is all about what if stuff happens. What supplies, techniques, ideas can you implement to overcome the unplanned. From what I can find, he was taking on acceptable risk, was adequately prepared based on his skill level, and got caught by Murphy. He adapted and overcame.