A. Ralston demonstrated an incredible will to live, no doubt. But he also made some poor decisions despite all of his outdoors and SAR experience. In his interview, that I watched, live, he acknowledged some of those mistakes. Along with others on the forum, I have pointed out what I see as other mistakes. See the "Survival Story" thread. This does not mean that I consider myself to be any more or less intelligent than Mr. Ralston. I point those mistakes out to highlight the fact that experience is for squat if you fail to apply it to your plans and preparations, as seems to be the case in this incident. Although he was only on for a day hike at the time of this event he was at the end of what he termed a "short, extended vacation." Whether that means a long weekend or a month away he didn't specify. In any event, he had spent at least the 2 previous days mountain biking, hiking, and camping. FWIW, the docs at the interview said that in all liklihood he would have lost his arm even had a rescue team been with him at the time of the accident, the soft tissue and bone damage was so severe.
Ed