There are dumb decisions and then there are DUMB and potentially fatal decisions. Big difference, especially when other people's lives are on the line too.

Being a Boy Scout leader I face those decisions on every trip. I'm more life guard than anything else. I always have to be looking ahead and asking "what if" to make sure the boys will safely return home while still letting them enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.

When in remote places - the Boundary Waters come to mind - one has to be real conservative when making decisions, as help is a long LONG way off. Of course PLBs make getting help much MUCH easier these days - something unimaginable a number of years ago.

Ken