I almost mentioned this on the thread about the delayed hiker, but I was afraid it wasn't exactly on topic. Maybe it would fit better here.

I not only like to hike and canoe alone, but I also tell the people who know where I am not to call for rescue on the first day I'm missing. I would absolutely hate to be rescued unless I really, REALLY needed it. Worst of all would be to come walking out fit to find a rescue going on, like that girl did.

I like to explore when I go in the woods, and I always carry enough extra gear to spend the night if I have to. To me, the risk of getting lost and spending that night is just one of the hazards that I willfully accept. To tell the truth, I would feel embarassed to be rescued. I guess you could call it a "macho" thing, although I don't consider myself a particularly macho person. It's just that it would seem an insult to my judgment and woodcraft skills if anybody thought I needed to be rescued.

I realize it's kind of foolish in a way, since there are various kinds of emergencies that could happen that aren't my fault and that could kill me before the second day comes around. But it makes me feel more comfortable and makes my trips more pleasant - I don't rush to keep to any schedule or worry about a delay if something keeps me in one place for longer than I expected, or fret if I get lost. I guess I gain a little safety back by never hurrying and never making rushed decisions.

Does anybody else feel like that?

(Note: I'm not recommending this to others and I don't look down on people who do prefer to be rescued right away - and I'm always willing to help look for anybody that's overdue. This is just a personal preference that applies only to myself, and a few of my friends who I know feel the same.)