OK - an interesting story. Glad it wound up with a happy ending! Chalk up another "Epic in the wilderness" story.

He appeared to get lost after he crossed a fork in the trail, and didn't backtrack his way correctly from that point. These days I've become a lot more careful myself when I pass forks in trails or remote roads. I usually stop and put some markers (using stones or branches) to remind myself which direction I was coming from, and which fork I went down.

Still - credit to him. He didn't panic when he knew he was lost. He had plenty of food. And he could have boiled more water.

If it was me, when I reached the sign saying "Destination 18 miles" I probably would have gone for it. I also would have drunk untreated water from the streams. Especially if you take fast running water from the middle of the stream (a mountain stream), your chances of getting sick are pretty small. Dehydration is a bigger enemy than giardia. With adequate water and plenty of food, he could have made it out in one hard day if he lightened his gear.

But given that he stayed around and built signal fires - it was a pretty good attempt. Also good was his deciding to stay at the cabin - wandering off could have got him in serious trouble at that point. BTW - I agree with the comment about the usefulness of signal mirrors. They are worth their weight in gold. And frankly - they only weigh a few ounces.

I guess what really saved his bacon was the fact that he notified friends about his schedule, and he left a note at his car. That got S&R started - and that's what saved him.

Good stuff.
There's nothing like learning lessons the hard way!

Pete


Edited by Pete (11/25/09 12:12 AM)