....I can see how this could have played out - we're often driven to overcome adversity rather than give into it. Maybe it's a combination of determination, optimism, pride and, heck, even testosterone that motivates us to believe we can overcome whatever is being thrown at us.
I know I'm not the only guy who when faced with things like brutal weather and dicey road conditions has reacted with the determination that I would not allow the weather to stop me; that I would overcome and not allow defeat.
Maybe by seeing these events come to pass and examining the details we will be reminded when and if our day comes that overcoming the obstacles in our path is not the only answer. Maybe under our confidence we will be reminded that other confident men took this path to the detriment of their family. Maybe that will help us make better decisions and stay out of the headlines.
Yes, good points.
The other thing that I think is worth considering, is when is the best choice to stay put, and when is the best choice to go seek help? Not an easy or cut and dried decision by any means. As we all know, the text book answer is to always stay put. Stay with the car....boat...snow machine...whatever. As a default option, this is good advice. It is much easier for searchers to find a fixed person. A car or boat or whatever is much easier object to spot than an individual person. The vehicle can provide shelter and other items you can use.
However, there are times when the default "stay where you are" option may not be the best choice. Some things to consider:
How soon will I be reported missing?
Does anyone have any idea where to start looking?
How likely (or not) is it that someone else will come along by shear chance?
How long can I survive in my present location? & Are there any immediate dangers staying where I am?
Is it reasonable to think I could walk out? How fit am I? How severe are the conditions?
Should we all try to walk out? Or does it make more sense for the strongest person to do it?
If thinking about walking out, always carefully consider the pros and cons of staying put vs self rescue. If you do decide to attempt to walk out, it is probably best to make that decision early, before you become exhausted, hypothermic, run out of food, etc.
It is interesting to me how this question paralles the current discussion on the "Best response to always get out of town?" thread.
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