Many people are in those situations every day, getting home safe and sound without problem isn't very news worthy.
Getting home safe with some issues is a learning exercise, just as learning from others mistakes.
You must be careful to not confuse learning ans criticism, sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference.
Learning from mistakes is a good way to learn, I sure make enough mistakes that someday I should be really smart <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
There is also Murphy's law. Whatever goes wrong it will be the one thing you haven't prepared for. I make the following addition to Murphy's law: The more gear you have the less chance you will need it so its better to buy, pack and carry as much gear as you can.