This story had a happy ending, and it's a good reminder of importance of telling someone responsible what your specific plan is and then sticking to it as best you can:

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada...snowmobile-trip

I like the quick prompt SAR response. That is the way to do it.

Good share.

Wait. What? No.

In -40 f wind chills, in Northern Canada, at night you do NOT go out alone.

No.

And if you're 70?

Nope.

Without extra fuel, extra phone, compass full Arctic rated gear ( tent bag, stove, food)

Don't. No. You shouldn't.

In a storm. In a place calle Polar Bear park?

Just no. This is flat out a bad idea.

Far too risk involved.

make better choices.

(A GPS would have helped. A $50 gps. 5 liters of gas. A powerful headlamp.)

What's wrong with going out when you are 70? Is there some sort of age limit?

Perhaps the perception of risk varies with one's familiarity with the terrain and the hazards. I suspect this sort of thing is not far from routine in the minds of people who operate in such conditions -- in the same way we operate on our often-deadly freeways.

Good job by the Rangers -- more people who live and operate in the same terrain and hazards, and have done so all their lives.

I imagine this gentleman will have a few extra goodies with him next time he sets out.

LOL, hikermor you obviously didn't get the memo! Don't you know? Old geezers like us are supposed to be content with a round of golf (using a motorized golf cart), followed by a few hands of bridge at the senior center, then a nap in the rocking chair.

Don't forget your cardigans and lap blankets, gentlemen. LOL!!

Thanks Doug. You summed it up more eloquently then I could. The people of Canada's north are in a league of their own when it comes to surviving in the harshest of environments. They like others, make mistakes but a large majority live to see another day - much like Mr. Kakekaspan has.

As for the Canadian Rangers. They truly are the unsung heroes in many northern rescues. For those not familar with the Rangers, there are some YouTube videos on this fine group of people along with a Wikipedia page that describes their organization and role in Canada's north.

Not at all; but you have to be aware that at 70 you don't have the endurance, cold-resistance, strength or even eyesight of a 40 your old.

Its another factor to take into account