More info on this incident:

http://www.lakecountyexam.com/news/lakev...4b3d0cdd4f.html

I can't help feeling good about that story! Sure, he did some things wrong but it was life 1, the Grim Reaper 0!

Excellent report. And they even rescued his Jeep Cherokee, outstanding.

We can all be happy and relieved that the ictim was rescued and is recovering. it is remarkable that a touring cyclist, with a rather limited load capacity, was better equipped to deal with the situation than a vehicle operator with much greater ability to transport essential gear.

I think the victim's priorities are interesting - he had his pistol, but few of the essentials that would have been of real use to him. While there are definitely exceptions, firearms are of little utility in most common emergency situations. Overall, they probably cause more emergency than they solve.

Mindset difference

...and yet there are all those threads about Bears and Firearms, so it’s not really that out of place all things considered.

All’s well that ends well.

He was a diabetic and without his medication...

That's all I needed to know. That was the first thing that went wrong here. But very happy things turned out for him. A lesson well learned.

What would have made this adventure more survivable?
1. Leave a note where you are going and when you expect to be back.
2. Carry your edc meds.
3. And food.
4. And water.
5. If you go off road; there is a whole new set of tools (and skills) to have.
6. Consider communications gear; sat beacon(PLB), 2 way radio, sat phone, etc.
7. Bring extra everything for your dogs -- food, water, blankets, etc.
8. Going into the desert? Plan for the desert. (sun hat, appropriate warm & cold clothing, maps, etc.)

He had some sleeping bag/bags in the car. Could have used one as a makeshift cape to shield himself from sun during daytime and to keep him warm nighttime.