This statement of his really stood out to me:

Quote:
"Like a knucklehead, I got complacent. I’ve been up there a million times. I didn’t think it would take much time."


It sounds like a variation of "short hike syndrome". Even though 7 miles (according to the link) isn't short by most people's standards, apparently he considered it so and his considerable experience with this specific trail also lulled him into complacency.

It's refreshing to see a hiker own up to his mistakes; it sounds like he's learned his lesson, albeit the hard way.