High Sierra Topix

4 women lost somewhere between the JMT and Lk Italy. Anyone have any info?

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?secti ... id=9183879" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I hope they are found okay.

This is another example of how important it is to carry a map & compass, and have the skills to use them.

The trail is intermittent above Hilgard meadow but I can't see getting lost in that area since you can only go two directions...up or down. I'm guessing they lost the trail from Italy to the pass that would explain being able to get a call out

There are errors in the newspaper article. The JMT does not go between Lake Italy and Bear Creek. It is unclear if they turned up the Hildegard trail thinking it was the JMT or got lost off the JMT (it is a super highway- hard to think how you could loose the JMT). I doubt they are very experienced. I have been temporarily "disoriented" (better to say that than lost!) several times, one time for three days and it never crossed my mind that someone should come find me. One part of being experienced is knowing how to handle being temporarily lost and not panic. They have gear, they have water being along a creek, and even if out of food, they should be just fine if not comfortable. Thick smoke is miserable backpacking conditions, but usually there are time slots when the smoke clears out for a while. I was just in that area last week- a beautiful area - too bad about the fire and smoke.

Sounds like they've been located in good health and spirits.
http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/07/24/340 ... opter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm more concerned and interested in the Father/Son pair mentioned in the article. Spot appeared to work for them. A real emergency, maybe.

Being stuck in smoke is not an emergency (my opinion). It's a situation, and you wait for the wind to blow, unless you see flames.

artrock23 wrote:I hope they are found okay.

This is another example of how important it is to carry a map & compass, and have the skills to use them.

Also is a good example of why it's important to study the map really well before you go, create a detailed trip plan with distances, elevation changes, potential water and camping places all plotted, best evacuation route for every point on your journey, and leave a copy with a contact person who will contact authorities if you don't report in by a certain time.

Rlown wrote:
Being stuck in smoke is not an emergency (my opinion). It's a situation, and you wait
for the wind to blow, unless you see flames.

Agree with this statement, especially with the fire itself being several miles away from
their location they were in no imminent danger.

Breaking News Update: 4 single males continue their search for the 4 lost single females near Italy Pass. The hunt continues with fine wine, fresh trout, and backcountry pizza.

Search canceled after 4 hikers found in CA forest

HUNTINGTON LAKE, CALIF. — Fresno County authorities have called off the search for four hikers who got lost in the Sierra National Forest after they were found in good condition.

Sheriff's officials said they received a 911 cell phone call Tuesday from one of the hikers who said that she, her mother, and two other women had become disoriented by smoke from a nearby wildfire.

Authorities searched by foot and helicopter until they ran into hikers who said they encountered the women on the John Muir Trail near Silver Pass. The hikers said the women were well and had resumed hiking to their destination in Tuolumne County.

Really? Hiking the JMT and you get disoriented by smoke, panic, and call 911? Hell, sit down and wait an hour, you are bound to see 1 or 2 groups pass by