Backpacking trip mishap from this summer

[franklin411]

Mountaineers usually prefer brightly colored clothing, packs and tents so base camp can easily be found at the end of a long day's climb and sometimes in a white-out.

I'm no mountaineer, so I pick bright colored gear in case anyone needs to be able to spot the corpse. Happy thoughts!

[Shawn]

Seems this is one of those "it could never happen to me" issues. When I first read the story I found it interesting, but of course "it could never happen to me". Um, except this similar story I remembered earlier today. Oddly it involves my car, a much larger object than a tent....and in the middle of the day.

Years back I made a trip to Courtright Reservoir for a quick hike up to Eagle Peak. Eagle Peak is a little off trail escapade which is achieved by walking up a ridge line to the west of the parking area for the Cliff Lake trail head (at the end of the dirt road on the N/W side of the reservoir). The hike was so simple, I didn't think much about it, I just parked my car at the end of the road, got out and started the short hike uphill. There was snow on the ground, and as fate has it, my car is the same color as the trees surrounding the parking area (Nissan calls it "Canteen").

So I got to the top, enjoyed the views for a few minutes and started my leisurely descent back to the car. I got to the bottom of the ridge and kept walking to, uh, where is my car? Seems I had walked just north of, and beyond my car. If I had been a little further south I would have crossed the obvious road or parking area, but with snow on the ground the trail was covered to the north.

While I did find my car soon thereafter, it was one of those moments. I now drive a bright red Jeep.

EaglePeak042.JPG

[rlown]

One in our group back in 2006 decided that in broad daylight on our way out down Rafferty towards that big slanty paved parking lot that he would just continue walking down the trail instead of making the turn towards the parking lot. Later in the day, we get this crackly call over the walkie talkie.. "Where are you guys? Where is the truck?" To be fair, as we all hike at different paces, we were way spaced out and he didn't see us. I was proud that they even turned on the radios..

[Tom_H]

The best part is that she made it back safely. The main thing I kept thinking about while reading the story was that many years of experience does give one a positive edge.......but only up through late middle age. One of the hardest things for me to accept was that my razor sharp instincts began to lose their edge as I got into my late 50s and early 60s. Acknowledging that strength and sensory judgement are not as keen when we enter older age is necessary if we are to still go into the backcountry and stay alive. Thinking we can still do the things we could way back then is dangerous. Though it sucks, we have to take extra precautions to compensate for decreased abilities.

[hiac]

good post!

I lost once in a canyon and got panic. Actually I am on the right track, just thought I am lost. That dire thought put me into panic mode. that canyon is remote and less known, and I didn't see anyone that day.

Two reason lead me to this situation:
1) I carried a gps, but there is no signal in slot canyon
2) I got used to the time/distance during a hiking/backpacking trip, but scramble in the slot canyon is totally different. I have no way to know how far I have travel, and how far ahead of me.

lost itself is not that bad, even though I will be miserable during the night for sure. It's the panic that really drag me into danger due to losing judgement. I kept on moving trying to escape, and missed the only and vital cairn to climb out. Then I face a cliff, found a deadman anchor rope hanging there. I use that rope to climb down without a second thought, only to find out the rope is not long enough to drop me to the bottom. I am hanging there for a few minute, fighting for my life. I kept on yelling to myself “xxx, you will get out, you must get out". Eventually I got out the slot canyon, venture back to my tent in complete darkness.

Lost is not that bad, panic and losing judgement is bad.

[rlown]

we've all been in that situation. at least a skunk wasn't waiting for you at the tent entrance.

"Lost is not that bad, panic and losing judgement is bad." Agree completely with that comment. It takes only a few minutes to figure out where you are and what you want to do next.

[Cross Country]

I got "lost" 2 times. The first time took an extra hour of my time. The second took more than 2 hours. Both times it was because I was overconfident and didn't have a compass. Once was in the rain and once was at 1PM June 22. That day I couldn't use the suns position and the time on the watch to tell me the right direction.

[Wandering Daisy]

Getting lost with ample provisions is not that bad. I was lost for 3 days once. I actually enjoyed it! (Back in the days trying to follow a 30-minute USGS map in a complex off-trail area, where the map actually had the creeks flowing the wrong direction. One day walking the wrong direction; one day figuring out how to get back and a thrid day getting to where I had intended to go.

Getting lost totally unprepared, such as losing your pack while hiking or not being able to find your tent when you have no gear (beacause you were only going to fetch water, pee at night, etc, is another matter. You may only be lost hours, but it seems like forever and it does have serious consequences. The fortunate thing, is that even if you have to wait out the night for sunrise, you may be very miserable but will survive.

By the way, I NEVER lose sight of my tent or pack when stormy. I always take enough gear to "survive" if not be comfortable when day hiking. I have spent the night out over a dozen times, some planned, some not, and have a real good idea of what I need to survive. (most of these were getting stuck up on a climb). For example, it really helps to take a 2x2 piece of blue foam to sit on.

[rlown]

Been lost. a couple of times.. didn't bother me... Near Mt Shasta once N/E. .22 and a bic lighter. was fine once the fire was going. very comfy..